Civil Foremen
Reports To: Civil Superintendent
Department: Civil Crew
Summary
The Civil Foreman leads a field crew in executing civil construction work safely, efficiently, and to the highest quality standards. This role bridges the superintendent’s direction with the daily operations of the crew, ensuring plans are communicated, resources are managed, and projects are completed on time and specification.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
Customer Relationships / On-Site Representation
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Represent Gross Construction professionally on-site through strong communication, jobsite cleanliness, responsiveness, and attitude.
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Serve as the primary on-site point of contact for the GC superintendent, inspectors, engineers, and other trade partners.
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Provide clear daily updates on progress, constraints, and upcoming needs.
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Make sound field-level decisions independently and escalate appropriately when impacts to scope, cost, or schedule arise.
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Proactively address minor issues before they become rework, delays, or formal disputes.
Blueprint, Scope & Layout Execution
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Review drawings, specifications, utility plans, grading plans, and upcoming work to ensure crews are prepared and aligned before execution.
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Understand scope boundaries and coordinate conflicts, missing information, or plan discrepancies before work begins.
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Verify layout accuracy including elevations, grades, offsets, benchmarks, utility locations, and control points prior to excavation or installation.
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Understand the intent of the plans and specifications, while applying practical field judgement to determine how the work will be executed safely and effectively in real-world conditions.
Crew Leadership & Development
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Train and develop operators, laborers, pipe layers, and grade personnel through hands-on teaching, coaching, and task leadership.
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Provide real-time feedback to drive improvement, accountability, and jobsite standards.
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Identify strengths and growth opportunities within the crew and create chances for team members to step up.
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Lead by example in professionalism, quality, work ethic, and core value behaviors.
Daily Planning, Organization & Productivity
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Plan daily execution based on schedule demands, manpower, site conditions, and required inspections.
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Ensure equipment, materials, pipe, aggregate, laser systems, and tools are staged ahead of production.
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Adjust plans proactively as conditions change (weather, access, delays, manpower issues).
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Maintain a clean, safe, and organized work area while sequencing work to prevent downtime and rework.
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Protect completed work from damage and coordinate efficiently with other trades.
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Keep crews working from a clear and communicated plan – not reacting all day.
Technical Specialty Execution (Earthwork, Underground Utilities, Site Development)
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Execute all civil scopes to specification and Gross Construction standards with a focus on safety, accuracy, production, drainage performance, and long-term durability.
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Lead field execution from layout through completion, ensuring work is built correctly the first time and protected until turnover.
Earthwork & Grading
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Deliver properly prepared building pads, parking lots, roadways, and site grades that meet design intent and compaction requirements.
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Verify existing grades, benchmarks, and control points before excavation or fill operations.
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Monitor cut/fill operations to maintain proper elevations, slopes, drainage, and material balance.
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Coordinate proof rolling, compaction testing, moisture conditioning, and corrective actions as needed.
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Maintain stable work areas and proper erosion control throughout construction.
Underground Utilities (Storm, Sanitary and Water)
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Install underground utilities accurately while maintaining safety, production, and inspection readiness.
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Verify utility locations, invert elevations, slopes, structures, bedding, and trench dimensions prior to installation.
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Ensure proper pipe handling, bedding, backfill, and compaction procedures are followed.
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Coordinate inspections, pressure testing, air testing, and other project-specific requirements.
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Protect existing utilities and immediately communicate unforeseen conflicts.
Site Development (Roads, Parking Lots and Civil Coordination)
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Execute site development work that meets engineering requirements, drainage intent, and owner expectations.
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Coordinate closely with concrete crews, utility contractors, paving contractors, landscapers, electricians, and other site trades.
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Verify curb grades, pavement subgrades, aggregate thickness, drainage structures, ADA interfaces, and tie-ins to existing improvements.
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Maintain quality control through final walk-throughs focused on drainage performance, grading accuracy, accessibility, and constructability.
Equipment Operation & Crew Coordination
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Direct safe and efficient operation of excavators, dozers, loaders, skid steers, rollers, graders, and support equipment.
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Coordinate operators and ground personnel to maximize production while maintaining safe working distances.
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Ensure equipment inspections, maintenance reporting, and proper operating practices are consistently followed.
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Promote efficient equipment utilization to minimize idle time and unnecessary operating costs.
Risk Awareness & Coordination
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Anticipate and prevent common civil construction risks including utility conflicts, failed compaction, incorrect grades, drainage issues, trench safety concerns, and downstream impacts to other trades.
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Coordinate proactively with engineers, inspectors, subcontractors, and other trades to reduce rework, protect schedule, and maintain trust with project partners.
CORE VALUES IN ACTION (How We Expect This Role to Show Up)
Selfless Leadership
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You lead from the front by setting the pace, tone, and standard on site
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You protect the crew and project by making decisions that prioritize safety, quality, and long-term results – not shortcuts
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You help the crew win by teaching, correcting, and stepping in when needed to keep the job moving
Open Growth
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You’re always learning – better excavation techniques, stronger planning, improved layout, better communication, and stronger leadership.
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You receive feedback from the superintendent or project team without defensiveness and apply it quickly
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You coach your crew in the field, turning mistakes into training moments instead of repeated problems
Work Hard
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You bring consistent urgency, effort, and focus – especially when conditions are tough or the schedule is tight
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You don’t let the day “happen to you” - you plan, push production, and keep the crew executing
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You stay engaged from layout to cleanup, ensuring the jobsite stays productive and professional
Ownership
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You treat the work like your name is on it – grades, utilities, drainage, safety, and final quality.
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You take responsibility for crew performance, jobsite outcomes, and the standard being delivered
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You don’t pass problems downstream – if something is off, you address it early and communicate it clearly
Direct Dialogue
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You communicate clearly and early about issues, constraints, or missing information before they become rework
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You hold the crew accountable through real-time feedback and respectful correction
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You give straight answers on progress and readiness so the superintendent can make informed decisions
QUALIFICATIONS
Core Values Fit (Required)
Selfless Leadership – Open Growth – Work Hard – Ownership – Direct Dialogue
Experience & Skill (Required)
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Minimum 3 years of civil construction experience
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Strong knowledge of earthwork, underground utilities, grading, and site development
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Ability to read and interpret plans, drawings, and specifications
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Strong understanding of grades, elevations, drainage, utility installation, and layouts
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Proven ability to coordinate crews, equipment, and multiple work activities
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Strong communication, organization, and jobsite leadership skills
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Commitment to safety, workmanship quality, and clean jobsite standards
Leadership Ability (Preferred / Strong Advantage)
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Prior foreman or field leadership experience (or clear readiness to step into a leadership role)
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Experience training, coaching, and holding crew members accountable in real time
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Ability to plan daily work, maintain production, and keep the crew aligned with the schedule
Technical Strength (Preferred / Bonus)
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Strong layout ability using laser levels, GPS, total station, or similar layout equipment.
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Knowledge of utility testing requirements, compaction standards, trench safety, and erosion control.
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Ability to identify constructability issues, drainage concerns, utility conflicts, and coordination risks before they impact production.
Licensing
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Must possess and maintain a valid driver’s license and clean driving record
WHAT SUCCESS LOOKS LIKE
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Crews execute from a clear daily plan instead of reacting throughout the day.
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Earthwork, utilities, and grading are completed accurately with minimal rework or delays.
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Grades, elevations, utility locations, and control points are verified before work begins.
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Equipment, materials, and manpower are coordinated ahead of production to maximize efficiency.
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Communication with the superintendent is proactive, with early warnings on schedule risks, utility conflicts, and changing site conditions.
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Work areas remain clean, safe, organized, and inspection ready.
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Customers, engineers, inspectors, and GCs experience Gross Construction as professional, prepared, and dependable.
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Crew members continually improve through coaching, accountability, and hands-on development.
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Civil work passes inspections, performs as designed, and supports downstream trades without surprises.
