Sewer & Watermain Foreman

T Musselman Excavating; Petersburg; On-site; CAD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

T. Musselman Excavating is seeking a Sewer & Watermain Foreman to lead field operations on underground servicing projects with a focus on safety, quality, and efficiency.

You will guide a crew, interpret drawings, and ensure compliance with municipal standards while coordinating daily activities with Project Managers and Operations. Ideal candidates have 5–10 years in sewer/watermain crews and 2–3 years as Foreman, with strong leadership and communication skills.

Qualifications

• 5–10 years experience on sewer and watermain crews.
• 2–3 years in Foreman/Lead Hand role on sewer and watermain installations.
• Reading and interpreting drawings, servicing layouts and specs.
• Underground servicing knowledge including pipe installation, grading and backfilling.
• Familiarity with Book 7 traffic control, OPSS and OPSD standards.
• Valid G license with a clean driving record.

Responsibilities

• Serve as a working foreman on sewer and watermain projects, supporting the crew on site.
• Coordinate daily site activities with Project Manager and Operations.
• Ensure utility locates are on site, current and communicated to the crew.
• Interpret drawings, specifications and municipal standards accurately.
• Lead, train and mentor crew for safety, quality and productivity.
• Communicate with Operations/Dispatch for materials, equipment and manpower.
• Monitor site conditions; resolve issues with grade, alignment and soils.
• Maintain OHSA-compliant work environment and safe practices.
• Complete daily tickets, JSA, safety talks and inspections.

Skills

Hands-on leadership

Reading & interpreting drawings

Communication & coordination

Problem solving

Organization & prioritization

Health & safety knowledge

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Tools

Heavy equipment operation

Job description

The Company

T. Musselman Excavating is a local, diverse construction company dedicated to delivering high-quality projects and services in our community. With a focus on teamwork, innovation, and efficiency, we are committed to providing our employees with a collaborative environment to thrive and grow. If you have experience in the excavating industry, project coordination and consider yourself to be an organized/detail-oriented individual with a passion for the construction industry, this position may be right for you.

Position Summary

The Sewer & Watermain Foreman is responsible for leading field operations on underground servicing projects, focused on sewer and watermain installation in various reconstruction or new servicing environments. This role provides hands‑on leadership to the crew while ensuring work is completed safely, efficiently, and in accordance with project specifications and municipal standards.

The Foreman plays a critical role in coordinating daily site activities, interpreting drawings, managing production targets, and maintaining clear communication between the field, Project Managers, and Operations. This position requires strong technical knowledge of underground servicing, a proactive approach to problem-solving, and a commitment to maintaining a safe, compliant, and productive work environment.

A successful Sewer & Watermain Foreman leads by example, working alongside the crew, training and mentoring team members, and ensuring projects are delivered on schedule, within scope, and to a high standard of quality.

Duties & Responsibilities

• Serve as a working foreman on sewer and watermain projects, actively supporting the crew on site as required.
• Ensure all utility locates are on site, current, and clearly communicated to the crew prior to commencing work.
• Interpret and apply construction drawings, specifications, and municipal servicing standards accurately.
• Maintain a strong working knowledge of Book 7 traffic control, OPSS, and OPSD standards.
• Plan, coordinate, and achieve daily and weekly production targets in alignment with project schedules.
• Oversee sewer and watermain installation in a variety of environments.
• Lead, train, and mentor crew members to promote a strong culture of safety, quality workmanship, and productivity.
• Collaborate with the Project Manager to fully understand project scope, sequencing, and contractual requirements.
• Communicate daily with Operations and Dispatch to coordinate materials, equipment, trucking, and manpower needs.
• Monitor site conditions and proactively identify and resolve issues related to grade, alignment, soil conditions, and underground conflicts.
• Ensure all work is completed in compliance with applicable regulations, inspections, and quality standards.
• Complete all required documentation accurately and on time, including daily work tickets, Job Safety Analyses (JSA’s), weekly safety talks, and site inspections.
• Attend and actively participate in site meetings, inspections, and coordination discussions.
• Support and enforce all health and safety initiatives, ensuring an OHSA-compliant work environment.
• Operate heavy equipment and perform labour duties as required to support project progress.
• Perform additional duties as required to support project and operational needs.

Desired Skills & Experience

• Minimum 5–10 years of experience working on sewer and watermain construction crews.
• Minimum 2–3 years of proven experience in a Foreman or Lead Hand role within sewer and watermain installation.
• Strong hands‑on leadership skills with the ability to motivate, train, and mentor crew members.
• Proficient in reading and interpreting construction drawings, servicing layouts, and specifications.
• Solid understanding of underground servicing practices, including pipe installation, grading, trenching, bedding, and backfilling.
• Working knowledge of Book 7 traffic control, OPSS, OPSD, and applicable municipal standards.
• Strong understanding of health and safety legislation.
• Excellent communication and coordination skills, with the ability to work effectively with Project Managers, inspectors, and internal teams.
• Strong problem‑solving and decision‑making abilities in dynamic construction environments.
• Ability to plan, organize, and prioritize work to meet project deadlines and production targets.
• Valid G license with a clean driving record is required

T. Musselman Excavating is an equal opportunity employer. It is our policy to recruit and select applicants for employment solely on the basis of their qualifications, with emphasis on selecting the best-qualified person for the job. T. Musselman Excavating does not discriminate against applicants based on race, colour, religion, sex, national origin, or disability, or any other status or condition protected by applicable federal, provincial, or local law. If accommodations are required during the application or interview process, please contact HR at 519-634-1113 and we are more than happy to discuss how we can accommodate your needs.