Apprentice Pipe Foreman

At Merritt Contracting, we build more than just projects — we build careers.

Since 1995, our crews have helped us become a local leader in civil and concrete construction across Indiana. The Merritt Way means doing the job safely, delivering quality work, and moving efficiently as a team. We’re always looking for hardworking people who want steady work, respect on the job, and opportunities to grow.

Leadership and Management Accountability (LMA):

• Lead field personnel through accountability, career development, coaching, training, mentoring, and periodic performance reviews.


• Build a culture of safety-first operations, ensuring compliance with OSHA/IOSHA, company safety standards, and correct use of PPE, trench safety systems, confined space entry procedures, and lockout/tagout.


• Provide guidance in crew sequencing, ensuring tasks are delegated effectively across laborers, operators, and finishers.


• Serve as a mentor-to-lead — teaching both technical pipe installation methods (e.g., laser alignment, grade checking, pipe joining systems) and soft skills (communication, teamwork).

Execution & Quality:

• Be accountable for the execution, accuracy, and quality of pipe installation, trenching, backfilling, and compaction activities.


• Ensure compliance with project specifications, unit rates, and tolerances for utility installation (water, storm, sanitary).


• Coordinate subcontractors and suppliers for:
  
  
  
  • Pipe and fittings delivery
  
  
  • Specialty welding or sealing subcontractors
  
  
  • Equipment rental and fueling services
  
  
  • Conduct pipe laser setup, mandrel testing, air and water pressure testing, manhole vacuum testing, and trench box inspections.
  
  
  • Monitor backfill compaction per density requirements using nuclear gauge or approved methods.
  
  
  
  


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Planning and Scheduling:

• Manage and communicate a 3–5 day lookahead schedule, accounting for crew assignments, weather, and material delivery sequencing.


• Own the budget for your portion of the work — tracking labor hours, production units, rental equipment usage, and material invoices.


• Understand scope of work and support change order management with Superintendent/Project Manager.


• Anticipate and plan for logistical constraints — traffic control, haul routes, spoil placement, pump truck setups, and dewatering systems.


• Provide weekend/after-hours coverage as needed to maintain schedule compliance.


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Additional Duties:

• Oversee daily pipe crew operations, ensuring laser levels, transits, or GPS machine controls are used accurately.


• Supervise trench shoring/shielding systems and maintain compliance with OSHA Subpart P standards.


• Report workforce morale and productivity trends to the Superintendent or Director of Field Operations.


• Track crew output versus bid unit rates and recommend adjustments to improve efficiency.


• Ensure job sites are prepared for inspections, next-phase trades, and municipal utility coordination.


• Manage documentation: daily reports, time entries, safety checklists, and production logs.


• Function as a Lean Change Agent, encouraging continuous improvement and waste reduction.


• Lead by example — work alongside crews when needed to maintain production flow.


• Foster a team-focused environment where apprentices, laborers, and operators understand expectations and career paths.

Physical Demands:

• Lift, carry, and maneuver pipe sections, fittings, and equipment up to 50+ lbs.


• Work in trenches and confined spaces under varied environmental conditions.


• Perform bending, kneeling, crouching, and repetitive motions required for pipe laying and grade checking.


• Use hand-eye coordination and dexterity for operating pipe lasers, trench boxes, compactors, and measuring equipment.


• Stand and walk for extended periods across uneven terrain.


• Climb ladders, manhole access points, and occasionally scaffolding.


• Maintain physical stamina to meet the demands of high-production utility installation environments.

Why Work With Us

• Medical, Vision, Dental


• Long Term Disability, Short Term Disability


• Employer-Paid Life Insurance


• PTO Accrual & Holiday Pay


• 401k with Company Match


• ESOP Participation after one year


• Weather Time Off (bank where employees can save hours to use when work is delayed or unavailable due to weather conditions)

Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) Statement: Merritt Contracting is an equal opportunity employer and follows all state and federal laws regarding EEO and anti-discrimination. We do not discriminate based on race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, or disability. All qualified candidates are encouraged to apply. If you need accommodation during the application process, please contact our Human Resources department. Your application will be handled confidentially and in compliance with the law.