What are the responsibilities and job description for the Slab Superintendent position at Merritt Contracting?
About Merritt Contracting
At Merritt Contracting, we build more than just projects — we build careers. Since 1995, our crews have helped us become a local leader in civil and concrete construction across Indiana. The Merritt Way means doing the job safely, delivering quality work, and moving efficiently as a team. We’re always looking for people who take pride in their work and want long-term opportunity.
We are proudly an employee-owned (ESOP) company.
Position Summary
We are seeking an experienced Slab Superintendent to plan, organize, and lead commercial concrete slab operations. This role requires deep technical knowledge of slab construction and the ability to plan work well ahead of execution.
This is a leadership role for someone who understands subgrade preparation, reinforcement, concrete placement, finishing, curing, and jointing, and who can coordinate labor, materials, and equipment using two-week look-ahead planning. While this role may step in hands-on when needed, the primary responsibility is planning, sequencing, and execution, not just finishing concrete.
What You’ll Be Doing
- Lead commercial slab-on-grade and structural slab pours from pre-pour planning through completion
- Develop and maintain 2-week look-ahead schedules tied to pour sequences, manpower, and production rates
- Plan and verify subgrade preparation, including proof-rolling, moisture conditioning, compaction, and tolerances
- Coordinate and inspect formwork, edge forms, bulkheads, and elevation control
- Review and confirm reinforcing steel (rebar, wire mesh, chairs, dowels, embeds, anchor bolts) is installed per plans and specs
- Plan and coordinate vapor barriers, insulation, and slab penetrations
- Order, stage, and confirm availability of concrete, rebar, embeds, curing materials, and jointing materials
- Coordinate concrete mix designs, placement rates, pump vs. chute access, and truck spacing
- Oversee concrete placement methods including laser screeds, vibrating screeds, straight-edge work, and hand finishing
- Monitor slump, air content, temperature, and placement timing during pours
- Ensure proper finishing techniques for flatness and finish requirements (FF/FL, trowel finish, broom finish, hardeners, etc.)
- Plan and execute saw-cut control joints, construction joints, and expansion joints per spec and timing requirements
- Manage curing methods (curing compound, wet cure, blankets) to meet specifications
- Maintain quality control on slab tolerances, surface finish, and overall performance
- Coordinate inspections and testing (density tests, concrete breaks, slab flatness testing if required)
- Adjust manpower and sequencing based on weather, concrete set times, and site conditions
- Enforce Merritt safety standards and maintain a clean, organized jobsite
- Communicate clearly with Project Managers, field leadership, inspectors, and subcontractors
- Identify issues early and solve them before they impact schedule or quality
What We’re Looking For
- Strong experience in commercial concrete slab construction
- Proven experience supervising slab pours or leading slab operations
- Deep understanding of slab sequencing, production planning, and pour logistics
- Ability to plan labor, materials, and equipment at least two weeks ahead
- Experience reading and interpreting concrete plans, details, and specifications
- Knowledge of reinforcement layouts, embed placement, and tolerance requirements
- Understanding of concrete placement methods, finishing techniques, and curing practices
- Ability to coordinate multiple pours and crews efficiently
- Comfortable being hands-on when necessary, but disciplined enough to stay focused on planning and leadership
- Strong communication and organizational skills
- Safety-first mindset
- Valid driver’s license
This Role Is For Someone Who
- Thinks ahead of the work instead of reacting to it
- Plans pours instead of scrambling the morning of
- Knows how to balance manpower, production, and quality
- Understands that organization is just as important as concrete skills
This Role Is NOT
- Just a finishing role
- Just a hands-on screed position
- A “figure it out as we go” job
Why Work With Us
- Steady commercial concrete work
- Steady commercial concrete work
- Strong project management and field support
- Medical, Vision, and Dental Insurance
- Short-Term & Long-Term Disability
- Employer-Paid Life Insurance
- PTO Accrual & Holiday Pay
- 401(k) with Company Match
- ESOP participation after one year (employee-owned company)
- Weather Time Off
Pay Range
Competitive and based on experience. We are willing to pay for a superintendent who can plan, organize, and execute slab work at a high level.
Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) Statement: Merritt Contracting is an equal opportunity employer and follows all state and federal laws regarding EEO and anti-discrimination. We do not discriminate based on race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, or disability. All qualified candidates are encouraged to apply. If you need accommodation during the application process, please contact our Human Resources department. Your application will be handled confidentially and in compliance with the law.