Excavation Foreman

🎯 Role Definition

This role requires a highly motivated and experienced Excavation Foreman to join our dynamic team. As a key leader on our project sites, you will be the driving force behind all earthwork, grading, and utility installation activities. You are not just a supervisor; you are a hands-on expert who will guide your crew to safely and efficiently transform raw land into a project-ready foundation. The ideal candidate is a master of their craft, capable of reading complex blueprints, operating a variety of heavy equipment, and inspiring a culture of safety, quality, and productivity. If you are ready to take ownership of challenging projects and lead a team to success, we want to hear from you.

📈 Career Progression

Typical Career Path

Entry Point From:

Lead Equipment Operator
Pipe Layer Lead
Grade Checker / Foreman-in-Training

Advancement To:

Site Superintendent
General Superintendent
Project Manager

Lateral Moves:

Safety Manager
Estimator
Quality Control Manager

Core Responsibilities

Primary Functions

Direct and oversee the day-to-day activities of the excavation crew, including equipment operators, pipe layers, and laborers, to ensure project milestones are met on schedule.
Interpret and implement civil drawings, blueprints, and site plans to establish layouts, grades, and work scopes for mass excavation, trenching, and backfilling operations.
Actively manage and coordinate the use of heavy construction equipment, including excavators, dozers, loaders, and compactors, ensuring optimal utilization and maintenance.
Enforce a stringent safety culture on-site by conducting daily toolbox talks, implementing all OSHA and company safety protocols, and identifying and mitigating potential hazards.
Monitor and direct all earthwork activities, including clearing, grubbing, stripping topsoil, and performing rough and fine grading to precise specifications.
Supervise the installation of underground utilities such as storm drains, sewer lines, and water mains, ensuring proper depth, alignment, and bedding.
Maintain constant communication with the Project Manager and Superintendent, providing detailed daily updates on crew progress, site conditions, and potential issues.
Complete and submit accurate daily field reports, including crew hours, work performed, equipment usage, and any incidents or delays.
Proactively identify conflicts in construction progress and communicate them to the project team for resolution before they become major issues.
Inspect all work in progress and finished products to ensure they conform to the highest standards of quality and adhere to project plans and specifications.
Manage on-site material logistics, including ordering soil, aggregate, and pipe, and coordinating deliveries to prevent project delays.
Train, mentor, and develop crew members, providing constructive feedback and guidance to enhance their skills and career growth.
Champion safe digging practices, including verifying that all utility locates ("811" or "One Call") have been completed and are clearly marked before any excavation begins.
Troubleshoot and resolve immediate on-site issues, whether related to personnel, equipment, materials, or unforeseen site conditions.
Coordinate excavation activities with other trades and subcontractors on-site to ensure a smooth and efficient workflow for the entire project.
Calculate and manage soil quantities, including cut/fill volumes, and plan for the efficient movement and placement of materials on site.
Establish and maintain benchmarks, grade stakes, and other control points to guide construction operations accurately.
Ensure the job site is kept clean, organized, and secure at the end of each workday to maintain a professional and safe environment.
Read and understand geotechnical reports to anticipate challenges related to soil conditions, groundwater, and rock.
Operate heavy equipment as needed to assist the crew, fill in for an absent operator, or perform complex tasks requiring expert skill.

Secondary Functions

Assist the project management team and estimators with constructability reviews and planning during the pre-construction phase.
Participate in project planning meetings and contribute expert insights on excavation sequencing, duration, and resource allocation.
Mentor junior operators and laborers, fostering a pipeline of skilled talent within the organization.
Perform basic preventative maintenance and daily inspections on heavy equipment to minimize downtime.

Required Skills & Competencies

Hard Skills (Technical)

Blueprint & Plan Reading: Advanced proficiency in interpreting civil engineering drawings, site plans, grading plans, and utility layouts.
Heavy Equipment Operation: Expert-level ability to operate a wide range of excavation equipment, including excavators, dozers, loaders, and graders.
Grading & Site Layout: Mastery of setting, checking, and maintaining grade using laser levels, GPS systems (Topcon/Trimble), and traditional survey methods.
Underground Utility Knowledge: Deep understanding of installation methods, materials, and safety protocols for storm, sewer, and water systems.
Soil Identification & Compaction: Strong knowledge of different soil types, their properties, and the correct methods for achieving required compaction densities.
OSHA & Site Safety: In-depth knowledge of OSHA construction standards, particularly regarding trenching, shoring, and excavation safety (OSHA 30 preferred).
Project Documentation: Proficiency in completing detailed daily logs, timecards, incident reports, and material tracking sheets.
Mass Earthwork Calculation: Ability to perform basic cut-and-fill calculations and manage site balancing for efficient material handling.
Competent Person Training: Certification or ability to be certified as a "Competent Person" for trenching and excavation safety.
Basic Equipment Maintenance: Ability to perform routine daily checks and minor troubleshooting on heavy machinery.

Soft Skills

Leadership & Crew Management: Proven ability to lead, motivate, and manage a diverse construction crew effectively.
Problem-Solving: Strong critical thinking skills to quickly identify and resolve on-site challenges under pressure.
Communication: Excellent verbal communication skills for coordinating with crews, managers, inspectors, and other subcontractors.
Time Management: Exceptional organizational skills to prioritize tasks and manage project schedules in a fast-paced environment.
Safety-First Mindset: An unwavering commitment to creating and maintaining the safest possible work environment.
Adaptability: Flexibility to adjust plans based on weather, unforeseen site conditions, or changes in project scope.

Education & Experience

Educational Background

Minimum Education:

High School Diploma or GED equivalent.

Preferred Education:

Certificate or degree from a vocational or technical college in Construction Management, Civil Technology, or a related discipline.

Relevant Fields of Study:

Construction Management
Civil Engineering Technology

Experience Requirements

Typical Experience Range:
A minimum of 5-7 years of progressive experience in civil construction and earthwork, with at least 2-3 years serving in a supervisory or lead-hand role on excavation projects.

Preferred:
Demonstrated experience leading crews on large-scale commercial, municipal, or subdivision development projects from start to finish. Verifiable project history showcasing a strong safety record and on-time, on-budget performance.