Overview
Underground Utility Laborer Jobs in Nowthen, MN at Miller Utilities
Position Description
The Underground Utility Laborer supports Miller Utilities’ underground utility construction operations by assisting drill crews, operators, foremen, and project teams with day-to-day field activities. This position is responsible for helping safely prepare and maintain jobsites, handle materials and equipment, assist with excavation and restoration activities, and support the overall production of the crew.
This position provides an opportunity to develop the skills and experience necessary to advance within Miller Utilities’ career path, including Operator, Foreman, Field Enablement, and Project Management positions.
Core Responsibilities
- Assist with the setup and tear-down of underground utility construction jobsites, including proper signage, cones, barricades, and traffic control.
- Load, unload, stage, and distribute tools, materials, pipe, conduit, and equipment.
- Assist drill crews with daily production activities, including rod handling, mud management, tooling, potholing, and general jobsite support.
- Assist with locating and exposing existing underground utilities using proper procedures and equipment.
- Perform hand digging, shoveling, trenching, backfilling, and restoration activities as directed.
- Assist with installation of conduit, pipe, handholes, warning posts, and other underground utility infrastructure.
- Operate hand tools, small power tools, and other equipment safely and effectively under direction.
- Assist operators and foremen with maintaining a safe, productive, and organized jobsite.
- Maintain clean and organized work areas, vehicles, trailers, tools, and equipment.
- Perform basic equipment and vehicle inspections and report any damage, maintenance needs, or safety concerns.
- Follow Miller Utilities safety policies, procedures, and job-specific requirements at all times.
- Participate in daily tailgate safety meetings, training, and jobsite planning.
- Communicate effectively with crew members, supervisors, customers, and other contractors.
- Perform additional duties as assigned to support Miller Utilities’ operations and project requirements.
Required Qualifications & Experience
- Valid driver’s license.
- Current DOT medical card, or ability to obtain one if required for the position.
- Previous construction experience is preferred but not required.
- Ability and willingness to learn underground utility construction practices and safely operate tools and equipment.
- Ability to follow directions and work effectively as part of a crew.
- Ability to work safely around heavy equipment, underground utilities, and active roadways.
- Ability to perform physical labor for extended periods of time.
- Must be willing and able to travel for work, including overnight and out-of-town assignments as project needs require.
- Must be dependable and maintain regular and punctual attendance.
Preferred Experience
- Previous experience in underground utility, telecommunications, HDD, excavation, or general construction.
- Experience working around excavators, directional drills, vac trucks, skid steers, or other construction equipment.
- Familiarity with hand tools and small power tools.
- Experience with potholing, excavation, conduit installation, backfilling, or restoration.
- Previous experience working in or around roadways and traffic control.
- Strong communication and teamwork skills.
- Demonstrated willingness to learn and take on additional responsibilities.
Physical Demands & Competencies
- Ability to regularly lift and carry 50–60 pounds and occasionally handle heavier materials with assistance or proper equipment.
- Ability to stand, walk, bend, kneel, climb, shovel, dig, and perform repetitive physical movements throughout the workday.
- Ability to work safely around heavy equipment and maintain situational awareness at all times.
- Ability to work outdoors for extended periods in varying weather conditions.
- Demonstrates reliability, a strong work ethic, attention to detail, and a willingness to learn.
- Ability to communicate effectively with coworkers and supervisors.
- Commitment to Miller Utilities’ expectations for safety, quality, production, and customer success.
Work Environment
This position is performed primarily outdoors and requires working year-round in varying weather conditions, including extreme heat, cold, rain, snow, mud, and wind.
The employee may be exposed to:
- Heavy construction equipment
- Active roadways and traffic
- Underground utilities
- Mud, dirt, dust, and uneven terrain
- Construction noise and vibration
- Utility construction hazards
Proper PPE must be worn and all Miller Utilities safety policies and procedures must be followed at all times.
Travel Requirements
Travel is an essential function of this position. Miller Utilities performs underground utility construction projects throughout Minnesota and surrounding states. Employees must be willing and able to travel to project locations as business needs require.
Travel may include:
- Day trips to job locations outside the employee’s normal reporting area.
- Overnight and multi-day assignments.
- Working away from home for extended project periods.
- Flexible scheduling based on project requirements.
Employees are expected to arrive at assigned job locations on time and be prepared to work safely and productively.
Work Schedule
- Full-time, non-exempt position.
- Typical work schedule is Monday–Friday; however, schedules may vary based on project requirements.
- Flexibility may be required for early mornings, evenings, weekends, overtime, and extended workdays.
- Work schedules may be affected by weather, project deadlines, customer requirements, and emergency work.
- Regular and punctual attendance is an essential function of the position.
Career Development
Miller Utilities believes in developing employees from within. Employees who demonstrate strong performance, reliability, safety awareness, and a willingness to learn may have opportunities to progress through the Miller Utilities career path
Pay: $20.00 – $28.00 per hour
Benefits:
- 401(k) matching
- Dental insurance
- Health insurance
- Health savings account
- Life insurance
- Vision insurance
Work Location: In person
Title: Underground Utility Laborer
Company: Miller Utilities
Location: Nowthen, MN
Category:
