Underground Utilities / Earthwork Construction Foreman

The Underground Utilities / Earthwork Construction Foreman is responsible for overseeing daily field operations for underground utility, grading, and earthwork construction projects. This role provides direct supervision of field crews and subcontractors while ensuring work is completed safely, efficiently, on schedule, and in accordance with project plans, specifications, and company standards.

The Foreman serves as the primary field leader on assigned projects and works closely with Project Managers, Superintendents, inspectors, subcontractors, and clients to coordinate labor, equipment, materials, and production activities.

This position requires strong leadership, extensive field experience in civil construction, and a thorough understanding of underground utility installation, excavation safety, grading operations, and OSHA regulations.

Job Duties and Responsibilities

Field Operations & Crew Leadership:

• Supervise and lead field crews performing underground utility and earthwork construction activities
• Direct daily operations including excavation, trenching, utility installation, backfill, grading, compaction, and site preparation
• Coordinate crew tasks and ensure work is completed according to plans, specifications, and schedules
• Maintain production goals while ensuring quality workmanship and efficiency
• Conduct daily jobsite planning and crew assignments
• Monitor crew productivity and provide training, direction, and accountability
• Ensure proper use and care of company equipment, tools, and materials
• Coordinate with subcontractors, suppliers, and equipment operators on daily activities
• Read and interpret construction drawings, utility plans, grading plans, and specifications
• Identify and resolve field issues proactively to avoid delays and rework
• Provide weekly schedules to Project Management team

Underground Utilities & Earthwork Responsibilities:

• Oversee installation of storm drain, sanitary sewer, water, fire, and dry utility systems
• Ensure proper trenching, shoring, pipe installation, bedding, backfill, and compaction procedures
• Verify grades, elevations, slopes, and alignments are installed correctly
• Coordinate grading and earthwork operations including rough grading, finish grading, and soil stabilization
• Ensure compliance with utility company, municipal, and project specifications
• Coordinate utility tie-ins, shutdowns, inspections, and testing requirements
• Assist with layout and field measurements as needed

Safety & Compliance:

• Enforce OSHA safety regulations and company safety policies at all times
• Ensure compliance with trench safety, excavation standards, traffic control, and PPE requirements
• Conduct daily safety meetings and weekly toolbox talks
• Identify and correct unsafe conditions immediately
• Ensure crews maintain a clean, organized, and safe jobsite
• Report accidents, incidents, and near misses promptly
• Participate in safety inspections and audits

Communication & Coordination:

• Communicate daily with Project Management team regarding production, manpower, equipment, and schedule updates
• Coordinate inspections with City, County, utility district, and agency inspectors
• Work collaboratively with surveyors, subcontractors, and other trades
• Provide clear direction and expectations to crews and subcontractors
• Maintain professional communication with clients, inspectors, and the public

Documentation & Reporting:

• Complete and submit accurate daily reports including labor, equipment, production quantities, and jobsite activities on Raken.
• Track labor hours, quantities installed, and production progress on Raken.
• Document field changes, delays, and unforeseen conditions
• Assist with material tracking and delivery coordination
• Uploading of material and equipment tags on Raken
• Report equipment maintenance or repair needs promptly

Other Duties:

• Perform additional responsibilities as assigned

Qualifications and Requirements

• Minimum 5 years of civil construction experience with leadership responsibilities in underground utilities and earthwork
• Strong knowledge of underground utility installation, excavation, grading, and earthwork operations
• Experience leading crews and coordinating daily construction activities
• Ability to read and interpret civil construction plans and specifications
• Strong understanding of OSHA safety regulations and excavation safety requirements
• Experience operating or coordinating heavy equipment operations is preferred
• Excellent leadership, communication, and problem-solving skills
• Ability to work in a fast-paced construction environment and adapt to changing priorities
• Basic computer and smartphone proficiency for daily reporting and communication
• Valid driver’s license with clean driving record preferred
• Ability to pass drug test and background investigation
• Authorized to work in the United States

Certifications (Preferred/Required)

• OSHA 30-Hour Construction Certification
• Competent Person for Excavation/Trenching Certification
• First Aid & CPR Certification
• Traffic Control / Flagger Certification (preferred)
• Additional equipment or safety certifications as required

Physical Requirements

• Frequently lift and/or move up to 50 pounds
• Ability to work outdoors in varying weather and jobsite conditions
• Regularly required to stand, walk, climb, balance, stoop, kneel, crouch, and crawl
• Ability to enter and exit trenches, excavations, and heavy equipment safely
• Use hands to handle tools, equipment, and controls; reach with hands and arms (including overhead)
• Required vision includes close, distance, color, peripheral, and depth perception
• Ability to travel to various job sites as needed