Construction Laborer – Trenching & Underground Utilities

Job Summary

The Construction Laborer supports underground utility, trenching, and duct-bank installation crews by performing physical and semi-skilled tasks on active construction sites. This position works closely with equipment operators and foremen to support the safe, efficient, and high-quality installation of underground infrastructure for large-scale site development projects. The Laborer must demonstrate safety awareness, teamwork, reliability, and the ability to work in a fast-paced construction environment.

Laborer Classification Level

T1 Laborer (Senior / Experienced)

- 5+ years of experience in underground utilities, excavation, trenching, or site development

- Performs complex trenching tasks with minimal supervision

- Leads by example on safety and productivity

- Assists foremen and mentors junior laborers

- Can operate smaller pieces of equipment efficiently such as a Skid Steer.

- OSHA 10 or 30 strongly preferred; trench safety or Competent Person a plus

Key Responsibilities

Site & Utility Support

- Assist in trenching, pipe laying, duct-bank, and vault installation

- Perform manual excavation, trench cleanout, and hand digging as required

- Prepare, clean, and maintain work areas, trenches, and equipment

- Hand-grade, backfill, and compact soil using shovels, tampers, or mechanical compactors

- Assist with setting, moving, and removing trench boxes, slide-rail systems, and shoring equipment

- Install conduit spacers, tracer wire, and encasement for electrical and communication duct banks

- Support concrete encasement and formwork placement under supervision

- Assist with site restoration activities, including grading and surface preparation

- Spot, signal, and communicate with heavy equipment operators during excavation and backfilling

Safety & Compliance

- Comply with all company safety policies and procedures

- Follow OSHA regulations, including OSHA Subpart P (Trenching & Excavation)

- Participate in daily safety briefings, Job Hazard Analysis (JHA) meetings, and toolbox talks

- Properly use required personal protective equipment at all times (PPE)

- Maintain awareness of excavation hazards, underground utilities, traffic, and heavy equipment

- Promptly report unsafe conditions, incidents, or near misses to supervision

- Assist with traffic control, barricading, and trench protection as assigned

Equipment & Material Handling

- Load, unload, and organize materials, tools, and equipment

- Perform routine cleaning and basic maintenance of tools and equipment

- Safely operate hand tools and small power tools

- Assist with verifying measurements, grades, elevations, and alignment

Teamwork & Productivity

- Work cooperatively with foremen, equipment operators, and crew members

- Maintain productivity expectations while ensuring quality workmanship and safety compliance

- Adapt to changing site conditions, schedules, and work assignments

- Demonstrate professionalism, respect, and accountability on all job sites

Qualifications

Required

- Minimum of 5 years of experience in underground utilities, site development, excavation, or general construction

- Knowledge of trenching, shoring, and safe excavation practices

- Ability to understand and follow verbal and written instructions in English

- Reliable transportation to job sites within the region

- Willingness to comply with drug testing and company safety requirements

- Consistent attendance, punctuality, and strong commitment to teamwork

Preferred

- OSHA 10-Hour Construction Safety Certification

- Experience supporting mission-critical infrastructure projects

- Familiarity with duct-bank installation, conduit alignment, or vault installation

- Trench safety training or Competent Person designation

Physical Requirements

- Ability to perform physical labor for extended periods (8–10 hours per day)

- Frequent standing, walking, bending, kneeling, climbing, and working in trenches

- Ability to lift and carry up to 50 pounds

- Ability to work outdoors in varying weather conditions

- Ability to safely wear required personal protective equipment

Work Environment

- Outdoor construction sites with exposure to dirt, dust, noise, vibration, and heavy equipment

- Fast-paced, physically demanding work environment

- May require overtime, weekend, or night work based on project needs

- Projects primarily located in Ohio and the surrounding states