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Underground Worker Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Essel

Underground Utility Electrician

Morgan Hill, CA · On-site

Candidates should have strong experience working from site plans and utility drawings in early-phase construction environments. Responsibilities * Install underground electrical conduit systems (PVC ...

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 ...

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 ...

Quanta Services

Underground Foreman

San Jose, CA

$28 - $36/hr

The Underground Foreman/Operator position will oversee the work of their crews' depending on job ... Working Conditions: This is a full-time hourly position, expected to work at least 40 hours per ...

FiberTel, LLC

Underground Foreman

San Jose, CA

$28 - $36/hr

The Underground Foreman/Operator position will oversee the work of their crews' depending on job ... Working Conditions: This is a full-time hourly position, expected to work at least 40 hours per ...

FiberTel, LLC

Underground Foreman

San Jose, CA · On-site

$28/hr

The Underground Foreman/Operator position will oversee the work of their crews' depending on job ... Working Conditions: This is a full-time hourly position, expected to work at least 40 hours per ...

Essel

Underground Foreman

San Carlos, CA

Do you have excellent Underground Foreman experience and are looking for your next opportunity? Essel is looking to hire a great Underground Foreman! * Complete all phases within labor, material and ...

Essel

Underground Foreman

San Carlos, CA · On-site

Do you have excellent Underground Foreman experience and are looking for your next opportunity? Essel is looking to hire a great Underground Foreman! * Complete all phases within labor, material and ...

Essel

Underground Foreman

San Carlos, CA · On-site

Do you have excellent Underground Foreman experience and are looking for your next opportunity? Essel is looking to hire a great Underground Foreman! * Complete all phases within labor, material and ...

Essel

Underground Pipe Layer Labor

Morgan Hill, CA

$21.75 - $28.50/hr

This is a great opportunity for dependable laborers with site utility or underground experience who are comfortable working outdoors and around heavy equipment. Responsibilities * Assist with ...

Essel

Underground Pipe Layer Labor

Morgan Hill, CA · On-site

$21.75 - $28.50/hr

This is a great opportunity for dependable laborers with site utility or underground experience who are comfortable working outdoors and around heavy equipment. Responsibilities * Assist with ...

Essel

Underground Utility Electrician

Morgan Hill, CA

$28.50 - $39/hr

Candidates should have strong experience working from site plans and utility drawings in early-phase construction environments. Responsibilities * Install underground electrical conduit systems (PVC ...

Essel

Underground Utility Electrician

Morgan Hill, CA · On-site

$28.50 - $39/hr

Candidates should have strong experience working from site plans and utility drawings in early-phase construction environments. Responsibilities * Install underground electrical conduit systems (PVC ...

Essel

Underground Utility Electrician

Morgan Hill, CA · On-site

$28.50 - $39/hr

Candidates should have strong experience working from site plans and utility drawings in early-phase construction environments. Responsibilities * Install underground electrical conduit systems (PVC ...

Essel

Underground Pipe Layer Labor

Morgan Hill, CA · On-site

$21.75 - $28.50/hr

This is a great opportunity for dependable laborers with site utility or underground experience who are comfortable working outdoors and around heavy equipment. Responsibilities * Assist with ...

Dycom Industries, Inc.

Foreman Underground

Sun Valley, CA · On-site

$25 - $34/hr

Hourly Discover a more connected career At VCI Construction, LLC, as a Foreman on our Telecom Underground team, you'll lead crews in the installation and maintenance of underground telecommunication ...

Ohla

Underground Utilities Superintendent

Irvine, CA · On-site

$220K/yr

Underground Utilities Superintendent We are a company who believes in building a better, safer ... Maintain positive working relationships with project teams, subcontractors, vendors, utility ...

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All JobsUnderground Worker JobsUnderground Worker Jobs in California

Underground Worker information

See California salary details

$13

$23

$33

How much do underground worker jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 28, 2026, the average hourly pay for underground worker in California is $23.88, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $19.23 and $28.46 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is an underground worker?

Underground workers are professionals who perform their duties below the earth’s surface, typically in industries such as mining, tunneling, or construction. Their tasks may include extracting minerals, constructing tunnels, maintaining underground infrastructure, or ensuring safety in these environments. These workers often operate heavy machinery, monitor environmental conditions, and adhere to strict safety protocols due to the hazardous nature of their work. Strong physical fitness and specialized training are usually required for these roles.

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

To thrive as an Underground Worker, you need physical stamina, safety awareness, and a basic understanding of mining or tunneling operations, typically supported by a high school diploma or equivalent. Familiarity with heavy machinery, ventilation systems, and safety certifications like MSHA (Mine Safety and Health Administration) are often required. Strong teamwork, attention to detail, and effective communication help individuals stand out in this demanding environment. These skills and qualifications are essential to ensure personal safety, operational efficiency, and compliance with strict regulatory standards in challenging underground conditions.

What are some common challenges faced by underground workers and how can they be managed?

Underground workers often face unique challenges such as confined working spaces, limited natural light, and exposure to dust or noise. These conditions require strict adherence to safety protocols, use of personal protective equipment, and regular training on emergency procedures. Collaboration is key—workers typically operate as part of a close-knit team to ensure tasks are completed safely and efficiently. Maintaining good communication and situational awareness helps manage risks and fosters a supportive work environment.

What is the difference between Underground Worker vs Miner?

AspectUnderground WorkerMiner
CredentialsOSHA safety training, industry-specific certificationsOSHA safety training, mining certifications
Work EnvironmentUnderground tunnels, confined spacesMining shafts, underground mines
Employer & IndustryConstruction, tunneling, mining companiesMining companies, mineral extraction industries
Search & ComparisonCommonly compared for underground work rolesMore specialized, but often compared in mining contexts

Underground Workers perform various tasks in confined underground environments, including construction, tunneling, or maintenance. Miners specifically focus on extracting minerals or resources from underground mines. While both roles require safety certifications and involve working underground, miners are specialized in mineral extraction, whereas underground workers may have broader responsibilities in different underground industries.

What are underground worker jobs?

Underground worker jobs involve performing tasks in subterranean environments such as mines, tunnels, or utility systems. These roles often require knowledge of safety protocols, use of specialized equipment, and physical endurance to operate in confined and potentially hazardous conditions.

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

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

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

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

Underground Worker jobs near you
Infographic showing various Underground Worker job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 75% Full Time, 18% Part Time, 1% Temporary, 4% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 70% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 28% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $49,665 per year, or $23.9 per hour.

Underground Utility Electrician

Morgan Hill, CA • On-site

Essel
Recruiting and Staffing Services • 11 - 50 employees
Learn more about Esselexternal

Other

Re-posted 28 days ago

Job description

Job Description
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
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About Essel

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Industry

Recruiting and staffing services and temporary help services

Company size

11 - 50 Employees

Headquarters location

San Francisco, CA, US

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