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Underground Utility Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Essel

Underground Utility Electrician

Morgan Hill, CA

$28.50 - $39/hr

We are seeking an experienced Underground Utility Electrician to support new construction infrastructure work for residential and multifamily developments. This role focuses on installation of ...

Essel

Underground Utility Electrician

Morgan Hill, CA · On-site

$28.50 - $39/hr

We are seeking an experienced Underground Utility Electrician to support new construction infrastructure work for residential and multifamily developments. This role focuses on installation of ...

Essel

Underground Utility Electrician

Morgan Hill, CA · On-site

$28.50 - $39/hr

We are seeking an experienced Underground Utility Electrician to support new construction infrastructure work for residential and multifamily developments. This role focuses on installation of ...

Bedrock Engineering Inc.

Be Seen First

Underground Utility Locating (UGL) Project Manager

Madera, CA · On-site

$27 - $55/hr

Under the guided supervision of the Underground Utility Locating Manager, the Underground Utility Locating Project Manager is responsible for locating and marking the position of underground ...

Urgent

Bedrock Engineering Inc.

Be Seen First

Underground Utility Locating (UGL) Project Manager

Madera, CA · On-site

$27 - $55/hr

Under the guided supervision of the Underground Utility Locating Manager, the Underground Utility Locating Project Manager is responsible for locating and marking the position of underground ...

Urgent

Motive Companies

Utility Locator

Oceanside, CA · On-site

$20 - $25/hr

The Utility Locator plays a crucial role in ensuring that underground utilities are accurately identified and marked prior to excavation activities. This position involves working outdoors in various ...

Boudreau Pipeline

Utility Locating Labor

Corona, CA · On-site

$21.45 - $29/hr

The ideal candidate will have experience in construction, underground utilities, excavation, or utility locating, along with a strong commitment to safety, teamwork, and quality workmanship.

Motive Companies

Utility Locator

Oceanside, CA · On-site

$20 - $25/hr

The Utility Locator plays a crucial role in ensuring that underground utilities are accurately identified and marked prior to excavation activities. This position involves working outdoors in various ...

Omni Underground, inc.

Construction Worker

Fowler, CA

$27/hr

Omni Underground is hiring Construction Workers/General Laborers to join our growing underground utility crews. This is a hands-on field position supporting directional drilling, potholing, trenching ...

New

Omni Underground, inc.

Construction Worker

Fowler, CA · On-site

$17.75 - $24/hr

Description Omni Underground is hiring Construction Workers/General Laborers to join our growing underground utility crews. This is a hands-on field position supporting directional drilling ...

New

Essel

Underground Pipe Layer Labor

Morgan Hill, CA

$21.75 - $28.50/hr

Job Summary We are hiring Underground Construction Laborers to support utility installation projects in Morgan Hill and surrounding South Bay areas. This role involves trenching support, conduit ...

Essel

Underground Pipe Layer Labor

Morgan Hill, CA · On-site

$21.75 - $28.50/hr

Job Summary We are hiring Underground Construction Laborers to support utility installation projects in Morgan Hill and surrounding South Bay areas. This role involves trenching support, conduit ...

Essel

Underground Pipe Layer Labor

Morgan Hill, CA · On-site

$21.75 - $28.50/hr

Job Summary We are hiring Underground Construction Laborers to support utility installation projects in Morgan Hill and surrounding South Bay areas. This role involves trenching support, conduit ...

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All JobsUnderground Utility JobsUnderground Utility Jobs in California

Underground Utility information

See California salary details

$10

$19

$32

How much do underground utility jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 23, 2026, the average hourly pay for underground utility 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?

An Underground Utility job involves installing, repairing, and maintaining essential infrastructure such as water, sewer, gas, and telecommunications lines beneath the ground. Workers use specialized equipment to dig trenches, lay pipes or cables, and ensure proper connections. Safety and adherence to regulations are crucial due to the risks of working around existing utilities. These jobs are essential for urban development, water management, and communication networks.

What skills and qualifications are needed for an underground utility?

To thrive as an Underground Utility worker, you need hands-on experience with utility installation, repair, and maintenance, along with knowledge of safety standards and often a high school diploma or equivalent. Familiarity with tools like pipe locators, trenchers, and reading utility maps, as well as OSHA certifications, are commonly required. Strong problem-solving abilities, teamwork, and clear communication help workers excel in diverse and often physically demanding environments. These skills ensure safe, efficient, and accurate completion of utility projects while minimizing risks to personnel and infrastructure.

What challenges do underground utility workers face on the job?

Underground Utility workers often encounter challenges such as working in confined spaces, dealing with unexpected obstructions or utility line locations, and adapting to varying site conditions and weather. Precision and attention to detail are essential to avoid damaging existing utilities or causing safety hazards. Teamwork and communication are crucial, as crews must coordinate closely to follow plans, adjust to field discoveries, and ensure everyone's safety. Overcoming these challenges not only builds technical expertise but also fosters a supportive and efficient team environment.

How to become an underground utility contractor?

To become an underground utility contractor, you typically need relevant experience in construction or utility work, knowledge of excavation and piping, and often a state or local contractor's license. Obtaining certifications such as OSHA safety training and understanding local regulations are also important steps in establishing credibility in this field.

Is an underground utility locator a good job?

An underground utility locator is a skilled tradesperson responsible for detecting and marking underground pipes and cables using specialized equipment. The job often requires physical activity, attention to detail, and certifications such as OSHA training, with work typically performed outdoors in various weather conditions. It can offer stable employment and opportunities for advancement in the utility and construction industries.

What are the most commonly searched types of Underground Utility jobs in California?

The most popular types of Underground Utility jobs in California are:

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

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

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

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

What cities in California are hiring for Underground Utility jobs?

Cities in California with the most Underground Utility job openings:

Underground Utility jobs near you
Infographic showing various Underground Utility job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 90% Full Time, 7% Part Time, 2% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 91% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $40,491 per year, or $19.5 per hour.

Underground Utility Electrician

Essel

Morgan Hill, CA

$28.50 - $39/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 6 days ago

Job description

We are seeking an experienced Underground Utility Electrician to support new construction infrastructure work for residential and multifamily developments. This role focuses on installation of underground electrical distribution systems, including conduit, vaults, pull boxes, and service connections in coordination with utility providers such as PG&E. Candidates should have strong experience working from site plans and utility drawings in early-phase construction environments.

Responsibilities
  • Install underground electrical conduit systems (PVC, HDPE, rigid steel)
  • Perform trench layout and conduit routing per plans and utility specs
  • Set and install pull boxes, vaults, handholes, and transformer pads
  • Install primary and secondary distribution systems
  • Assist with cable pulling and service lateral installation
  • Interpret civil drawings, electrical plans, and utility standards ("greenbook" / utility specs when applicable)
  • Coordinate with site superintendents, inspectors, and utility representatives
  • Maintain proper trench depth, spacing, and compaction requirements
  • Support energization prep and inspection readiness
  • Follow OSHA and jobsite safety standards at all times

Requirements

  • 3+ years of underground utility electrical experience
  • Experience on multifamily, subdivision, or residential development projects
  • Ability to read electrical plans and utility service drawings
  • Familiarity with conduit bending, trenching environments, and service layouts
  • Experience setting transformer pads and vaults preferred
  • Knowledge of PG&E, municipal utility, or utility provider standards strongly preferred
  • Experience working on PG&E jurisdiction projects
  • Experience installing primary distribution systems
  • Utility trench layout experience from civil plans
  • Excavation coordination with operators and grading crews
  • Valid driver's license and reliable transportation
  • Ability to lift 50+ lbs. and work outdoors in active construction environments

Apply