Service Trenching Operator/Groundman

Summit Underground Services; Southaven (MS); On-site; USD 25,000 - 40,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, and vision insurance

HSA and FSA options

401(k) with company match

paid time off

company-paid holidays

short and long-term disability

Job summary

United Utility Services in Northern Mississippi is seeking a Service Trenching Operator/Groundman to safely operate trenching and excavation equipment and support crews installing underground electric utility infrastructure.

The role requires a high school diploma or GED, a valid driver's license, physical stamina, and the ability to work outdoors in varying weather. You will perform site prep, digging, backfilling, and daily equipment inspections, with emphasis on safety and teamwork.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED required.
• Valid driver's license with acceptable driving record.
• Ability to safely operate trenching or excavation equipment.
• Ability to perform physically demanding construction work.
• Knowledge of underground utility construction practices is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Operate trenchers, mini excavators, backhoes, skid steers, and other equipment.
• Excavate trenches for underground utilities.
• Assist with backfilling, compaction, grading, and site restoration.
• Conduct daily equipment inspections and report defects.
• Follow safety procedures and coordinate with foremen.

Skills

Safety mindset

Teamwork

Physical stamina

Education

High school diploma or GED

Tools

Trenching equipment operation

Job description

About Us

Welcome to United Utility Services, a dynamic player in the electric utility industry. As a trailblazer, we provide comprehensive and innovative offerings that bolster power infrastructure investments across the U.S. We proudly serve as the parent company to industry-leading utility service contractors specializing in transmission, substation, distribution, and grid hardening projects. Our Core Values are clear and simple: Safety, Quality, Integrity, and Professionalism. At United Utility Services, we craft power delivery solutions – built safe, engineered smart, and driven by what customers demand – fueling communities with reliable energy. We are the best-in-class, trusted partner delivering customer-centric Power Delivery Construction and Engineering solutions.

Date Posted: 8/28/2026 Minimum Date Posted: 9/04/2026

Location: Northern Mississippi

The salary range for this position is $18-$29 hourly. Final compensation will be determined based on experience, qualifications, and overall fit for the role.

Benefits

• Benefits include medical, dental, and vision insurance
• Health Savings Account (HSA) and Flexible Spending Account (FSA) options where applicable
• 401(k) with company match
• paid time off
• company-paid holidays
• short and long-term disability

About The Role

The Service Trenching Operator/Groundman is responsible for operating trenching and excavation equipment while assisting crews in the installation, maintenance, and repair of underground electric utility infrastructure. This position supports daily construction activities by safely operating equipment, performing manual labor, handling materials, maintaining tools and equipment, and assisting with utility service installations. The ideal candidate demonstrates a strong commitment to safety, teamwork, quality workmanship, and customer service.

Key Responsibilities

• Operate trenchers, mini excavators, backhoes, skid steers, and other construction equipment.
• Excavate trenches for underground electric, communication, and utility service installations.
• Perform potholing and expose existing utilities using approved methods.
• Assist with backfilling, compaction, grading, and site restoration activities.
• Conduct daily equipment inspections and complete required maintenance checks.
• Report equipment defects, maintenance needs, and safety concerns immediately.

Groundman Responsibilities

• Assist crews with the installation, maintenance, and repair of underground utility systems.
• Load, unload, transport, and stage materials, tools, and equipment.
• Assist with pulling cable, setting vaults, conduit installation, and service connections.
• Hand-dig around existing utilities and sensitive areas as required.
• Perform traffic control and jobsite setup activities.
• Maintain tools, equipment, vehicles, and work areas in a clean and safe condition.
• Follow direction from Foremen, Equipment Operators, and Crew Leaders.

Safety & Compliance

• Follow all OSHA, company, and customer safety requirements.
• Participate in daily job briefings, tailboards, and safety meetings.
• Identify and avoid underground utility conflicts before excavation begins.
• Utilize proper personal protective equipment (PPE) at all times.
• Maintain awareness of excavation, trenching, grounding, and shoring requirements.
• Support emergency outage response and storm restoration efforts when required.

Key Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED.
• Valid driver's license with acceptable driving record.
• Ability to safely operate trenching or excavation equipment.
• Ability to perform physically demanding construction work.
• Basic understanding of underground utility construction practices.
• Strong commitment to workplace safety.
• Ability to work outdoors in varying weather conditions.

Preferred Qualifications

• CDL Class A or Class B license.
• Previous electric utility, telecommunications, pipeline, or underground construction experience.
• Experience operating trenchers, backhoes, mini excavators, and skid steers.
• OSHA 10 or OSHA 30 certification.
• First Aid/CPR certification.
• Utility locating experience.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• Knowledge of excavation and trench safety requirements.
• Ability to read construction prints, staking sheets, and work orders.
• Ability to identify underground utility conflicts and hazards.
• Effective communication and teamwork skills.
• Strong attention to detail and situational awareness.
• Ability to safely use hand and power tools.
• Ability to follow instructions and work efficiently in a crew environment.

Physical Requirements

• Lift and carry up to 75 pounds.
• Frequently stand, walk, bend, kneel, climb, and perform repetitive movements.
• Ability to work in trenches, confined spaces, and uneven terrain.
• Ability to work extended hours, weekends, and emergency restoration assignments as needed.
• Ability to perform strenuous outdoor work in extreme weather conditions.

Work Environment

• Outdoor utility construction sites.
• Exposure to traffic, excavation hazards, heavy equipment, and energized utility systems.
• Frequent travel to job sites may be required.
• Overtime, storm restoration, and emergency response work may be required.

Application Deadline

This posting will remain open for a minimum of five (5) calendar days. The Company reserves the right to extend or close the posting based on business needs and applicable policy requirements.

Important Information

Applicants may be asked: Are you currently employed by the Company?

For standard external opportunities, this question is used for applicant classification, reporting, and workforce analytics purposes only.

We do not accept unsolicited resumes or candidate submissions from third-party recruiters or staffing firms. Resumes submitted without a signed, written agreement with the Company and outside the approved HR/Recruiter process will not be reviewed or considered, and the Company will not be responsible for any associated fees.