Working Foreman

all-inclusiveJob Title: Working Foreman

Status: Full-Time, Non Exempt (Hourly)

Hours: Monday through Friday (hours)

Supervisor: Superintendent

Location: Office/Yard in Santa Maria, CA, with Job Sites across San Luis Obispo & Santa Barbara Counties

Pay Range: $30.00- $36.00 per hour, DOE

Certain projects undertaken by Joseph Engineering are governed by California or federal prevailing wage laws. When working on these specific public works or government-contracted projects, you will be compensated at the mandated prevailing wage rate, including applicable fringe benefits, for the exact classification of work performed.

Position Summary:

At Joseph Engineering, we are proud to be a family-owned and operated business. In recent years, we have experienced strong, intentional growth and continue to scale our operations. As we look ahead, we are expanding our team to ensure we have the right people and structure in place to support our next phase of growth, while maintaining our core values: Be Safe, Be Honest, and Do the Right Thing, the First Time!

The Working Foreman serves as a working field leader on excavation, grading, and underground utility construction projects. This role combines hands-on equipment operation and field production work with crew leadership responsibilities. The Working Foreman assists with coordinating daily jobsite activities, ensuring work is performed safely and efficiently, and helping crews complete projects according to plans and specifications. This position is expected to actively perform construction work while providing direction, guidance, and support to crew members in the field.

Core Responsibilities:

Project Execution & Planning

• Operate heavy equipment and perform excavation, grading, trenching, backfilling, and underground utility installation work as required.
• Lead by example through active participation in daily field operations and production activities.
• Ensure all work is installed in accordance with project plans, specifications, and contract requirements.
• Support production goals by maximizing labor and equipment efficiency while maintaining quality and safety standards.
• Assist in coordinating daily crew activities, equipment usage, and work assignments.
• Support the Foreman in executing project plans, schedules, and production goals.
• Plan work activities several days in advance and proactively identify upcoming labor, equipment, material, and utility coordination needs.
• Read and interpret construction plans, utility layouts, grade stakes, and project specifications.
• Verify work is performed accurately and in accordance with project requirements.
• Assist with locating utilities, verifying grades, and preparing work areas.
• Maintain a clean, organized, and efficient jobsite.
• Maintain accurate daily records including timecards, production quantities, equipment utilization, and field documentation.
• Assist with preparation of short-term work plans and look-ahead schedules.
• Maintain current project plans and support the preparation of as-built documentation as work progresses.
• Ensure no additional or out-of-scope work is performed without direction and approval from project management.
• Verify required tools, materials, and equipment are available to support scheduled work activities.
• Conduct routine inspections of equipment and report maintenance or repair needs.

Crew Leadership & Communication

• Foster a culture of teamwork, accountability, respect, and open communication among crew members.
• Conduct daily crew meetings to review work plans, safety expectations, and production goals.
• Provide clear direction, assign daily responsibilities, and monitor progress throughout the workday.
• Coordinate with crew members to maintain workflow, productivity, and quality standards.
• Communicate jobsite resource needs, challenges, and schedule impacts promptly to the Foreman and management team.
• Train and mentor equipment operators, laborers, and other crew members on safe work practices and construction techniques.
• Promote and exemplify company values: Be Safe, Be Honest, and Do the Right Thing, the First Time.

Quality Control

• Set and maintain high standards for workmanship and jobsite quality.
• Perform routine quality checks to ensure work complies with plans, specifications, and project requirements.
• Verify utility locates and underground markings prior to excavation activities.
• Ensure required project documentation, inspections, and records are completed accurately and submitted on time.
• Review and verify time-and-material tickets, delivery receipts, and related field documentation for accuracy.
• Support project documentation including daily reports, equipment usage, and production tracking as assigned.
• Assist in resolving field issues and adapting to changing jobsite conditions.

Safety Responsibilities

• Monitor trench safety, excavation practices, and jobsite conditions to ensure compliance with company safety standards and Cal/OSHA regulations.
• Participate in and support daily safety meetings and job hazard assessments.
• Perform daily pre-use inspections of assigned equipment and promptly report maintenance or safety concerns.
• Immediately report injuries, utility strikes, near misses, property damage, or other incidents according to company procedures.
• Ensure equipment is operated and maintained in a safe and responsible manner.
• Verify all crew members are utilizing required PPE and following established safety procedures.
• Ensure all crew members wear required PPE, including hard hats, safety glasses, boots, high-visibility apparel, and other protective equipment as required.
• Participate in required safety meetings, training programs, and certifications.

Client & Stakeholder Relations

• Maintain professional and respectful relationships with customers, inspectors, subcontractors, utility representatives, and the public.
• Communicate jobsite status, field conditions, and operational needs in a professional and timely manner.
• Represent Joseph Engineering and its values with integrity at all times.

Qualifications:

• Minimum 3 years of excavation or underground utility construction experience preferred.
• Minimum 3 years of experience leading or directing field crews preferred.
• Experience operating heavy equipment including excavators, backhoes, loaders, skid steers, or similar equipment required.
• Experience operating equipment safely around existing underground utilities required.
• Horizontal directional drilling experience preferred.
• Demonstrated ability to lead crews and coordinate field activities.
• Strong knowledge of trench safety, utility installation, grading, and excavation operations.
• Ability to read and interpret blueprints, grade stakes, and project specifications.
• Strong communication, problem-solving, organizational, and teamwork skills.
• Experience utilizing tablets or mobile devices for timekeeping, field documentation, photos, and project communication preferred.
• Knowledge of Cal/OSHA safety requirements and construction best practices.
• OSHA 30 certification preferred or ability to obtain.
• Gas utility safety training preferred or ability to obtain.
• High school diploma or equivalent preferred.
• Valid California driver's license required; CDL preferred.

Physical Requirements:

• Ability to work in active construction environments for extended periods.
• Ability to stand, walk, climb, bend, crouch, kneel, and navigate uneven terrain throughout the workday.
• Ability to perform physical labor and lift, push, or pull up to 50 pounds.
• Ability to safely enter and exit heavy equipment multiple times throughout the day.
• Ability to safely access trenches, equipment, and elevated work areas as needed.
• Ability to work outdoors in varying weather and environmental conditions.
• Ability to drive and travel between job sites as needed.
• Ability to work in loud, physically demanding construction environments.
• Ability to maintain visual and auditory awareness necessary to monitor jobsite safety and operations.
• Ability to wear required PPE at all times.
• Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the position.

This job description is not all inclusive. Joseph Engineering reserves the right to change job duties and essential job functions as required by business necessity. Applicants must be currently authorized to work in the United States on a full-time basis, without the need for sponsorship.

Joseph Engineering is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. All employment decisions are based on business needs, job requirements, and individual qualifications, without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran status, disability, or any other status protected by federal, California, or local laws. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Pre-Employment Requirements: Successful applicants must pass a drug screen and background check before beginning employment.

Pay: $30.00 - $36.00 per hour

Benefits:

• Health insurance
• Paid time off
• Professional development assistance
• Retirement plan

Experience:

• operating heavy equipment : 3 years (Required)

Work Location: In person

Salary : $30 - $36