Foreman And Operator

Job Title: Foreman & Heavy Equipment Operator

Location: Northern Virginia (travel required across the region)

Pay: $40-45/hour

We’re looking for a motivated Foreman & Heavy Equipment Operator to lead field crews on underground utility construction projects throughout Northern Virginia. This is a hands-on leadership role for someone who takes pride in quality work, values safety, and enjoys being a key player in delivering complex projects successfully.

In this position, you’ll balance field leadership with equipment operation, playing a critical role in planning daily activities, guiding crews, keeping projects on schedule and within budget, and maintaining strong communication with Superintendents and project stakeholders. If you’re seeking a stable, long-term opportunity with challenging projects and room to grow, this role delivers.

Note: This role requires regular travel to job sites across Northern Virginia and flexibility to work night shifts when required, particularly on federal projects.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and supervise equipment operators, laborers, and skilled trades to ensure work is performed safely, efficiently, and to a high standard.
• Communicate daily work plans clearly so crews understand priorities, expectations, and safety requirements.
• Coordinate closely with Superintendents to develop and adjust work schedules to meet project goals.
• Accurately complete and submit daily crew timecards.
• Monitor attendance, productivity, and performance; provide coaching, training, or corrective action as needed.
• Assign daily tasks based on project needs and individual skill sets.
• Ensure strict compliance with company policies, safety standards, environmental regulations, and project specifications.
• Promote a culture of safety, teamwork, and quality craftsmanship on every jobsite.
• Oversee and actively participate in the safe operation of heavy equipment, including excavators.
• Track job costs and assist in maintaining projects within budget.
• Identify, troubleshoot, and resolve field issues promptly, escalating when necessary.
• Report progress, challenges, and resource needs clearly to managers, engineers, and other stakeholders.
• Enforce excavation, trench, and confined-space safety practices, including proper use of trench boxes and atmospheric testing.
• Perform additional related duties as needed.

Required Skills & Experience

• 5+ years of construction experience, preferably in heavy construction and underground utility work.
• Strong experience in trenching, excavation, grading, and earthmoving.
• Hands-on experience with underground utilities and stormwater systems.
• Solid knowledge of excavation and trench safety best practices.
• Experience with trench boxes and trenching operations.
• Ability to oversee accurate grading and site preparation.
• Proven leadership skills with the ability to give clear direction and make sound decisions.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills.
• Comfortable completing electronic documentation using Bluebeam, Adobe, Microsoft Word, and Excel.
• Proficiency using an iPad and iPhone for job-related tasks.
• Ability to perform well in fast-paced, high-pressure environments.
• Strong problem-solving, decision-making, and conflict-resolution skills.
• Valid, state-issued driver’s license.
• Willingness to travel throughout Northern Virginia and work outdoors in varying weather conditions, including day and night shifts.

Preferred Qualifications

• Prior experience supervising underground utility construction crews.
• Experience working on projects at federal facilities, schools, data centers, hospitals, assisted living facilities, or large residential developments.
• Demonstrated ability to mentor and train crew members to improve safety and performance.
• Strong organizational skills for managing schedules, documentation, and timekeeping.
• Collaborative mindset when working with Superintendents, managers, engineers, and clients.

Why Join Our Team?

We offer more than just a job—we offer a career path. You’ll join a company that values safety, leadership, and professional development. We provide competitive pay, steady work across diverse and high-profile projects, and a supportive environment where your experience and input matter.

Benefits include:

• Medical, dental, and vision insurance
• Paid holidays and paid vacation
• 401(k) with company match
• Life and disability insurance
• Company-provided safety equipment
• Long-term career growth opportunities

Work Environment

This role supports underground utility projects across Northern Virginia, requiring regular travel between jobsites. Work is primarily outdoors on active construction sites with varying terrain and conditions. Projects may involve daytime or nighttime work, depending on project requirements. You’ll work around heavy equipment and excavation activities, with all required safety gear provided and enforced.

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 May 12, 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.