Wet Utility Foreman

Position Overview

We are seeking an experienced, safety-focused Wet Utility Foreman to lead field crews on underground utility construction projects in the Maryland / DMV / Baltimore region. This hands-on leadership role is responsible for the safe, high-quality, and efficient installation of water mains, sanitary sewer, and storm drain systems, including fittings, valves, hydrants, manholes, and related appurtenances. The Wet Utility Foreman reports to the Superintendent and works closely with Project Managers to deliver projects on schedule, within budget, and to specification.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and supervise crews (typically 6–12 workers) performing water main, sanitary sewer, and storm drain installation, including excavation support, pipe laying, bedding, backfill, and testing.
• Interpret plans, profiles, specifications, and cut sheets; verify elevations, alignments, grades, and slopes using lasers, levels, and GPS as required.
• Oversee trench safety, shoring/trench boxes, competent-person duties, and safe entry/exit practices for all excavations.
• Direct accurate installation of ductile iron, PVC, HDPE, RCP, and other pipe materials; ensure proper jointing, restraint, bedding, and compaction.
• Coordinate installation of fittings, valves, hydrants, manholes, catch basins, cleanouts, and specialty appurtenances; verify materials are staged and ready.
• Plan daily production, assign tasks, coordinate equipment and materials, and maintain look-ahead schedules so crews stay productive.
• Enforce OSHA, company, and site-specific safety rules; conduct documented daily briefings and hazard assessments; exercise and support stop-work authority.
• Complete accurate daily reports, timesheets (with correct cost codes), production quantities, and quality documentation by required deadlines.
• Train, mentor, and evaluate crew members (operators, pipelayers, laborers); foster accountability, craftsmanship, and continuous improvement.
• Coordinate with inspectors, engineers, other trades, utility companies, and the Superintendent on sequencing, conflicts, and issue resolution.
• Support related civil work as needed (grading, stormwater BMPs, concrete structures tied to utility systems).

Required Qualifications

• 5 years progressive experience in heavy civil / underground utilities construction (water, sanitary sewer, storm drain).
• 2 years in a supervisory or working-foreman capacity leading crews on wet utility projects.
• Strong working knowledge of trench safety, sloping/benching, trench boxes, shoring, and competent-person principles.
• Proven ability to install pipe to grade and alignment using laser, GPS, or traditional methods with minimal rework.
• Ability to read and interpret civil drawings, profiles, cut sheets, and specifications.
• Valid driver’s license with clean record; reliable transportation to job sites across Maryland / DMV.
• OSHA 30 preferred; excavation competent-person training required or obtainable within 90 days.
• High school diploma or GED required.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience on Maryland public-works / municipal wet utility projects and familiarity with local agency or SHA standards.
• Proficiency with multiple pipe materials (DI, PVC, HDPE, RCP) and joint restraint systems.
• Experience with manhole, hydrant, valve vault, and structure installation.
• Ability to operate or direct excavators, loaders, and compactors when needed.
• Proficiency with daily reporting software (Procore or similar).
• Bilingual (English/Spanish) a strong asset on many crews.

Equal Opportunity Employer
Pessoa Construction Company is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All applicants will be considered for employment without attention to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran, or disability status. All candidates are subject to pre-employment drug screening. Background checks are performed when working on contracts that require them. We encourage candidates from all backgrounds to apply.

Pay: $78,000.00 - $104,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• Dental insurance
• Health insurance
• Paid time off
• Retirement plan

Experience:

• heavy civil / underground utilities construction: 5 years (Required)
• supervisory or working-foreman: 1 year (Required)

Language:

• Spanish (Preferred)

License/Certification:

• OSHA 30 (Preferred)

Shift availability:

• Day Shift (Preferred)
• Night Shift (Preferred)

Ability to Commute:

• Capitol Heights, MD 20743 (Required)

Work Location: In person

Salary : $78,000 - $104,000