Earthwork Foreman

Earthwork Foreman

Department: Field Operations

Reports To: Superintendent

Location: Field

The Earthwork Foreman leads excavation and grading crews responsible for subgrade preparation, trenching, underground utility installation, pipe installation, DI and manhole casting in place, AB placement, and general site grading. The foreman ensures grades are accurate, site conditions are safe, and all work aligns with project specifications, especially when ADA compliance is required.

• Lead excavation and grading crews on tasks such as trenching, back filling, grading, and AB placement.
• Read and interpret plans and grade sheets to ensure proper cuts and fills.
• Use laser levels, GPS equipment, or grade rods to verify finished grade elevations.
• Coordinate with Superintendent for equipment needs, truck counts, and delivery timing.
• Ensure ADA slopes and ramps are prepped correctly to match specified grades before concrete or paving crews arrive.
• Coordinate soil compaction testing and prepare areas for inspection.
• Direct the safe operation of equipment including dozers, loaders, backhoes, and compactors.
• Identify and address site drainage issues or unsuitable soils during grading.
• Oversee installation of storm drain systems, including trenching, bedding, laying storm drain pipe, setting manholes and drop inlets (DIs), and ensuring proper alignment, grade, and compaction per plans and specifications.
• Coordinate inspections and testing of storm drain systems
• Ensure redline markups are provided for as-built documentation.
• Ensure jobsite safety including trench protection, traffic control, and crew compliance with PPE.
• Turn in daily production reports, timecards, equipment hours, and trucking tags to the office or Superintendent.

• 5+ years of field experience in related trade work with at least 1 year in a leadership or foreman role.
• Ability to read and interpret construction plans and grade sheets.
• Knowledge of ADA slope requirements and layout best practices.
• Strong leadership and communication skills for crew direction and coordination with management.
• Familiarity with equipment used in concrete, asphalt, or grading operations depending on crew type.
• Commitment to jobsite safety and team accountability.
• Valid Driver’s License.

• The Earthwork Foreman role is structured into three levels based on project complexity, grade control responsibility, and independence. All Earthwork Foreman levels are responsible for leading one assigned earthwork crew and executing grading, excavation, and underground work in coordination with the Superintendent.
• Earthwork Foreman 1 (Entry-Level Foreman) Leads an earthwork crew on smaller or less complex scopes such as limited grading areas, trenching, or basic underground work. Remains highly hands-on, operating equipment and performing grade checks while developing leadership, planning, and coordination skills under guidance from the Superintendent.
• Earthwork Foreman 3 (Senior Project Foreman) Leads an earthwork crew on large, complex, or high-risk projects involving extensive cut/fill operations, drainage systems, or tight tolerance requirements. Operates with minimal supervision, anticipates grade and soil challenges, ensures inspection readiness, and consistently delivers accurate, compliant work. This role supports—but does not replace—the Superintendent.