Earthworks Foreman

Job Summary

The Earthworks Foreman manages daily excavation, grading, embankment building, backfilling, compaction, and site drainage operations. Core duties include interpreting engineering blueprints, assigning labor and heavy machinery, monitoring compaction and level accuracy, and enforcing strict Health, Safety, Environment, and Quality (HSEQ) protocols.

Key Roles & Operational Responsibilities

1. Field Supervision & Earthmoving Coordination

• Supervise and direct daily earthworks operations, including deep excavations, precision grading, embankment construction, backfilling, and structural compaction.
• Schedule daily field tasks, allocate equipment, and manage labor crews efficiently to meet strict project milestones.
• Manage the deployment and daily utilization of heavy earthmoving machinery (dozers, excavators, graders, compactors), reporting maintenance issues immediately.

2. Blueprint Interpretation & Quality Assurance

• Read, interpret, and implement construction drawings, survey stakes, and engineering specifications to guarantee accurate site execution.
• Monitor earthwork quality continuously, verifying proper leveling, structural heights, soil moisture, and compaction density compliance.
• Work closely with project engineers, surveyors, and quality control inspectors to resolve discrepancies and keep production aligned with plans.

3. Workforce Management & Subcontractor Oversight

• Lead, motivate, and manage site crews, equipment operators, and third-party subcontractors to maximize production while maintaining high work standards.
• Document and maintain accurate daily site logs tracking work progress, material delivery, labor hours, and equipment usage.
• Troubleshoot unexpected site conditions, soil variances, or weather delays, implementing practical corrective solutions quickly.

4. HSEQ Compliance & Risk Management

• Enforce all Health, Safety, Environment, and Quality (HSEQ) standards across the active job site.
• Conduct daily morning toolbox talks, verify the use of proper Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), and ensure safe trenching and excavation practices.

Foundational Capabilities & Prerequisites

Required Technical Profile & Academic Track

• Academic Foundation: Diploma in Civil Engineering, Construction Management, or a closely related technical field.
• Professional Experience: Minimum of three to five (3–5) years of direct experience running earthworks, heavy excavation, structural backfilling, and grading operations.
• Equipment & Crew Leadership: A proven history of supervising multi-disciplinary construction crews and heavy machinery fleets.
• Technical Literacy: Strong ability to read architectural/engineering drawings, coordinate with surveyors, and analyze site grading data.
• Safety First Mindset: Deep working knowledge of standard construction safety protocols, excavation shoring, and quality control systems.

Desired Technical Attributes

• Sector Experience: Prior experience working on complex infrastructure, major highway systems, large-scale civil projects, or oil & gas facilities is highly advantageous.
• Advanced Methodologies: Up-to-date knowledge of advanced soil stabilization techniques, continuous compaction tracking, and modern GPS-guided grading systems.

What the Earthworks Placement Offers

• Hands-On Leadership Impact: Shape the foundational landscape and essential infrastructure of large-scale, high-visibility structural developments.
• Dynamic Operations Fleet: Direct advanced, high-tonnage heavy equipment teams and skilled crews in an active production environment.
• Clear Career Progression: Build a solid professional portfolio within civil engineering management, paving the way toward General Site Superintendent roles.

Skills Required:

• Civil / Engineering / Cotm