Foreman - Underground Utilities

Cogent Talent Solutions•Cleveland, OH

About The Position

The Underground Utility General Foreman leads underground wet-utility crews and is accountable for field production, coordination, and daily execution. The role delivers underground wet-utility projects safely, correctly, and on schedule by planning daily work, setting production goals, coordinating manpower and equipment, ensuring materials and inspections are ready, and maintaining accountability across field personnel. The General Foreman anticipates needs and obstacles, organizes crews and equipment, and sustains productivity without compromising safety or workmanship. The role oversees underground wet-utility work from mobilization through completion, including water mains, fire mains, sanitary sewer, storm sewer, hydrants, valves, vaults, and related systems. Success requires a field leader who knows daily production targets and job progress, anticipates material needs, keeps equipment working, identifies issues before they cause delays, and maintains safety and quality while driving production.

Requirements

At least 10 years of underground wet-utility or heavy-civil experience.
Proven ability to manage crews, equipment, materials, inspections, and daily production.
Strong knowledge of ductile iron, C900/C909, MJ fittings, restraints, valves, hydrants, bedding and backfill, and utility installation practices.
Ability to read plans, understand elevations and grades, and plan work efficiently.
Effective communication with field teams, inspectors, project managers, and general contractors.

Nice To Haves

Strong field leadership experience.
Experience with underground utility, site, water/sewer, or fire-main contractors.

Responsibilities

Lead underground wet-utility projects from mobilization through completion.
Establish daily and weekly production targets and ensure crews meet them.
Coordinate plumbers and pipefitters, operators, laborers, subcontractors, and equipment.
Plan work sequences, manage job pacing, and minimize downtime.
Oversee installation of water mains, fire mains, sanitary sewer, storm sewer, hydrants, valves, vaults, and related systems.
Enforce trench safety, competent-person requirements, and OSHA standards.
Ensure proper bedding, installation, restraint, backfill, compaction, and grade control.
Review drawings and specifications, and promptly communicate field conditions and schedule impacts.
Maintain workmanship standards while driving production and meeting schedule goals.
Anticipate material needs, keep equipment working, and identify potential issues before they cause delays.