Traveling Superintendent

Job Description

Job Description

Traveling Project Superintendent

Brewster Companies Inc. is a family-owned and operated company that specializes in heavy civil and transportation construction. As a rapidly growing company, we are looking for employees with a strong work ethic and great personality to join our team. Brewster is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer with advancement opportunities and a great work environment.

Position Summary:

The Traveling Superintendent is responsible for the daily oversight and coordination of union laborers, operators, and subcontractors on heavy highway and civil construction projects. This position requires extensive travel to job sites outside of the local St. Louis Metro area, including overnight stays for extended and prolonged periods of time based on project location, duration, and schedule demands.

The Traveling Superintendent serves as the on-site leader for assigned projects and is responsible for ensuring work is executed safely, on schedule, within budget, and in compliance with plans, specifications, and regulatory requirements.

This role directs field crews, manages day-to-day operations, enforces safety standards, and serves as the primary point of communication between field staff, project managers, subcontractors, and owners' representatives.

This position is ideal for a superintendent who is comfortable working in the field for extended periods, adapting to different project locations, and leading crews on projects that require a significant travel commitment.

Travel Requirements

• This position requires regular travel to project sites outside of the local area.
• Travel may include overnight stays for extended durations, including multiple consecutive nights or weeks away from home, depending on project needs.
• The Traveling Superintendent must be willing and able to work on projects throughout Brewster's service area and travel as needed to support field operations.
• Work schedules may require flexibility in start times, workdays, and time spent away from home based on project schedules, weather conditions, and operational demands.

Benefits:

• Company Paid Medical Insurance for full-time employees.
• Dental/Vision/Life Insurance available after one month.
• 401(k) with competitive company match.
• Paid Holidays available upon hire.
• Paid Vacation accruals upon hire.
• Strong Family Culture – Family-Owned Business.
• Growth Opportunities – Promotions from within.

Job Duties:

Project Planning & Preconstruction

• Review all contract documents, specifications, drawings, and addenda prior to project start.
• Participate in preconstruction meetings with project managers, engineers, and ownership to review scope, schedule, and resources.
• Develop detailed short-term and long-term project schedules, manpower plans, and equipment needs.
• Coordinate with the Project Manager on procurement of materials, equipment, and subcontractor resources.

Field Supervision & Leadership

• Direct, supervise, and manage daily activities of union operators, laborers, and subcontractors.
• Assign daily tasks and responsibilities to crew members, ensuring work is performed safely and efficiently.
• Provide clear instructions, leadership, and guidance to ensure quality workmanship and productivity.
• Conduct daily huddles and weekly coordination meetings with crews to review safety, progress, and upcoming work.
• Act as a mentor and coach to field personnel, encouraging professional development and accountability.

Safety & Compliance

• Enforce strict adherence to company safety standards, OSHA regulations, and DOT requirements.
• Conduct daily safety inspections, job hazard analyses (JHAs), and toolbox talks.
• Promptly address unsafe behaviors, site hazards, or violations with corrective action.
• Coordinate with the Safety Director on incident investigations and corrective action plans.
• Ensure all PPE is properly used, and safety equipment is available on site.

Project Execution & Coordination

• Oversee and manage day-to-day job site operations, ensuring work is completed according to plans, specifications, and project schedule.
• Coordinate field activities with Project Managers, engineers, subcontractors, and suppliers.
• Verify that required permits, inspections, and submittals are in place before work begins.
• Track and verify pay item quantities, production rates, and material usage.
• Ensure equipment is utilized effectively and coordinate with Logistics & Equipment Manager for maintenance needs.
• Review submittals, RFIs, and change orders with the Project Manager and implement approved modifications in the field.

Scheduling & Reporting

• Develop, monitor, and update project schedules, adjusting manpower and equipment as needed to meet deadlines.
• Maintain daily logs documenting crew activities, weather conditions, equipment usage, and progress.
• Provide accurate field data to the Project Manager for billing, pay applications, and project reporting.
• Participate in weekly owner/engineer progress meetings and provide updates on status, risks, and mitigation plans.

Quality Control

• Monitor work for compliance with contract documents, IDOT/MoDOT specifications, and company standards.
• Inspect completed work for accuracy, alignment, compaction, and finish quality.
• Ensure that materials delivered to the site meet required specifications and certifications.
• Address deficiencies promptly and communicate corrective actions to crews.

Client & Stakeholder Relations

• Serve as the company's on-site representative to owners, engineers, architects, and inspectors.
• Participate in progress meetings, walk-throughs, and inspections.
• Communicate effectively with project stakeholders to resolve issues, address concerns, and maintain positive relationships.

Job Qualifications:

• Minimum of 3–5 years of experience in civil/heavy construction with progressive field leadership responsibility (union crew management experience strongly preferred).
• Strong knowledge of IDOT & MoDOT standard specifications for road and bridge construction.
• Proficiency in reading and interpreting construction plans, specifications, and contracts.
• Experience managing earthwork, utility installation, paving, grading, and structures on DOT or municipal projects.
• Knowledge of job costing, pay items, and production tracking.
• Strong organizational and scheduling skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities.
• Proficiency with project management/field reporting software (HCSS HeavyJob preferred).
• Valid driver's license; CDL preferred but not required.
• Ability and willingness to travel extensively and stay overnight away from home for prolonged periods based on project assignments.
• Ability to work in varying field conditions and adapt to changing project locations, schedules, and operational demands.

Personal Attributes:

• Leadership-Oriented: Provides clear direction, motivation, and accountability for crews.
• Safety-First: Prioritizes the health and safety of all personnel and enforces a strong safety culture.
• Detail-Oriented: Ensures compliance with specifications and maintains accurate documentation.
• Collaborative: Works closely with project managers, engineers, and owners to deliver successful projects.
• Decisive & Adaptable: Makes informed decisions quickly and adjusts to changing field conditions.
• Professional & Personable: Represents Brewster Companies with integrity and builds positive relationships with employees, clients, and stakeholders.
• Results-Driven: Committed to completing projects on time, within budget, and to the highest standards of quality.