NUCA Annual Awards

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NUCA’s Ditchdigger of the Year Award is the association’s most distinguished award, presented annually to a contractor who has made a significant national contribution to the association and the industry.
 

Submit your nomination here 

 All submissions must be received by close of business on December 15, 2025. 

The Associate Member of the Year Award is NUCA’s most distinguished annual recognition of an associate member.

Submit your nomination here 

All submissions must be received by close of business on December 15, 2025. 

Created to honor the contributions of the founding chairman of NUCA's Safety Committee, William H. Feather, and to recognize the same commitment to safety demonstrated by NUCA members annually.

• Overall Winner
• 0 – 100,000 Manhours
• 100,001 – 200,000 Manhours
• 200,001 – 500,000 Manhours
• 500,001 – 1,000,000 Manhours

Submit here

Chapter Excellence Awards recognize outstanding NUCA chapters that support members, our industry, and their communities.

• Jeffrey Hanson Memorial Award- outstanding achievement by an Executive Director 
• Outstanding Contribution by a Chapter President 
• Legislative/Government Affairs Activities
•  William H. Clausen Award for Community Service 
• Workforce Development Chapter Award & Grant

NUCA's Top Job Project award recognizes challenging, innovative, or unique projects completed with excellent results. These projects represent the best of the best and these jobs illustrate the highest quality of work our industry has to offer. Six construction job categories are eligible for submission. NUCA members will vote online for the project submissions in January; the top three jobs selected in January will move on to the final round. The final round of voting will take place at the National Convention in Tucson, AZ by meeting attendees. The two final projects and the overall winner will be recognized during the Awards Gala & Live Auction program on Thursday, February 12, 2026. 

• Excavation/Site Development
• Gas Distribution
• Sanitary Sewer Collection/Storm Drains
• Trenchless Technology
• Water Distribution
• Water or Treatment Plant  

Submit your Project here