Underground Utility Foreman

OVERVIEW

Under the direction of the Construction Supervisor, the Underground Utility Foreman is responsible for the overall coordination and execution of assigned underground utility construction projects, including trenching, excavation, pipe laying, and grading. This position directs and supervises heavy equipment operators, pipelayers, and laborers to ensure projects are completed safely, on schedule, and to a quality of work consistent with company standards and applicable Cal/OSHA and municipal inspection requirements. Work is performed outdoors year-round as part of a construction crew, with travel to company facilities and job sites throughout the Central Valley.

Work Schedule is Monday - Friday 6:00am - 2:30pm (Summer Hours) / 7:00am - 3:30pm (Non-Summer Hours).  Some overtime and weekend work may be required.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Supervise and coordinate heavy equipment operators, pipelayers, and laborers to meet daily production goals.
• Direct trenching, excavation, shoring, pipe laying, and grading operations while ensuring precise line and grade.
• Enforce OSHA and Cal/OSHA regulations, conduct site safety meetings, and maintain certification as a “Competent Person” for trenching and shoring.
• Read and interpret complex blueprints, specifications, and grade plans to ensure infrastructure passes city and state inspections.
• Safely operate and perform minor maintenance on heavy equipment of various sizes and weights used in hauling, digging, backfilling, and final grading.
• Fit and install steel pipe in accordance with project specifications.
• Read and follow layout diagrams and materials lists; verify quantities and coordinate material needs with the project team.
• Travel to company facilities and job sites throughout the Central Valley as assigned.
• Work overtime as needed, including occasional weekend work based on business needs.
• Comply with all company policies and procedures, safety requirements, and applicable federal, state, and local laws.
• Perform other related duties as assigned by supervisor or management

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• High school diploma or equivalent (HS/GED).
• 3 to 5 years of heavy civil or underground utility construction experience, often with prior supervisory or pipelaying duties.
• Valid Class A Commercial Driver's License (CDL) required.
• OSHA 10 or 30, and Competent Person/Confined Space certifications. 
• Ability to read and understand construction drainage plans, layout diagrams, and materials lists.
• Ability to independently handle multiple work projects while setting priorities and exercising flexibility where necessary.
• Ability to work in the elements and long hours or additional days to meet deadlines or weather conditions.

PREFERRED EXPERIENCE

• Experience with GPS/laser grading systems.
• Prior formal supervisory or crew-lead training.
• Experience mentoring or training junior crew members.
• Bilingual (English/Spanish) a plus.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

• Strong leadership presence with sound judgment under pressure.
• Reliable and accountable, with a safety-first mindset and ownership of project outcomes.
• Excellent communication skills.
• Working knowledge of trench safety, shoring, and shielding systems.
• Ability to establish and maintain cooperative working relationships across diverse age, ethnic, cultural, and socio-economic backgrounds.
• Extensive experience with steel pipe fitting and heavy equipment operation.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. This is heavy physical work.

• Lift and carry up to 50+ lbs.
• Stand and walk for the majority of the shift, including on uneven or slippery surfaces.
• Frequent bending, stooping, kneeling, squatting, twisting, and reaching.
• Repetitive hand and arm motion; gripping and handling of tools and materials throughout the shift.
• Enter and exit excavations/trenches, including use of ladders; climb on and off equipment.
• Work in confined spaces and maintain balance on uneven or sloped terrain.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

Work is performed in an outdoor construction environment year-round in Central Valley conditions, including extreme heat (100°F+) and cold, with exposure to dust (including respirable crystalline silica), noise, vibration, wet/caustic concrete, form release agents and other chemicals, moving machinery and equipment, and uneven, slippery, or muddy surfaces. Equipment used includes excavators, trenchers, backhoes, and compactors; pipefitting and hand tools; GPS/laser grading equipment; two-way radio; company vehicle; and required personal protective equipment (safety glasses, gloves, hard hat, hearing protection, high-visibility clothing, and other PPE as required).

COMPENSATION AND CLASSIFICATION

This is a full-time, non-exempt, hourly position eligible for overtime in accordance with California law. Meal and rest periods are provided in accordance with California law. This position has no signature, purchasing, or credit card authority. This position has supervisory responsibility over assigned crew members (Heavy Equipment Operators, Pipelayers, and Laborers). Benefit eligibility is determined by hours worked and company policy.

DISCLAIMER

This job description is intended to describe the general nature and level of work performed by employees in this position. It is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties, responsibilities, or qualifications, and duties may change at any time with or without notice based on business needs. Employment with Derrel's Mini Storage, Inc. is at-will. Derrel's Mini Storage, Inc. is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all qualified applicants without regard to any characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law. Applicants requiring a reasonable accommodation to participate in the application or interview process should contact the Recruiting Team at [email protected].