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Underground Utility Jobs in Springfield, IL (NOW HIRING)

Electrician

Divernon, IL · On-site

$59.53 - $71.12/hr

Install underground cabling, single and multiple conduit runs efficiently. * Inspect and maintain ... Knowledge of NEC, UBC, and local & utility jurisdiction requirements. * Comply with OSHA safety ...

Showing results 21-25

Underground Utility information

See Springfield, IL salary details

$10

$19

$32

How much do underground utility jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 7, 2026, the average hourly pay for underground utility in Springfield, IL is $19.55, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.00 and $22.16 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 job categories do people searching Underground Utility jobs in Springfield, IL look for?

The top searched job categories for Underground Utility jobs in Springfield, IL are:

Infographic showing various Underground Utility job openings in Springfield, IL as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 81% Full Time, 16% Part Time, 2% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 91% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $40,664 per year, or $19.6 per hour.

Electrical Engineer - Distribution Design

Hanson Professional Services, Inc.

Springfield, IL • On-site, Remote

$147K - $175K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Retirement

Re-posted 24 days ago


Job description

Hanson Values
Integrity | Commitment | Quality | Relationships | Innovation
If you're looking for a firm that encourages innovative thinking and challenges you every day, with an opportunity to learn and advance, a career at Hanson is right for you. The belief in sustainability within our company's practices creates a focus on client success and partnerships that are important to our communities and our environment.
Electrical Engineer - Distribution Design
Position: Full-Time
Location: Any (Florida and Illinois preferred)
Licensing: Professional Engineer (PE) Required
About the Role
Hanson Professional Services Inc. is seeking an experienced Electrical Engineer specializing in Distribution System Design to support electric utility and power delivery projects. This senior-level role is ideal for a Professional Engineer with strong experience in utility distribution systems, including overhead and underground distribution, system upgrades, reliability improvements, and customer-driven projects.
The successful candidate will bring technical depth, leadership capability, and hands-on experience supporting transmission and distribution (T&D) utilities, municipal power providers, or utility engineering consultants.
Key Responsibilities
Distribution Engineering & Design
  • Lead the design of overhead and underground electrical distribution systems, typically ranging from 4 kV to 35 kV.
  • Develop design packages for:
  • New distribution lines and system expansions
  • System hardening and resiliency upgrades
  • Reconductoring and voltage conversion projects
  • Service extensions and customer interconnections
  • Prepare construction drawings, material lists, staking sheets, and technical specifications.
  • Perform system calculations including:
  • Voltage drop
  • Short-circuit analysis
  • Load analysis and feeder balancing

Utility Coordination & System Integration
  • Apply utility standards, specifications, and design criteria to distribution projects.
  • Coordinate designs with transmission, substation, protection, and civil teams.
  • Support integration of:
  • Distribution automation
  • Voltage regulation equipment
  • Protective devices (reclosers, sectionalizers, fuses)
  • Ensure compatibility with existing utility systems and operational practices.

Project Leadership & Technical Oversight
  • Serve as lead engineer or subject matter expert for distribution design efforts.
  • Provide technical guidance and QA/QC reviews for drawings, calculations, and design deliverables.
  • Support project managers with:
  • Scope development
  • Cost estimates
  • Schedule planning
  • Risk identification
  • Mentor junior engineers and designers.

Industry Tools & Standards
  • Design in accordance with applicable standards and codes, including:
  • NESC
  • IEEE
  • ANSI
  • NEC (as applicable)
  • Utility-specific distribution standards
  • Utilize commonly used software and tools:
  • CYME, Synergi, or WindMil (preferred)
  • SKM, ETAP, or EasyPower
  • AutoCAD or MicroStation
  • Maintain working knowledge of distribution construction practices and materials.

Client & Field Support
  • Work directly with electric utilities, municipalities, and power providers.
  • Support construction through:
  • Review of contractor submittals
  • Responses to RFIs
  • Site visits and field observations
  • Provide engineering support to resolve constructability or operational issues.

Required Qualifications
  • Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering or related discipline.
  • Professional Engineer (PE) license (required).
  • Minimum 8 years of experience in electric distribution engineering.
  • Prior experience working with:
  • Investor-Owned Utilities (IOUs)
  • Public utilities or cooperatives
  • Utility engineering consulting firms
  • Strong understanding of distribution system operations and utility standards.
  • Proven ability to lead engineering tasks and collaborate across disciplines.
  • Strong written and verbal communication skills.

Preferred Qualifications
  • Experience with storm hardening, grid modernization, or resiliency programs.
  • Familiarity with distribution automation and smart grid technologies.
  • Experience coordinating with joint-use utilities and right-of-way stakeholders.
  • Experience supporting proposals, cost estimating, and schedule development.
  • Experience mentoring junior engineers or serving as a technical lead.

Soft Skills & Competencies
  • Strong technical judgment and attention to detail
  • Ability to work independently and lead complex tasks
  • Client-focused and solutions-oriented mindset
  • Strong organizational and time-management skills
  • Commitment to safety, quality, and continuous improvement

Working at Hanson
  • Employee-owned firm offering long-term career growth and stability
  • Collaborative environment across disciplines and offices
  • Willingness to support occasional field work and travel
  • Valid driver's license required

Salary Range: ($147,000-$175,000)
Benefits
Our focus on people means we offer a generous benefits program to help you create a solid foundation for health and security throughout your career, including:
  • Competitive compensation
  • Performance bonuses
  • 401(k) with matching contribution
  • Employee Stock Ownership Plan
  • Comprehensive health & well-being plans
  • Financial wellness plans
  • Work-life balance programs

Want to know more? Visit our benefits page for all the details.
Culture
We understand that selecting a job is about more than the day-to-day tasks. It's important to feel like you belong and safe to grow and progress along your career path. You'll find that at Hanson. We have an inclusive, diverse workforce awaiting to connect with you and numerous opportunities to cultivate your career, including:
  • Monthly educational webinars
  • Leadership training
  • Lunch & learn development sessions
  • 24/7 access to thousands of skill-building courses
  • Mentorship opportunities
  • Award-winning internship program
  • Employee recognition
  • And so much more!

AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EEO - EMPLOYER
We do not accept unsolicited resumes from recruiters or agencies/staffing firms. Resumes are only accepted from recruiters and agency/staffing firms if a signed agreement is in place at the inception of the recruiting effort and authorized for a specified position.