Foreman And Operator

Job Title: Foreman and Equipment Operator

Job Description

The Foreman and Equipment Operator supervises field crews on underground utility construction projects, ensuring work is completed safely, efficiently, and in compliance with company procedures and regulatory requirements. This role combines hands-on heavy equipment operation with leadership responsibilities, including planning daily activities, monitoring performance, managing budgets, and maintaining clear communication with project stakeholders.

Responsibilities

• Supervise equipment operators, laborers, and skilled laborers to ensure they perform their tasks properly, safely, and efficiently.
• Communicate the daily work plan to the crew at each shift so everyone understands priorities and expectations.
• Work closely with Superintendents to create and adjust work schedules that meet project timelines and resource needs.
• Process and submit daily timecards for the crew accurately, completely, and on time.
• Monitor attendance and performance of crew members, addressing issues through training, coaching, or corrective action as needed.
• Allocate general and daily responsibilities to crew members based on project requirements and individual skills.
• Ensure all construction activities comply with company procedures, safety standards, environmental regulations, and other applicable guidelines.
• Provide leadership, training, and guidance to the crew to promote safe work practices, quality workmanship, and teamwork.
• Supervise the safe and effective use of machinery and heavy equipment on site.
• Monitor project expenditures and help ensure work remains within budget constraints.
• Identify and resolve problems and conflicts as they arise in the field, escalating issues when appropriate.
• Report project progress, issues, and needs to managers, engineers, and other stakeholders in a timely and accurate manner.
• Operate heavy equipment, including excavators and other machinery, as needed to support project completion.
• Promote and enforce excavation and trench safety practices, including proper use of trench boxes and adherence to confined space and hazardous atmosphere procedures.
• Perform all other related duties as assigned, whether verbally or in written form.

Essential Skills

• At least 5 years of experience in the construction field, preferably in heavy construction and underground utility work.
• Strong experience in heavy construction, including trenching, excavation, grading, and earth moving.
• Knowledge and experience with underground stormwater development.
• Knowledge and experience with underground utilities.
• Excavation safety knowledge, including best practices for safe digging and soil management.
• Trench box knowledge and experience with trench digging and trenching operations.
• Grading knowledge and ability to oversee accurate site grading.
• Ability to give clear direction and make sound decisions related to finances, company reputation, and crew members.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to complete forms electronically using Bluebeam and Adobe.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Word and Excel.
• Ability to effectively use an iPad and iPhone for work-related tasks.
• Ability to work in high-stress conditions and quickly changing environments.
• Strong decision-making, compromising, and mediating skills to resolve issues in the field.
• Valid state-issued motor vehicle license.
• Ability to work in varied outdoor conditions, including walking over jobsites in different stages of construction, in wet or dry conditions, and in hot or cold weather during both day and night shifts.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Experience supervising crews on underground utility construction projects.
• Experience working on projects in sectors such as federal facilities, education, data centers, hospitals, assisted living facilities, and apartment complexes.
• Demonstrated ability to coach, mentor, and train crew members to improve performance and safety.
• Comfort with working night shifts when required, particularly on federal projects.
• Strong organizational skills for managing schedules, timecards, and project documentation.
• Ability to collaborate effectively with Superintendents, managers, engineers, and other project stakeholders.

Why Work Here?

You will join a team that values safety, professional growth, and long-term career development. The organization offers competitive compensation, challenging and varied project opportunities, and continuous professional development. You will have access to a comprehensive benefits package that includes medical, dental, and vision coverage, paid holidays, paid vacation, a 401(k) plan with company match, life insurance, disability coverage, and necessary safety equipment. This environment supports stability, advancement, and the chance to build a rewarding career in underground utility construction.

Work Environment

This role is based on underground utility construction jobs across Northern Virginia, including projects at federal facilities, educational institutions, data centers, hospitals, assisted living facilities, and apartment complexes. Work is performed primarily outdoors on active construction sites, requiring frequent walking over uneven terrain and through jobsites in various stages of completion. Conditions can vary from wet to dry and from hot to cold, and work may occur during both daytime and nighttime hours. Core business hours apply, but flexibility is essential, as some projects—particularly federal jobs—are typically performed at night. The work involves regular exposure to heavy equipment, excavation activities, and construction-related noise, with appropriate safety equipment provided and required at all times.

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Sterling, VA.

The pay range for this position is $40.00 - $45.00/hr.

Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your job classification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may be subject to specific elections, plan, or program terms. If eligible, the benefits available for this temporary role may include the following:
• Medical, dental & vision
• Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital
• 401(k) Retirement Plan – Pre-tax and Roth post-tax contributions available
• Life Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and dependents)
• Short and long-term disability
• Health Spending Account (HSA)
• Transportation benefits
• Employee Assistance Program
• Time Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation or Sick Leave)

This is a fully onsite position in Sterling,VA.

This position is anticipated to close on Apr 30, 2026.

We know that finding work is hard, and finding meaningful work is harder. Aerotek connects 180,000+ light industrial and skilled trades workers with 14,000+ employers each year, helping our workers navigate an evolving labor market and find jobs that meets their goals, skills and interests. Since 1983, we have provided a variety of career opportunities across North American industry – from short-term assignments at Fortune 500 companies where you can build your skills, to long-term opportunities where you can play a vital role solving for companies’ construction, manufacturing and maintenance challenges. Our 1,500+ experienced recruiters across 250+ offices work relentlessly to put our workforce in a position to thrive. Let us rise to meet your challenges and put our people-are everything spirit to the test as your career continues to grow.

Aerotek offers weekly pay, employee benefits including medical, dental & vision, life insurance, health advocacy and employee assistance programs, a 401(k) plan, and employee discounts.

The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications without regards to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protected by law.