Trenching Installer/Excavation

Dandelion Energy is transforming how homes are heated and cooled—starting from (below) the ground up. As the nation’s leading residential geothermal company, we design, install, and maintain all-in-one heating and cooling systems that are cleaner, quieter, and up to 4x more efficient than traditional HVAC, with a focus on large, scaled deployments to large homebuilders. We’re an ambitious (and growing) team on a mission to revolutionize home heating.

Backed by Google Ventures (GV) and other top tech investors, our end-to-end geothermal solution is breaking the status quo of residential heating and cooling technology, and we’re scaling rapidly to meet demand. Whether we’re serving national homebuilders or individual homeowners, our mission is the same: to make geothermal the default choice for heating and cooling in the U.S.

About the job

The Trenching Installer is a field-based role central to Dandelion’s geothermal system installation process. This individual will focus primarily on excavation and HDPE piping work, with additional support across exterior construction and heat pump installation tasks. Success in this role hinges on teamwork, craftsmanship, a strong work ethic, and the ability to adapt in the field.

Responsibilities

• Excavate and install HDPE piping from borehole to heat pump using heavy equipment
• Install HDPE pipe and fittings to spec
• Restore landscape to rough grade following work completion
• Support heat pump installation teams as needed
• Assist with other exterior construction tasks, including drilling and equipment/material delivery
• Collaborate with trenching crews and contribute to smooth project execution across sites

You will thrive in this role if you:

• Have a strong work ethic and a willingness to learn
• Are eager to grow your career in drilling and renewable energy
• Take pride in hitting team production goals
• Are comfortable with physical labor and getting your hands dirty
• Enjoy working on a collaborative and mission-driven team

Must-haves

• Ability to lift up to 50 lbs and perform physical outdoor labor in all weather conditions
• Strong problem-solving skills and attention to detail
• Valid driver’s license with a clean driving record
• Reliable transportation to job sites and willingness to travel (75 mile radius)
• Clear communicator with a customer-oriented mindset

Compensation

The expected base hourly range for this role in New York is $24-29/hour and is non-exempt/overtime eligible. Actual compensation may vary based on experience, qualifications, and other job-related factors permitted by law. This role may also be eligible for equity.

Bonus points for:

• Experience in residential construction, landscaping, or excavation preferred
• Familiarity with irrigation or underground utility systems is a plus
• Previous experience in drilling, construction, or heavy equipment operation

You’ll love working at Dandelion because:

Since spinning out of Google X in 2017, Dandelion Energy has been transforming home heating and cooling through cutting-edge geothermal technology. We design and install the most efficient residential heat pump in the U.S., serving both individual homeowners and some of the nation’s largest homebuilders.

Our team has elevated the profile of geothermal heat pumps nationally, delivered thousands of high-quality installations across the country, and successfully championed electrification-friendly policy at local and federal levels.

We’re a multidisciplinary, mission-driven team of experts—spanning hardware engineering, HVAC, drilling, solar finance, behavioral economics, and startup operations—united by a shared mission: to make clean, affordable heating and cooling the default for every home. The work is complex, meaningful, and built to scale.

We foster a collaborative, fast-paced, and inclusive work culture where cross-functional teamwork, curiosity, and continuous learning are core to how we operate. Our nationwide team is united by a shared passion for sustainability and a commitment to scaling clean, affordable energy solutions that make a real difference.

We’re driving a wholesale shift in how homes are heated and cooled—join us.

Benefits & Perks

• Medical (including mental health), dental, vision, and pet insurance
• 401(k) plan
• Stock/equity options
• Commuter benefits
• Generous paid sick leave, vacation, and parental leave
• Learning & development support, including on-the-job training and virtual courses