Summary of Responsibilities:
The Utility Foreman is responsible for leading and supervising utility construction crews in the installation, maintenance, and repair of underground utility systems, including water, sewer, storm drainage, force mains, duct banks, and related infrastructure. The Utility Foreman is accountable for the safe, productive, and profitable execution of assigned work while maintaining the highest standards of quality and compliance.
This position serves as the primary field leader for assigned crews and is responsible for planning daily work activities, coordinating labor, equipment, and materials, monitoring production, ensuring quality workmanship, and maintaining a safe work environment. The Utility Foreman works closely with Superintendents, Project Managers, Surveyors, Inspectors, and Owners to ensure successful project execution from mobilization through completion.
Taking Charge
Durr TAKES CHARGE in constructing strong foundations upon which to build. Our focus is to do it SAFE and to do it RIGHT - the first time.
Our vision is to make an IMPACT and to KICK ASS, INNOVATE, MAKE MONEY, HAVE FUN and REPEAT every day/all day. We hold every employee to this standard of “Taking Charge,” and we expect this behavior to drive everything we do.
The Take Charge Utility Foreman:
PLANS THE WORK – and Works the Plan!
- Thoroughly understands project plans, specifications, utility profiles, contract requirements, and scope of work.
- Plans daily and weekly activities to ensure labor, equipment, materials, tools, and subcontractors are available before work begins.
- Conducts daily crew meetings and pre-task planning discussions.
- Develops and communicates daily production goals and expectations.
- Participates in two-week look-ahead planning and weekly GAMEPLAN meetings.
- Coordinates with Superintendents, Project Managers, Surveyors, Utility Owners, and Inspectors to ensure efficient project execution.
- Identifies potential conflicts, utility clashes, access issues, and production obstacles before they impact operations.
- Maintains accurate daily reports, production records, quantities installed, and project documentation.
- Ensures crews understand project priorities and scheduled milestones.
SAFETY – It’s not a slogan; it’s OUR CULTURE!
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Be actively engaged in your project
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Be a MENTOR – educate and provide guidance for those under your supervision. We are counting on you to TAKE
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CHARGE and ensure a safe job site for all our employees.
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REPORT ALL SAFETY INCIDENTS AND NEAR MISSES IMMEDIATELY
QUALITY – Do it once; do it right!
- Ensures all utility installations meet project specifications, plans, and quality standards.
- Verifies grades, elevations, alignments, slopes, and utility locations before and during installation.
- Coordinates inspections and testing activities with project teams and inspectors.
- Maintains accurate as-built information and documentation.
- Performs ongoing quality control inspections and corrects deficiencies immediately.
- Ensures all materials installed comply with approved submittals and project requirements.
- Creates and manages punch list items until completion.
TAKE OWNERSHIP – It’s your job, own it!
- Takes full responsibility for assigned work areas and crews.
- Leads crews with professionalism, accountability, and integrity.
- Maintains positive relationships with owners, inspectors, subcontractors, and project stakeholders.
- Ensures equipment is properly maintained, inspected, and returned clean and serviceable.
- Verifies material deliveries for accuracy and quantity.
- Protects company assets, equipment, tools, and resources.
- Proactively resolves problems and escalates issues when necessary.
- Holds team members accountable for performance, attendance, safety, and workmanship.
PRODUCTIVITY & EFFICIENCY – The ROOT CAUSE of GREAT PRODUCTIVITY is GREAT PLANNING
Ensure our work is being tracked in HCSS and share our progress with the team - “Things that get measured get
done”
- Monitors daily production rates and crew performance.
- Drives crews to meet or exceed labor and equipment budgets.
- Tracks installed quantities and completed work accurately.
- Identifies opportunities to improve efficiency, reduce costs, and increase profitability.
- Evaluates means and methods and adjusts operations to improve performance.
- Ensures equipment and labor resources are being utilized efficiently.
- Coordinates work sequencing to minimize downtime and maximize productivity.
- Communicates production progress and challenges to project leadership.
- Supervises operators, pipe layers, laborers, and subcontractors.
- Provides ongoing coaching, training, and mentoring.
- Evaluates employee performance and provides constructive feedback.
- Recognizes and praises strong performance.
- Develops future leaders by teaching company standards and expectations.
- Builds a positive team environment focused on accountability and success.
- Promotes teamwork and collaboration across all project personnel.
The DURR Way:
Be Proactive
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Anticipate future needs and address them today (not tomorrow)
Be Accountable
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Take ownership of your actions and honor your commitments made to other
Speak the Truth
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Always be honest and share your thoughts to improve yourself and the team
Go the Extra Mile
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Do what it takes to get the job done right and safe the first time
Give Praise
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Acknowledge and celebrate the achievements of teammates
Be Part of One Team
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Build strong win-win relationships with all teammates
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
- Strong knowledge of underground utility construction methods and practices.
- Experience installing water, sewer, storm drainage, force mains, duct banks, and related utility infrastructure.
- Ability to read and interpret plans, profiles, specifications, and construction documents.
- Understanding of utility grades, elevations, slopes, benchmarks, and layout procedures.
- Knowledge of trenching, shoring, excavation safety, and utility locating requirements.
- Understanding of production rates, labor management, and cost control.
- Strong leadership, communication, and team-building skills.
- Excellent organizational and problem-solving abilities.
- Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced construction environment.
- Basic computer and reporting skills.
- Ability to effectively communicate with employees, management, clients, and inspectors.
Education and/or Experience:
- Minimum 5 years of utility construction experience required.
- Minimum 2 years of experience leading utility crews preferred.
- Heavy civil construction experience strongly preferred.
- OSHA 30 certification preferred.
- Valid driver's license required.
Physical Demands/Working Conditions:
This role operates in a business office setting. The employee is regularly required to sit; use hands to finger, handle, or feel; reach with hands and arms; and talk or hear. This role routinely uses standard office equipment such as computers, phones, photocopiers, filing cabinets, and fax machines. The employee is frequently required to stand and walk. The employee is not regularly exposed to outdoor weather conditions. The noise level in the work environment is usually quiet to moderate.
