Grading Foreman

Position Description

OPERATING ENGINEER - UNDERGROUND FOREMAN
Must be a Member of the Operating Engineers Union, Local 3
Compensation is in accordance with the applicable Collective Bargaining Agreement
CONSTRUCTION UNDERGROUND FOREMAN - JOB SUMMARY

The Construction Underground Foreman is responsible for supervising and coordinating field crews engaged in underground utility installation, including water, sewer, storm drain, and related infrastructure. This role ensures work is performed safely, efficiently, and in compliance with project plans, specifications, and regulatory requirements.
The Foreman leads daily operations by planning work activities, assigning tasks, and monitoring crew performance and productivity. They coordinate with project managers, inspectors, subcontractors, and other trades to maintain project schedules and resolve field issues. The role requires strong knowledge of excavation, trenching, shoring, pipe installation, grading, and equipment operation.
In addition, the Underground Foreman enforces safety standards, conducts site safety meetings, and ensures compliance with OSHA and company policies. They are responsible for maintaining accurate daily reports, tracking materials and equipment usage, and ensuring quality control of installed work.
This position requires strong leadership, communication, and problem-solving skills, along with the ability to read blueprints and grade plans. The Foreman must be able to work in physically demanding environments and adapt to changing site conditions while maintaining a focus on safety, quality, and production goals.

JOB FUNCTIONS
Essential Functions and Tasks:

Communication - Communicates by phone, radio, e-mail and in person with superintendent, operators, laborers, customers, inspectors and site sub-contractors; gives hand signals to operators, as needed; 20-40% per week.

Scheduling - Works with dispatcher and uses laptop computer to generate Daily Diary of manpower and equipment needs; continually monitors work progress to increase or reduce manpower and equipment, as needed; 5-10% per week.

Driving - Drives company pick-up truck to and from work sites; drives on-site to view all work areas; may do off-site errands for small tools or supplies; provides escort while engineers are roading equipment; may be in a truck for up to 5 hours per day; 10-40% per week.

Training/ Orientation - Reviews each job's specifications with individual workers; conducts daily pre-task safety plans; provides on-going training to crews, as needed; 10-15% per week.

Supervision - Communicates with grade setter and operators, as needed, to give feedback on work being performed; conducts informal and formal performance reviews; assures security of all equipment at end of shift; 10-20% per week.

Operates Equipment - Operates all types of construction equipment for training and demonstration purposes or in the absence of an operator; operates equipment to test for operational difficulties, as reported by an operator; moves equipment to and from staging areas to work sites, as needed; 1-20% per week.

Meeting Attendance - Attends management and training meetings, as scheduled; may be asked to serve on Safety Committee; drives or flies to off-site training and attends mandatory training, such as Safety, Leadership or CPR, as needed; 2% per week.

Documentation - Uses handwriting or computer to write Daily Diary (to track labor and equipment hours of operation); documents Safety Training, charges on delivery invoices and a variety of forms, such as:
Extra Work, Equipment Inspection, Employee Performance or Warnings, Incident Reports and Union Dispatch Confirmation forms; 10-15% per week.

Loading/ Unloading - Loads supplies and tools into pick-up truck and unloads at sites, as needed; hitches/ unhitches roller and laser trailers to pick-up to tow to/ from job site; signs out equipment and supplies; operates ramps and chain binders, as needed to secure the load; drives RVC roller off trailer; 2-5% per week.

Non-Essential Functions and Tasks:

Clean-Up
- May assist with sweeping or shoveling and picking up debris to expedite the job process or to assist workers; removes no longer needed grade stakes; washes pick-up truck, as needed; 0-10% per week.

Qualification Standards

• Education/ Training:
  High School diploma or GED, required.
• Certification:
  Valid California Drivers License, Class
  
  C.
• CPR Certification.
• Member of the Operating Engineers Union, Local 3

EXPERIENCE

• Minimum 7+ years experience in heavy civil or utility construction.
• Direct experience installing:
  • Water, sewer, and storm drain systems
  • Dry utilities (conduit, electrical, telecom)
  • Pipe laying, trenching, back filling and compaction practices
• Excavation & Earthwork:
  • Operating in and around open trenches and deep excavations
  • Understanding soil conditions, dewatering, and site grading
  • Experience with trench protection systems (shoring, shielding, sloping)
• Equipment & Crew Coordination:
  • Working knowledge of heavy equipment such as excavators, loaders,…