Utility Superintendent / Foreman

Utility Superintendent / Foreman

Read the overview of this opportunity to understand what skills, including and relevant soft skills and software package proficiencies, are required.

Pay: $100,000-125,000 per year, DOE

Job Type: Full-Time

Location: Greater Seattle Area

Work Location: In Person

About Elk Heights Excavation

Elk Heights Excavation is seeking an experienced Utility Superintendent / Foreman to lead field crews on underground utility and commercial excavation projects throughout the greater Seattle area.

We love what we do at Elk Heights Excavation, and it shows in our people and the quality of our work. We have been in business for 31 years , and that doesn't happen without integrity, teamwork, accountability, and a commitment to safety.

We are looking for a proven field leader who takes pride in their work, knows how to build and lead a strong crew, and understands what it takes to keep a project moving. This is a hands-on leadership position for someone who can confidently manage the day-to-day demands of underground utility installation while working closely with our estimators, project managers, subcontractors, inspectors, and clients.

The ideal candidate is an experienced utility foreman or superintendent who leads by example, communicates well, takes ownership of their work, and is committed to getting the job done safely, efficiently, and correctly.

Position Summary

The Utility Superintendent / Foreman is responsible for overseeing daily field operations and leading a crew of approximately 4–8 employees performing underground utility installation, excavation, grading, and related site work.

Our utility work includes the installation and construction of storm drainage, sanitary sewer, water, fire lines, dry utilities, and related underground infrastructure

This position requires a strong understanding of underground construction, site conditions, plans and specifications, elevations, equipment operation, crew management, and project sequencing. The Superintendent / Foreman will coordinate manpower, equipment, materials, trucking, and subcontractors while maintaining production, quality, safety, and schedule requirements.

While the primary focus will be underground utility work, this position will also provide field leadership and support for other company operations, including mass excavation, grading, footing excavation, and general site development.

What You Will Do

Underground Utility & Field Operations

• Oversee and lead a 4–8 person field crew performing underground utility installation and excavation.
• Manage and coordinate installation of storm drainage, sanitary sewer, water, fire lines, dry utilities, and related underground infrastructure
• Coordinate daily manpower, equipment, materials, trucking, and subcontractor activities.
• Manage utility trenching, excavation, bedding, pipe installation, structures, backfill, compaction, and restoration.
• Read and interpret civil plans, utility plans, profiles, specifications, and grade information.
• Understand and work with elevations, grades, slopes, and laser grading systems.
• Verify utility installations are properly located, graded, and constructed according to plans and specifications.
• Identify conflicts, unforeseen site conditions, and potential problems before they become costly issues.
• Coordinate work around existing utilities and other site improvements.
• Assist other company crews as needed with mass excavation, grading, footing excavation, and related site work.
• Maintain production and quality standards while keeping projects moving efficiently.

Crew Leadership

• Lead, direct, and motivate a 4–8 person crew while maintaining a positive and productive work environment.
• Assign daily tasks and responsibilities based on project priorities and crew capabilities.
• Set clear expectations for productivity, quality, safety, and job-site conduct.
• Train and mentor less-experienced employees and help develop future company leaders.
• Lead by example and maintain a professional attitude on the job site.
• Address field issues quickly and communicate important information to project management.
• Maintain accountability for crew performance, equipment, materials, and daily production.

Project Coordination

• Work closely with project managers, estimators, subcontractors, inspectors, general contractors, and clients.
• Participate in daily and weekly subcontractor and project coordination meetings.
• Coordinate inspections and work with inspectors to keep projects progressing.
• Communicate schedule changes, site conditions, material needs, and potential conflicts.
• Identify changes or unforeseen site conditions and communicate them to the appropriate team members.
• Help coordinate project sequencing to minimize downtime and keep crews and equipment productive.
• Maintain clear communication between field operations and project management.

Safety & Quality

• Maintain a safe, organized, and professional job site.
• Ensure crews follow company safety policies, OSHA requirements, and project-specific safety procedures.
• Promote proper excavation and trench safety practices.
• Identify and address unsafe conditions before work proceeds.
• Ensure utility installations and site work are completed according to plans, specifications, and company quality standards.
• Take ownership of job-site housekeeping, organization, and overall field conditions.
• Maintain a strong safety culture and hold crew members accountable for safe work practices.

Production & Documentation

• Establish and monitor daily production goals.
• Manage equipment utilization and minimize unnecessary downtime.
• Track labor hours, materials, equipment, trucking, and job progress.
• Complete accurate daily reports and field documentation.
• Communicate progress, challenges, and upcoming needs to project management.
• Help identify opportunities to improve production, efficiency, and profitability.
• Maintain accountability for crew performance, equipment, and materials.
• Monitor project progress and communicate potential schedule impacts early.

What We're Looking For

• 5+ years of excavation and underground utility experience.
• 4+ years of experience as a Foreman, Utility Foreman, Superintendent, or similar leadership role preferred.
• Strong understanding of commercial site development and underground utility construction.
• Experience with storm drainage, sanitary sewer, water, fire lines, dry utilities, and related underground infrastructure
• Ability to read and understand civil plans, utility plans, profiles, specifications, and elevations.
• Strong understanding of grades, slopes, elevations, and laser grading.
• Experience managing a 3–8 person crew and coordinating equipment, materials, and production.
• Experience working on commercial or large-scale site development projects.
• Hands-on experience operating excavation and construction equipment.
• Strong communication and organizational skills.
• Ability to identify problems in the field and develop practical solutions.
• Ability to work independently and make sound decisions in the field.
• Valid driver's license and acceptable driving record.
• Commitment to safety, quality, teamwork, and professional conduct.

The Right Fit

We are looking for someone who takes ownership of their work and understands that a successful project requires more than simply operating equipment or directing a crew.

The right person is dependable, honest, organized, and willing to get their hands dirty when needed. You should be comfortable working in a fast-paced construction environment, making decisions in the field, communicating with project stakeholders, and holding yourself and your crew to a high standard.

A proven track record of honest and ethical business practices , an enthusiastic attitude, and a willingness to learn and improve are a must.

At Elk Heights Excavation, we believe our reputation is built one project at a time. We are looking for someone who takes the same level of pride and ownership in their work that we do in our company. xhyhwjd

What We Offer

• Competitive pay based on experience and qualifications
• Paid Medical, Dental & Vision Insurance
• 401(k)
• Paid Time Off
• Company Vehicle
• Company Cell Phone
• Company Fuel Card
• Company Credit Card for approved business expenses
• Full-time, year-round employment
• Opportunity to grow with an established and respected excavation company

About the Opportunity

This is an opportunity to join a company that has been successfully serving the area for 31 years and values the people who make that success possible.

If you are an experienced utility foreman or superintendent who takes pride in quality work, knows how to lead a crew, and wants to be part of a team that values integrity, safety, teamwork, and craftsmanship , we'd like to hear from you.

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Job Type: Full-Time

Work Location: In Person