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Underground Helper Jobs in Chicago, IL (NOW HIRING)

Construction Inspector

Chicago, IL · On-site

$41.53 - $59.42/hr

Description ABOUT DELVE UNDERGROUND Delve Underground is a leader in heavy civil engineering ... We encourage an entrepreneurial spirit and help our team members forge their own path within the ...

Resident Engineer

Chicago, IL · On-site

$123K - $171K/yr

ABOUT DELVE UNDERGROUND Delve Underground is a leader in underground and heavy civil engineering ... We encourage an entrepreneurial spirit and help our team members forge their own path within the ...

Construction Inspector

Chicago, IL · On-site

$41.53 - $59.42/hr

Founded in 1954, Delve Underground is an employee-owned firm with 25 offices and over 350 team ... We encourage an entrepreneurial spirit and help our team members forge their own path within the ...

Resident Engineer

Chicago, IL · On-site

$123K - $171K/yr

ABOUT DELVE UNDERGROUND Delve Underground is a leader in underground and heavy civil engineering ... We encourage an entrepreneurial spirit and help our team members forge their own path within the ...

Construction Inspector

Chicago, IL · On-site

$41.53 - $59.42/hr

Job Type Full-time Description ABOUT DELVE UNDERGROUND Delve Underground is a leader in heavy civil ... We encourage an entrepreneurial spirit and help our team members forge their own path within the ...

Resident Engineer

Chicago, IL · On-site

$123K - $171K/yr

Description ABOUT DELVE UNDERGROUND Delve Underground is a leader in underground and heavy civil ... We encourage an entrepreneurial spirit and help our team members forge their own path within the ...

Construction Inspector

Chicago, IL · On-site

$41.53 - $59.42/hr

Founded in 1954, Delve Underground is an employee-owned firm with 25 offices and over 350 team ... We encourage an entrepreneurial spirit and help our team members forge their own path within the ...

Construction Inspector

Chicago, IL · On-site

$41.53 - $59.42/hr

ABOUT DELVE UNDERGROUND Delve Underground is a leader in heavy civil engineering, serving the ... We encourage an entrepreneurial spirit and help our team members forge their own path within the ...

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Underground Helper information

See Chicago, IL salary details

$10

$16

$23

How much do underground helper jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 31, 2026, the average hourly pay for underground helper in Chicago, IL is $16.93, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.86 and $18.08 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is an underground helper?

Underground Helpers are workers who assist with various tasks in underground environments such as mines, tunnels, or utility conduits. Their responsibilities typically include supporting skilled workers, transporting materials, maintaining equipment, and ensuring safety protocols are followed. They play a crucial role in the smooth operation and safety of underground projects by handling manual labor, site preparation, and equipment setup. The role may also involve monitoring ventilation, removing debris, and assisting in emergency situations. Underground Helpers often work under challenging conditions and must adhere to strict safety standards.

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

To thrive as an Underground Helper, you need basic mechanical aptitude, physical stamina, and an understanding of safety protocols, typically supported by a high school diploma or equivalent. Familiarity with tools such as pneumatic drills, hoists, and personal protective equipment (PPE) is essential, and safety certifications like OSHA are often required. Strong teamwork, attention to detail, and effective communication set top performers apart in this role. These skills and qualifications are vital to ensure safe, efficient operations and to minimize risks in hazardous underground environments.

What are some typical challenges faced by an underground helper, and how can they be managed effectively?

Underground Helpers often work in confined and sometimes hazardous environments, which can present physical and safety challenges. Adapting to changing site conditions, maintaining good communication with the team, and strictly following safety protocols are essential for success. It's important to stay alert, use personal protective equipment, and be proactive in identifying and reporting potential hazards. Building strong teamwork skills also helps create a safer and more efficient work environment.

What is the difference between Underground Helper vs Miner?

AspectUnderground HelperMiner
Required CredentialsHigh school diploma or equivalent; training on safety protocolsHigh school diploma or equivalent; often additional certifications or training
Work EnvironmentUnderground mining sites, assisting with tasksUnderground mining operations, extracting minerals or ores
Employer & Industry UsageMining companies, construction, and excavation projectsMining companies, mineral extraction industries

Underground Helpers assist miners by performing support tasks such as transporting materials and maintaining safety, while miners are responsible for extracting minerals directly. Both roles require safety training and work in underground environments, but miners typically have more specialized skills and responsibilities.

What are the most commonly searched types of Underground jobs in Chicago, IL?

The most popular types of Underground jobs in Chicago, IL are:

What cities near Chicago, IL are hiring for Underground Helper jobs?

Cities near Chicago, IL with the most Underground Helper job openings:

Infographic showing various Underground Helper job openings in Chicago, IL as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 89% Full Time, 8% Part Time, 1% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $35,221 per year, or $16.9 per hour.

Construction Inspector

Chicago, IL • On-site

$41.53 - $59.42/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement

Re-posted 8 hours ago


Job description

Description

ABOUT DELVE UNDERGROUND


Delve Underground is a leader in heavy civil engineering, serving the transportation, water, wastewater, and energy industries. Specializing in tunnel design, we provide innovative solutions to the most challenging underground problems. Offering comprehensive design, construction management, and dispute-resolution capabilities, our expertise includes civil, structural, geotechnical, mechanical, and electrical engineering. Founded in 1954, Delve Underground is an employee-owned firm with 25 offices and over 350 team members throughout the United States, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand.


We empower our employees to create a career doing what they love to do. We encourage an entrepreneurial spirit and help our team members forge their own path within the company. We support their efforts to stay on the cutting edge of technology while fostering a great work-life balance. In addition to working hard, we also have fun. We socialize and celebrate achievements at summer picnics, holiday parties, and company outings.


Benefits: Full Benefits Program consisting of Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Disability, FSA or HSA, EAP, 401(k), ESOP, and company stock ownership program, 9 Paid Holidays, generous paid-time-off program, and Health & Wellness Reimbursement


Pay Rate: $41.53 - $59.42/hour


Construction Inspector


Delve Underground is looking for a Construction Inspector in our Chicago office within our Construction Management Practice. The Inspector will work at a project field office in the Chicago area primarily on water and wastewater construction projects.


The successful candidate for this position will have experience in heavy civil construction projects for water and wastewater infrastructure. Tunnel experience, including trenchless experience, is considered to be relevant. 


This is an on-site position and may include shift work.


Responsibilities:

  • Observe and report construction contractor's work and prepare daily inspection reports, including labor, equipment and materials in addition to work activities. Review contractor reports.
  • Review and provide input into field related Submittals, Requests for Information, plan clarifications, geotechnical information and data, and CPM schedules.
  • Monitor the Contractor's receipt of materials arriving on-site, monitor off-site production activities and/or any other construction activities in their area.
  • Monitor construction progress for compliance with Contract Documents, safety standards and agency requirements.
  • Assist in maintaining, supporting, and promoting a safe work environment while complying with applicable safety policies and procedures.
  • Utilize Agency/client Project Information Management System (PIMS) and/or other Agency/Client electronic systems for preparing Inspection Reports.

Qualifications:

  • At least three years of recent experience in heavy construction, inspecting tunnels or pipelines for large and complex engineering/construction projects. 
  • Experience on at least one tunnel project, including trenchless tunneling experience. 
  • Knowledge of construction-related processes and industry practices.
  • Ability to wear personal protective equipment such as a respirator; meet physical demands of the position such as walking, standing, lifting up to 40 Lbs., climbing ladders, bending, squatting, and crawling in tight spaces to safely access work sites.
  • Knowledge of Word, Excel, Outlook. Preferred knowledge of Visio, AutoCAD, or Bluebeam.
  • Excellent written, verbal communication, and organizational skills


ARE YOU READY TO JOIN OUR TEAM?


If you feel that you would be right for this position, please fill out our initial 3-minute, mobile-friendly application so that we can review your information. We look forward to meeting you!


Delve Underground is an EEO/Affirmative Action Employer and will make all employment related decisions without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability or protected veteran status.


Compensation reflects the cost of labor across our US geographic markets. Pay is based on several factors including market location, experience, knowledge, and skills.


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