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Underground Utility Construction Jobs (NOW HIRING)

This role requires hands-on experience in underground utility work. Key Responsibilities: * Assist in building, repairing, and maintaining utility construction projects * Work in outdoor environments ...

This role requires hands-on experience in underground utility work. Key Responsibilities: * Assist in building, repairing, and maintaining utility construction projects * Work in outdoor environments ...

Construction Foreman

Topeka, KS · On-site

$20 - $29/hr

This role requires hands-on experience in underground utility work. Key Responsibilities: * Assist in building, repairing, and maintaining utility construction projects * Work in outdoor environments ...

Construction Foreman

Salina, KS · On-site

$20 - $29/hr

This role requires hands-on experience in underground utility work. Key Responsibilities: * Assist in building, repairing, and maintaining utility construction projects * Work in outdoor environments ...

Be Seen First

Manage multiple heavy civil and underground utility construction projects simultaneously * Oversee project lifecycle including estimating support, planning, procurement, execution, and closeout

This role requires hands-on experience in underground utility work. Key Responsibilities: * Assist in building, repairing, and maintaining utility construction projects * Work in outdoor environments ...

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Underground Utility Construction information

See salary details

$13

$18

$26

How much do underground utility construction jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 9, 2026, the average hourly pay for underground utility construction in the United States is $18.42, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.38 and $19.23 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is underground utility construction?

Underground utility construction involves the installation, maintenance, and repair of essential services such as water, sewage, gas, electricity, and telecommunications below the earth’s surface. Workers in this field use specialized equipment to dig trenches, lay pipes or cables, and ensure everything is safely covered and meets regulatory standards. This work is crucial for delivering utilities to homes and businesses while minimizing disruption above ground. Safety, accuracy, and compliance with local codes are key aspects of this job.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in Underground Utility Construction, and why are they important?

Success in Underground Utility Construction requires knowledge of construction methods, safety regulations, blueprint reading, and often a high school diploma or equivalent. Familiarity with specialized equipment like trenchers, excavators, and utility locators, as well as OSHA safety certifications, is typically expected. Strong teamwork, problem-solving abilities, and attention to detail help workers effectively navigate challenging job sites and avoid hazards. These competencies are vital to ensure safe, efficient, and accurate installation or maintenance of underground utilities while minimizing risks and costly errors.

What are the most common challenges faced in underground utility construction, and how can new team members prepare for them?

Underground utility construction often requires working in varying weather conditions, navigating tight or confined spaces, and adhering to strict safety regulations around heavy equipment and live utilities. New team members can prepare by familiarizing themselves with OSHA safety standards, participating in any available hands-on safety or equipment training, and developing strong communication skills to coordinate effectively with crew members and supervisors. Being proactive about learning site-specific protocols and staying up to date on best practices for excavation and utility location can also help new hires adapt more quickly and safely.

What is the difference between Underground Utility Construction vs Utility Line Locator?

AspectUnderground Utility ConstructionUtility Line Locator
CertificationsOSHA safety training, CDL often preferredOSHA safety training, certification in locating technologies
Work EnvironmentConstruction sites, trenches, outdoor environmentsFieldwork involving marking and mapping underground lines
Employer & Industry UsageConstruction companies, utility contractorsUtility companies, excavation firms, surveying companies

Underground Utility Construction involves installing, repairing, and maintaining underground utilities, requiring heavy equipment operation and construction skills. Utility Line Locators focus on detecting and marking existing underground lines to prevent damage during excavation. Both roles require safety certifications and outdoor work, but their primary functions differ: construction versus locating existing utilities.

More about Underground Utility Construction jobs
What cities are hiring for Underground Utility Construction jobs? Cities with the most Underground Utility Construction job openings:
What states have the most Underground Utility Construction jobs? States with the most job openings for Underground Utility Construction jobs include:
Infographic showing various Underground Utility Construction job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 88% Full Time, 7% Part Time, 2% Temporary, 1% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $38,319 per year, or $18.4 per hour.

Underground Utility Locator

Vannguard Utility Partners

Little Rock, AR

$19/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 23 days ago


Vannguard Utility Partners rating

5.3

Company rating: 5.3 out of 10

Based on 6 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz


Job description


Underground Utility Locator

Due to company growth, we are recruiting Underground Utility Locators in your area.

Vannguard is currently seeking new team members with the right attitude in a drug free environment for a critical infrastructure position.

Our Underground Utility Locators are responsible, self-motivated individuals who enjoy the freedom of working outdoors. We will train the right individual who is committed to safety, making a difference in the construction community and takes pride in completing a job well done.

Our Underground Utility Locators drive a company vehicle to job sites and use computer utility maps along with specialized equipment to find underground cables, pipes and other underground utilities to prevent damages and ensure safety within the excavation, general labor, landscaping and construction community.

Problem-solvers who are not afraid of hard work and know that quality is their priority should consider a career as an Underground Utility Locator with Vannguard Utility Partners Inc.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

Drive company vehicle directly from home to job sites in response to routine ticket requests, emergencies, and relocates.

Utilizes the provided mapping tools and other location information, along with locating equipment, to locate underground utilities including, but not limited to: electric and gas utilities telephone and other communication lines.

Indicates utility locations through the utilization of paint, flags, and communicates other relevant information to excavation personnel or other appropriate authorities.

Responds to after-hours emergency call-outs in accordance with the established rotation schedule.

Benefits Include:

Company Vehicle

Paid Training

Competitive Wages

Dental, Health and Life Insurance

401(k)

Paid vacation

Overtime

Required Knowledge, Skills and Attitude:

Computer Skills

Valid driver's license in applicable state of employment.

Must be able to work overtime when duties cannot be performed within a normal work schedule.

Will be subject to Vannguard's Drug-Free Workplace Program, and complete a pre-employment drug screening.

Able to self-manage and communicate with supervisors and clients in a timely manner.

Physical Demands: While performing the duties of this job, employees regularly:

Drive 50 to 300+ miles daily as required by assigned geographic locating area.

Get in and out of a vehicle 50+ times a day.

Stand and walk lengthy distances (1+ miles) over uneven terrain in all weather conditions.

Sit for long periods of time while driving.

Lift and/or move 50 to 150 pounds.

Work outdoors in all weather conditions.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $19.00 per hour

Job Type: Full-time

Salary: From $19.00 per hour

Benefits:

  • 401(k)
  • 401(k) matching
  • Dental insurance
  • Flexible schedule
  • Health insurance
  • Life insurance
  • Paid time off

Schedule:

  • 10 hour shift
  • 12 hour shift
  • 8 hour shift
  • Day shift
  • Monday to Friday
  • On call
  • Overtime
  • Weekend availability

Application Question(s):

  • Criminal Background Check

Education:

  • High school or equivalent (Required)

License/Certification:

  • Driver's License (Required)

Work Location: Multiple locations