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Underground Utility Jobs in Riverside, CA (NOW HIRING)

Equipment Operator

Santa Ana, CA · On-site

$24 - $28/hr

Responsibilities 1. Safe operation of directional drills, trenching, or excavating equipment for underground utility construction 2. Assisting the foreman and/or supervisors with all project duties ...

Laborer (Underground)

Ontario, CA · On-site

$17.75 - $22.75/hr

Our operating unit provides underground utility services, and we are looking for a Construction Laborer to join our team. This position requires organization, timeliness, accuracy and great focus to ...

Operator

Brea, CA · On-site

$25 - $28/hr

Understanding of underground utility awareness and safe excavation practices * Experience with fiber optic construction and conduit installation * Ability to work in production-based construction ...

Understanding of underground utility awareness and safe excavation practices * Experience with fiber optic construction and conduit installation * Ability to work in production-based construction ...

Operator

Brea, CA · On-site

$25 - $28/hr

Understanding of underground utility awareness and safe excavation practices * Experience with fiber optic construction and conduit installation * Ability to work in production-based construction ...

Understanding of underground utility awareness and safe excavation practices * Experience with fiber optic construction and conduit installation * Ability to work in production-based construction ...

Understanding of underground utility awareness and safe excavation practices * Experience with fiber optic construction and conduit installation * Ability to work in production-based construction ...

Equipment Operator

San Bernardino, CA

$20 - $27.25/hr

Minimum 2 years experience in Underground Utilities, Excavation, and Backfill. If you do not have 2 or more years of experience please do not apply. We must be able to verify references, you will be ...

Lead the full project lifecycle for civil and underground utilities projects including planning, design coordination, procurement, construction management, commissioning and close-out. * Develop and ...

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Underground Utility information

See Riverside, CA salary details

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How much do underground utility jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 15, 2026, the average hourly pay for underground utility in Riverside, CA is $20.58, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.82 and $23.32 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is an Underground Utility job?

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 is an underground utility worker?

An underground utility worker installs, maintains, and repairs underground infrastructure such as water, gas, electric, and communication lines. The job often involves operating specialized equipment, working in confined spaces, and following safety protocols and regulations. It requires physical stamina, technical skills, and sometimes certifications in excavation or safety training.

How much does an underground utility worker make?

Underground utility workers typically earn between $40,000 and $70,000 annually, depending on experience, location, and certifications. They often work with specialized tools and may require safety training and physical stamina for outdoor, underground environments.

What jobs pay 500,000 a year in the US?

In the field of underground utility work, high-paying roles such as senior project managers, utility construction executives, or specialized engineers can reach or exceed $500,000 annually, especially with experience, certifications, and leadership responsibilities. These positions often require advanced skills, industry knowledge, and sometimes long hours or on-site management. However, such salaries are more common in executive or highly specialized roles rather than standard field jobs.

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

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 typical 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.

What jobs pay 4000 a week without a degree?

Underground utility jobs such as skilled equipment operators, linemen, or specialized technicians can pay around $4,000 per week, especially with experience and certifications. These roles often require physical skill, safety training, and knowledge of tools and infrastructure but may not require a college degree.
What are the most commonly searched types of Underground Utility jobs in Riverside, CA? The most popular types of Underground Utility jobs in Riverside, CA are:
What are popular job titles related to Underground Utility jobs in Riverside, CA? For Underground Utility jobs in Riverside, CA, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Underground Utility jobs in Riverside, CA look for? The top searched job categories for Underground Utility jobs in Riverside, CA are:
What cities near Riverside, CA are hiring for Underground Utility jobs? Cities near Riverside, CA with the most Underground Utility job openings:
Infographic showing various Underground Utility job openings in Riverside, CA as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $42,804 per year, or $20.6 per hour.
Equipment Operator

Equipment Operator

Team Fishel

Santa Ana, CA • On-site

$24 - $28/hr

Full-time

Medical, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 6 days ago


Team Fishel rating

7.7

Company rating: 7.7 out of 10

Based on 27 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz


Job description

Location
Santa Ana, CA
Market
Telecom Construction
Who is Team Fishel?
Since 1936, we've been the Best Choice in utility engineering and construction. Safety is our top priority and is key in everything we do. We're industry professionals driven by high performance for our customers and each other. Interested in joining our Team?
Description
Team Fishel , the Best Choice Employer in utility construction since 1936, is hiring Directional Drill and Excavating Equipment Operators at our Santa Ana, CA (Orange County area) office. The starting wage range for this position is $24.00 to $28.00 an hour depending on skills, experience, and qualifications.
Responsibilities
1. Safe operation of directional drills, trenching, or excavating equipment for underground utility construction
2. Assisting the foreman and/or supervisors with all project duties
3. May be required to safely operate tampers, jackhammers, drills, and saws when needed
Requirements & Qualifications
1. Must have previous knowledge and experience of underground utility installation, directional drill locating experience is a plus
2. Must have the ability to operate trenchers, backhoes, or excavators
3. Ability to clearly communicate with Teammates
4. Ability to travel is a plus
Qualified applicants with arrest or conviction records will be considered for employment in accordance with the Los Angeles County Fair Chance Ordinance for Employers and the California Fair Chance Act.
A Criminal background check and a motor vehicle record check will be completed for all successful candidates due to the likelihood of one or more of the following job requirements being necessary for this position:
1. Access, or potential access to, company funds
2. Working in, or the potential to work in, school zones
3. Handling, or the potential to handle, materials and equipment owned by Team Fishelâ€'s Customers
4. Working on sensitive infrastructure
5. Working on, or potentially working on, jobs covered by federal contracting requirements
6. Working on or near expensive equipment and materials
7. Entering, or the potential to enter, private residents’ homes
8. Driving company-owned vehicles
9. Compliance with FMCSA requirements
Benefits
  • Health Insurance
  • Wellness Program
  • Life Insurance
  • 401(k) Retirement Savings Program
  • Profit Sharing
  • Paid Leave Benefits
  • Teammate Assistance Program
  • Learn more ( Español )

Team Fishel offers excellent industry training and a career development path for our Teammates. Competitive pay and benefits, including health insurance, 401k, and a company profit sharing plan!
Join Team Fishel, your future and your team.
EOE/DFWP

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