Position Summary
The Landscape Construction Foreperson is a hands-on field leader responsible for guiding a crew through daily installation work on ecological landscape and water resource construction projects. This role supports project execution by organizing the job site, leading crew members, installing systems correctly, communicating field needs, and maintaining high standards for safety, quality, and professionalism.
The ideal candidate is a steady, practical field leader who can read plans, understand site conditions, motivate a crew, and help install durable systems that reflect Watershed Progressive standards for regenerative landscape construction and water conservation.
Essential Functions
· Lead daily field installation activities for assigned ecological landscape construction projects under the direction of a Construction Supervisor or Project Manager.
· Guide crew members in hands-on installation of irrigation systems, drainage systems, greywater and rainwater reuse components, native plantings, soil preparation, grading, erosion control, hardscape-related site elements, and landscape restoration work.
· Review daily work plans, project drawings, site details, and crew assignments; ask clarifying questions before work proceeds when information is missing or unclear.
· Organize tools, materials, equipment, plants, pipe, fittings, soil amendments, safety gear, and site staging areas to support efficient production.
· Support accurate layout, trenching, pipe installation, irrigation component installation, planting, mulching, erosion control, cleanup, and finish work.
· Train and coach crew members on safe work practices, proper tool use, quality expectations, site organization, and installation methods.
· Conduct or support tailgate safety meetings, PPE use, equipment checks, hazard identification, and incident reporting.
· Monitor daily progress and communicate field conditions, materials needs, crew needs, weather impacts, client/site concerns, and schedule risks to the Construction Supervisor or Project Manager.
· Track daily notes, photos, timekeeping support, material receipts, and other site documentation needed for project records.
· Maintain a clean, organized, safe, and respectful job site that reflects Watershed Progressive standards.
· Work professionally with clients, neighbors, vendors, inspectors, agency partners, subcontractors, and internal team members while representing Watershed Progressive in the field.
Required Qualifications
· 3 or more years of experience in landscape construction, irrigation, drainage, ecological restoration, sitework, habitat planting, or related outdoor field construction.
· 1 or more years of experience leading or training field crew members, seasonal staff, interns, or subcontracted labor.
· Ability to read basic construction plans, planting plans, irrigation plans, details, site maps, and field instructions.
· Hands-on experience with irrigation installation, pipe/fitting assembly, trenching, planting, soil preparation, drainage installation, erosion control, tool operation, and field cleanup.
· Strong work ethic, reliable attendance, punctuality for early field starts, and ability to follow through on daily production goals.
· Ability to communicate clearly with supervisors and crew members about progress, barriers, materials, safety, and quality concerns.
· Valid driver license, reliable transportation to assigned job sites, and ability to meet company driving standards where driving is an essential function of the role.
· Ability to work outdoors in varied weather, walk uneven terrain, lift up to 50 pounds, dig, bend, kneel, carry materials, and perform physically active field work with or without reasonable accommodation.
· Must be legally authorized to work in the United States. Watershed Progressive is not able to sponsor employment visas for this position.
Preferred Qualifications
· Experience with greywater systems, rainwater harvesting, stormwater BMPs, tanks, pumps, valves, low-impact development features, native plants, or ecological restoration work.
· QWEL, irrigation, stormwater, erosion control, equipment operation, first aid/CPR, or related field certifications.
· Class A driver license or experience towing trailers, hauling materials, and safely operating compact equipment.
· Spanish/English bilingual communication skills where helpful for crew coordination and training.
· Experience working in remote, rural, mountain, agency, school, tribal, nonprofit, or community-based project settings.
Regional and Travel Expectations
This position supports project sites throughout the Northern Sierra and Eastern Sierra regions. Regular, reliable access to assigned project sites is an essential function of the role. Candidates must be able to report to job sites as scheduled, including early-morning field starts, changing job locations, and occasional regional travel when business needs require it.
Success Measures for This Role
· Daily work is completed safely, accurately, and in alignment with supervisor direction and project plans.
· Crew members understand their assignments and receive practical field guidance throughout the day.
· Tools, materials, equipment, and job-site staging are organized and ready for productive field work.
· The Construction Supervisor or Project Manager receives timely updates about progress, barriers, safety concerns, and materials needs.
· Installation quality reflects Watershed Progressive standards for durability, ecological performance, and professional field conduct.
Job Type: Full-time
Pay: $68,500.00 - $80,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- 401(k)
- 401(k) matching
- Dental insurance
- Employee assistance program
- Flexible schedule
- Life insurance
- Paid time off
- Parental leave
- Professional development assistance
- Vision insurance
Willingness to travel:
Work Location: In person
