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Underground Contractor Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Underground Utility Installer

Pensacola, FL ยท Remote

$18.25 - $23.25/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Bear General Contractors in Pensacola, FL is looking for Underground Utility Installers. This role is responsible for the installation of underground utility systems, including water, sewer, and ...

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Heavy Equipment Operator - Construction

Phoenix, AZ ยท On-site

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Company Description FPS Civil, LLC is a civil underground contractor specializing in civil infrastructure, water/wastewater, piping/mechanical, underground excavation and grading projects. The work ...

CA ยท On-site

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Western Engineering Contractors Inc. is seeking a qualified Foreman for our Underground Division for full-time employment. Emphasis for the position will be on meeting the project quality and ...

Underground Wet Utility Foreman

Chandler, AZ ยท On-site

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

At DCS Contracting , we're looking for a highly motivated Underground Wet Utility Foreman to join our team-oriented workforce. If you have a passion for construction and want to grow with a company ...

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Underground Contractor information

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$17

$25

$42

How much do underground contractor jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 13, 2026, the average hourly pay for underground contractor in the United States is $25.27, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $20.67 and $27.64 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an underground contractor?

To thrive as an Underground Contractor, you need strong knowledge of excavation, utility installation, and safety regulations, often supported by relevant licenses or certifications in construction or heavy equipment operation. Familiarity with tools such as trenchers, backhoes, pipe lasers, and project management software is essential. Problem-solving, teamwork, and effective communication are important soft skills for coordinating crews and managing unexpected site challenges. These skills and qualifications are crucial for ensuring projects are completed safely, efficiently, and in compliance with industry standards.

What is an underground contractor?

Underground contractors are specialized construction professionals who install, repair, and maintain infrastructure systems below ground level. This includes utilities such as water and sewer lines, storm drains, electrical conduits, and telecommunications cables. They are responsible for tasks like trenching, pipe laying, and ensuring projects comply with safety and regulatory standards. Underground contractors often work with municipalities, utility companies, and private developers to ensure essential services are safely and efficiently delivered to homes and businesses.

What are some common challenges faced by underground contractors on construction projects?

Underground contractors often encounter challenges such as unexpected subsurface conditions, utility conflicts, and coordinating with other trades working above ground. Managing groundwater, ensuring worker safety in confined spaces, and maintaining project timelines despite weather or permitting delays are also typical hurdles. Effective communication with project managers, engineers, and municipal inspectors is crucial to address these issues quickly and keep the project on track.

What is the difference between Underground Contractor vs Excavation Worker?

AspectUnderground ContractorExcavation Worker
CredentialsOSHA certifications, specialized underground work licensesOSHA certifications, basic excavation safety training
Work EnvironmentUnderground construction sites, tunnels, utility installationsOpen trenches, surface excavation sites
Employer & Industry UsageConstruction, utility, infrastructure projectsConstruction, landscaping, infrastructure projects

Underground Contractors focus on planning, managing, and executing underground projects, often requiring specialized licenses and safety protocols. Excavation Workers perform the physical digging and site preparation, typically with less specialized licensing. Both roles are essential in construction projects but differ mainly in scope and responsibilities.

More about Underground Contractor jobs
What cities are hiring for Underground Contractor jobs? Cities with the most Underground Contractor job openings:
What states have the most Underground Contractor jobs? States with the most job openings for Underground Contractor jobs include:
Infographic showing various Underground Contractor job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 70% Full Time, 9% Part Time, and 21% Contract. Highlights an 87% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 11% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $52,564 per year, or $25.3 per hour.

Underground Construction Coordinator

Ivanhoe Electric

Casa Grande, AZ โ€ข On-site

Full-time

This job post hasย expired today.ย Applications are no longer accepted.


Job description

Summary of Primary Functions

The Underground Construction Coordinator is responsible for coordinating and supporting underground construction activities associated with mine development, infrastructure installation, and tunneling operations for an underground copper mining project. This role works closely with contractors, engineering, operations, safety, and project teams to ensure underground construction activities are executed safely, efficiently, and in accordance with project schedules, quality standards, and regulatory requirements. The ideal candidate will have experience in underground mining and civil tunneling environments, including tunnel-boring operations, underground development, ground support systems, and coordination of heavy underground construction.

Duties and Responsibilities:

Health & Safety

Ivanhoe Electric Inc. is committed to a strong HSE Program that protects the persons, property, and environment within our care from incidents and accidents. We believe that all accidents are preventable. Management, contractors, and all employees are collectively responsible for ensuring compliance with local government, occupational health, safety, and environmental regulations.

  • Responsible for upholding and demonstrating the importance of using and maintaining Ivanhoe Electric’s cloud-based, digitized, and centralized safety program.
  • Work safely at all times with a focus on actively identifying, managing, and eliminating risks, while setting an example for others in doing so.
  • Maintain quality work areas and equipment, including personal protective equipment (PPE), and organization in neat, tidy condition and good working order.
  • Systematic use of personal protective equipment appropriate for the nature of work being performed at all times.
  • Attendance, participation, and demonstration of leadership and stewardship in daily toolbox meetings and safety and operational planning sessions with site management.
Duties/Responsibilities
  • Coordinate daily underground construction and development activities to support project execution and operational readiness.
  • Monitor contractor performance, productivity, and compliance with project specifications, safety standards, and schedules.
  • Support tunnel boring and underground excavation activities, including coordination of crews, equipment, ventilation, utilities, and material movement.
  • Work closely with engineering and technical teams to ensure underground construction aligns with approved designs and mine plans.
  • Coordinate installation of underground infrastructure including ventilation, dewatering, piping, electrical systems, communications, and ground support.
  • Assist with planning and sequencing underground development and construction activities to minimize delays and operational impacts.
  • Participate in daily coordination, meetings, shift planning, and progress reporting.
  • Ensure compliance with MSHA regulations, site safety procedures, and environmental requirements.
  • Identify and help resolve construction, scheduling, and operational issues promptly.
  • Monitor underground conditions and support implementation of safe ground control and workplace practices.
  • Review construction progress, track milestones, and provide updates to project leadership.
  • Support commissioning and operational transition activities as underground infrastructure is completed.
  • Promote a strong safety culture and ensure all personnel and contractors follow company safety standards and procedures.

Skills and Experience Required:

Minimum 5–10 years of experience in underground mining, heavy civil tunneling, or underground construction projects.

  • Experience supporting tunnel boring machine (TBM) operations and underground development activities preferred.
  • Experience in underground copper mining or large-scale underground infrastructure projects is strongly preferred.
  • Strong understanding of underground construction methods, tunneling practices, and ground support systems.
  • Familiarity with underground utilities, ventilation systems, dewatering systems, and construction sequencing.
  • Knowledge of MSHA regulations and underground mining safety practices.
  • Ability to coordinate multiple contractors and work collaboratively across departments.
  • Strong communication, organizational, and problem-solving skills.
  • Proficiency with construction reporting, scheduling, and project coordination tools.
  • Technical diploma, trade certification, or degree in Mining, Construction Management, Civil Engineering, or a related field preferred.
  • Experience during mine construction, shaft sinking, decline development, or underground infrastructure installation.
  • Previous experience in a greenfield or project development environment preferred.

Physical Requirements

  • Work performed in both office and underground mining environments.
  • Ability to work rotational schedules and extended hours as required by project activities.
  • Exposure to underground mining conditions, including dust, noise, heavy equipment, confined spaces, and varying temperatures

Diversity Statements:

Ivanhoe Electric is an equal opportunity employer that recognizes the value of a diverse workforce. All suitably qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment on the basis of objective criteria and without regard to the following (which is a non-exhaustive list): race, color, age, religion, gender, national origin, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, or other characteristics in accordance with the relevant governing laws.

The Company offers a professional, entrepreneurial office environment and the opportunity to work alongside and grow with talented colleagues. The Company offers competitive compensation and an employee benefits package.