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Underground Utility Contractor Jobs in California

Heavy Road Industries

Safety Representative

Fresno, CA · On-site

$80K - $110K/yr

Heavy Road & Rail is a rapidly growing heavy civil and utility contractor specializing in electrical substations, battery energy storage systems (BESS), concrete, grading, underground utilities, and ...

ROARK

Outside Sales Representative

Bloomington, CA

... contractors, utility contractors, municipalities, developers, and renewable energy companies ... Our client is a well-established, family-owned distributor that has served the underground utility ...

PTS Data Center Solutions Inc.

Be Seen First

Construction Project Manager

Livermore, CA · On-site

$115K - $135K/yr

Scope includes ground-up new building construction and an extensive underground utility infrastructure program. As the General Contractor's full-time, on-site administrative and contractual leader ...

RimePro Inc

Superintendent

Buena Park, CA

$140K - $180K/yr

Buena Park, CA Employment Type: Full-Time A growing heavy civil contractor is seeking an experienced Superintendent to oversee field operations on water, wastewater, underground utility, and land ...

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All JobsUnderground Utility Contractor JobsUnderground Utility Contractor Jobs in California

Underground Utility Contractor information

See California salary details

$10

$19

$32

How much do underground utility contractor jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 25, 2026, the average hourly pay for underground utility contractor in California is $19.47, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.95 and $22.07 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is an underground utility contractor?

Underground utility contractors are specialized professionals or companies responsible for installing, maintaining, and repairing utility lines that run below the ground, such as water, sewer, gas, electric, and telecommunications lines. They use a range of equipment and techniques to safely excavate, lay pipes or cables, and restore the surface area upon completion. Their work is essential to ensure the safe and reliable delivery of vital services to homes, businesses, and public infrastructure. These contractors must adhere to strict safety regulations and often coordinate with municipalities, utility companies, and other construction professionals.

What does an underground utility contractor do?

As an underground utility contractor, your job is to help install and repair sewer and water lines. In this role, you may participate in the excavation of land for pipes, install temporary pipes to minimize disruptions while installing permanent lines, and help address urgent problems like water main breaks. An underground utility contractor usually works on a temporary basis, either helping for a fixed period or the duration of a single project. Contracts may be extended based on the needs of the employer, and many contractors work to form relationships with various utility companies in the area to ensure a steady supply of jobs. This job occasionally involves working around hazardous materials, such as gas pipes or exposed sewage.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an underground utility contractor, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Underground Utility Contractor, you need strong knowledge of construction practices, blueprint reading, and regulatory compliance, often supported by relevant certifications or a background in civil engineering or construction management. Familiarity with heavy machinery, utility locating equipment, and safety systems such as OSHA protocols is essential. Strong problem-solving skills, teamwork, and effective communication help manage complex projects and coordinate with crews and clients. These skills and qualifications are crucial to ensure safe, efficient installation and maintenance of underground utilities while minimizing project risks and delays.

What are some common challenges faced by underground utility contractors on job sites?

Underground utility contractors often encounter challenges such as unexpected utility line locations, varying soil conditions, and inclement weather, all of which can impact project timelines and safety. Coordinating with multiple teams, including engineers, inspectors, and local authorities, is essential to ensure that installations are accurate and compliant with regulations. Staying updated on the latest safety protocols and using advanced detection equipment can help mitigate risks and prevent costly delays.

What is the difference between Underground Utility Contractor vs Excavation Worker?

AspectUnderground Utility ContractorExcavation Worker
CredentialsLicenses, certifications in utility installationBasic OSHA training, possibly some excavation certifications
Work EnvironmentUnderground sites, utility lines, trenchesOpen trenches, construction sites, surface excavation
Industry UsageUtility installation, infrastructure projectsGeneral excavation, site preparation

Underground Utility Contractors focus on installing and repairing underground utilities like water, sewer, and electrical lines, often requiring specialized certifications. Excavation Workers perform general digging and site preparation, sometimes assisting utility work but with broader responsibilities. While both roles involve excavation, the utility contractor specializes in underground infrastructure, making their skills and certifications more specific to utility projects.

How much does an underground utility contractor make?

Underground utility contractors typically earn an average annual salary ranging from $50,000 to $80,000, depending on experience, location, and project complexity. Skilled workers with certifications and experience in excavation, trenching, and safety protocols may earn higher wages, especially in high-demand areas or specialized roles.

How to become an underground utility contractor?

To become an underground utility contractor, you typically need a combination of relevant experience in excavation and utility installation, a valid contractor's license, and knowledge of safety regulations. Many contractors start as laborers or apprentices to gain skills before obtaining necessary certifications and licenses required in their region.
More about Underground Utility Contractor jobs

What are popular job titles related to Underground Utility Contractor jobs in California?

For Underground Utility Contractor jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Underground Utility Contractor jobs in California look for?

The top searched job categories for Underground Utility Contractor jobs in California are:

Underground Utility Contractor jobs near you
Infographic showing various Underground Utility Contractor job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $40,491 per year, or $19.5 per hour.

Safety Representative

Heavy Road Industries

Fresno, CA • On-site

$80K - $110K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

This job post has expired today. Applications are no longer accepted.

Job description

Safety Representative – Electrical Substation Construction

Company: Heavy Road & Rail Inc.
Location: California (Travel Required)
Job Type: Full-Time

Join a Growing Utility Contractor

Heavy Road & Rail Inc. is seeking an experienced Safety Representative to support our growing portfolio of electrical substation and utility infrastructure projects throughout California. This position plays a critical role in ensuring every employee, subcontractor, and visitor returns home safely each day while maintaining compliance with OSHA, client, and utility safety requirements.

If you are passionate about safety, enjoy working in the field, and have experience on high-voltage utility projects, we want to hear from you.

Responsibilities
  • Serve as the on-site safety professional for electrical substation construction projects.
  • Promote a strong safety culture through leadership, coaching, and employee engagement.
  • Conduct daily jobsite inspections and identify potential hazards.
  • Lead daily safety meetings, toolbox talks, and new employee orientations.
  • Verify compliance with OSHA, client, utility, and company safety requirements.
  • Ensure proper use of PPE and enforce safe work practices.
  • Assist project management with Activity Hazard Analyses (AHAs), Job Hazard Analyses (JHAs), and Safe Work Plans.
  • Participate in pre-task planning meetings and risk assessments.
  • Investigate incidents, near misses, and property damage events, identifying root causes and corrective actions.
  • Maintain safety documentation, inspection records, training logs, and compliance reports.
  • Coordinate with project managers, superintendents, subcontractors, and client safety personnel.
  • Support emergency response planning and drills.
  • Monitor subcontractor compliance with project safety requirements.
  • Assist with environmental compliance and housekeeping initiatives.
  • Travel between projects as needed.
Qualifications
  • Minimum 5 years of construction safety experience.
  • Experience on electrical substations, transmission, distribution, utility, or industrial construction projects preferred.
  • Strong understanding of OSHA 1926 Construction Standards.
  • OSHA 30 Construction required.
  • Current First Aid/CPR certification.
  • Excellent communication and leadership skills.
  • Experience conducting incident investigations.
  • Ability to prepare professional reports and documentation.
  • Valid driver's license with a clean driving record.
  • Ability to work outdoors in varying weather conditions.
Preferred Qualifications
  • CHST, STSC, CSP, ASP, or similar safety certification.
  • Utility owner experience (PG&E, SDG&E, Southern California Edison, or other electric utilities).
  • Experience working around energized electrical systems.
  • Knowledge of lockout/tagout, grounding, excavation safety, crane operations, confined space, and fall protection.
  • Experience working in IBEW or union construction environments.
Benefits
  • Competitive salary ($80,000–$110,000 DOE)
  • Company truck or vehicle allowance
  • Fuel card
  • Medical, Dental & Vision Insurance
  • 401(k) with company match
  • Paid Vacation
  • Paid Holidays
  • Training and professional development
  • Career advancement opportunities
Why Heavy Road & Rail?

Heavy Road & Rail is a rapidly growing heavy civil and utility contractor specializing in electrical substations, battery energy storage systems (BESS), concrete, grading, underground utilities, and site development. We are committed to building quality projects while maintaining the highest standards of safety, integrity, and professionalism.

If you take pride in creating a safe work environment and want to be part of a team that values its people, we encourage you to apply today.

Heavy Road & Rail Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer.


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