Excavation & Earthwork Foreman
Company Overview
We're partnering with a well-established Ohio-based heavy civil contractor specializing in large-scale earthwork moving, mass excavation, site grading, and related utility and drainage installations. Seeking a skilled Foreman to lead crews and supervise daily field operations on complex excavation and sitework projects across public, industrial, and commercial sectors.
Position Summary
As Foreman, you'll be the on-site leader ensuring smooth, safe, and efficient execution of earthwork and excavation scopes from planning through completion. You will coordinate crews, subcontractors, materials, and equipment (dozers, excavators, haul trucks, compaction equipment, GPS-enabled machinery) to meet production goals, quality standards, and schedule milestones.
This role requires hands-on field leadership, a proactive approach to safety and environmental compliance, strong communication, and the ability to build a collaborative, high-performing jobsite culture.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead and supervise daily jobsite activities for earthmoving, excavation, grading, trenching, backfill, and compaction operations.
- Direct field crews, laborers, equipment operators, and subcontractors to achieve production goals.
- Plan daily/weekly manpower, equipment, and material needs; coordinate deliveries and equipment moves.
- Verify work against plans, specifications, cut/fill maps, and staking; support GPS grade control workflows.
- Maintain accurate documentation including daily reports, production quantities, trucking logs, and punch lists.
- Coordinate inspections and ensure compliance with safety, quality, environmental, and stormwater controls.
- Communicate frequently with the Project Manager/Superintendent on progress, cost tracking, and scheduling.
- Champion a strong safety culture; conduct daily JHAs/JSAs and weekly safety meetings.
- Investigate and report incidents and near-misses in coordination with the Safety Director.
- Oversee SWPPP (Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plan) measures, erosion/sediment controls, and BMPs.
- Mentor and train crew members; promote skill development and leadership growth.
- Lead with integrity and accountability, modeling company values in all interactions.
- Collaborate with owners, inspectors, and stakeholders to resolve field issues and maintain workflow.
Qualifications & Skills
- Proven field leadership experience as a Foreman (or Lead Operator) in heavy civil earthwork/excavation.
- Ability to read and interpret blueprints, grading plans, survey stakes, and production schedules.
- Strong communication, problem-solving, and real-time decision-making skills.
- Working knowledge of OSHA safety standards, quality control, compaction/testing, and civil construction best practices.
- Proficiency with construction tools/software for reporting and communication (e.g., HeavyJob or similar, Microsoft Excel, Outlook).
- Familiarity with GPS machine control and grade checking is strongly preferred.
- Willingness to travel to project sites across Ohio and work in diverse weather conditions.
- Physically capable of lifting up to 100 lbs and performing field work throughout the day.
- Bonus: Experience with ODOT specifications and inspection processes; utility trenching/shoring; HDPE pipe installation.
Education & Experience
- Associate degree in construction management or related field preferred (or equivalent experience).
- Minimum 3-5 years of field experience in earthwork, mass excavation, landfill or heavy civil construction, with crew leadership responsibilities.
- Experience with HDPE pipe (fusing/installation), storm sewer, or watermain is a plus.
- Experience operating or setting Heavy Equipment is a plus
- Current OSHA 30 (as applicable to project environments), required or obtainable within a defined timeframe.
Benefits
- Competitive hourly rate/salary and performance-based bonuses.
- Health insurance (medical, dental, vision, prescription).
- Short- and long-term disability coverage.
- 401(k) with company match.
- Paid vacation, sick leave, and parental leave.
- Paid holidays and bereavement leave.
- Tuition reimbursement and career development opportunities
FAQs
Congratulations, we understand that taking the time to apply is a big step. When you apply, your details go directly to the consultant who is sourcing talent. Due to demand, we may not get back to all applicants that have applied. However, we always keep your CV and details on file so when we see similar roles or see skillsets that drive growth in organisations, we will always reach out to discuss opportunities.
Yes. Even if this role isn’t a perfect match, applying allows us to understand your expertise and ambitions, ensuring you're on our radar for the right opportunity when it arises.
We also work in several ways, firstly we advertise our roles available on our site, however, often due to confidentiality we may not post all. We also work with clients who are more focused on skills and understanding what is required to future-proof their business.
That's why we recommend registering your CV so you can be considered for roles that have yet to be created.
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