Civil Construction Foreman

Foreman - Civil / Underground Utilities Construction


Department:


Field Operations - Civil / Underground Utilities


Reports To:


Superintendent / Project Manager


Location:


Northeast Ohio


FLSA Status:


Non-Exempt / Hourly


Position Summary


The Foreman is responsible for overseeing field crews performing deep-utility trenching, duct-bank installation, and related site work on data-center and large-scale infrastructure projects. This role combines hands-on leadership, safety oversight, and coordination of daily field activities to ensure productivity, quality, and compliance with OSHA trenching standards and company safety policies. The Foreman serves as the primary field leader, bridging communication between the field workforce, project management, and safety teams.


Key Responsibilities


Crew Leadership & Daily Operations


- Supervise and coordinate daily work of equipment operators, laborers, and subcontractors.
- Plan, assign, and verify work progress to ensure production goals and quality standards are met.
- Read and interpret project drawings, utility plans, and grade stakes to direct crews efficiently.
- Manage layout and grade control for trenching, duct-bank placement, and vault installation.
- Track quantities, materials, and manpower for daily reporting.
- Verify that work complies with approved plans, specifications, and QA/QC requirements.


Safety Management


- Act as the Competent Person for trenching and excavation per OSHA Subpart P.
- Conduct daily Job Hazard Analysis (JHA) and toolbox talks.
- Ensure proper use of trench boxes, shoring, and personal protective equipment (PPE).
- Immediately address and correct unsafe acts or conditions on site.
- Coordinate with safety representatives on incident prevention and reporting.


Communication & Coordination


- Serve as primary on-site liaison between field crew, superintendent, and project management.
- Communicate daily production updates and field issues to supervision.
- Collaborate with survey and layout teams to maintain grade accuracy.
- Coordinate deliveries, inspections, and third-party utility locates.


Quality & Documentation


- Review drawings and specifications to identify potential conflicts before excavation.
- Verify duct-bank spacing, alignment, and depth before backfill.
- Maintain accurate daily logs, timecards, and equipment reports.
- Ensure as-built documentation and redlines are accurate and up to date.


Qualifications


Required:


- Minimum 5 years of experience in underground utility construction, including deep trenching, duct-bank, or site infrastructure work.
- Minimum 2 years of leadership or crew supervision experience.
- Proficiency reading and interpreting plans, profiles, and utility drawings.
- Trained and certified as a Competent Person for excavation safety (OSHA Subpart P).
- Current OSHA 30-hour certification.
- Valid driver's license and reliable transportation.
- Strong communication, organization, and problem-solving skills.
- Willingness to comply with drug and background screening per company and site requirements.


Preferred:


- Experience in data-center or mission-critical projects.
- Knowledge of GPS-grade control systems and layout verification.
- First Aid / CPR certification.
- Experience leading multiple crews or subcontractors concurrently.


Physical Requirements


- Ability to work outdoors in various weather conditions.
- Frequent standing, walking, climbing, and bending.
- Ability to lift and carry up to 50 lbs.
- Must be able to perform essential duties with or without reasonable accommodation.


Work Environment


- Outdoor, active construction environments with exposure to dirt, noise, and heavy equipment.
- May require overtime, weekends, or night work to meet project milestones.
- Projects located primarily in Ohio and the surrounding states.


Compensation & Benefits


- Competitive hourly rate based on experience.
- Overtime opportunities and project completion incentives.
- Health, dental, and vision insurance.
- 401(k) with company match.
- Paid time off and holidays.
- Training and advancement opportunities.