Civil Foreman

Ames Construction; Cedar Rapids (IA); On-site; USD 65,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

Ames Construction seeks a Civil Foreman to supervise field operations on heavy highway and civil projects in Cedar Rapids. The ideal candidate will lead crews, promote a safety-first culture, and ensure compliance with project plans and specifications.

Applicants should have experience in the Heavy Highway/Civil Construction industry and a strong knowledge of equipment operations. Regular work will be on-site with potential travel to various projects.

Qualifications

• Experience as a foreman or supervisor in Heavy Highway/Civil Construction.
• Valid Driver's License required.
• Ability to work outdoors in all weather conditions.

Responsibilities

• Supervise daily field operations and lead construction crews.
• Ensure compliance with safety regulations and construction plans.
• Communicate effectively with team members and project management.

Skills

Leadership

Safety compliance

Heavy equipment operations

Construction plans interpretation

Time management

Tools

Power tools

Construction equipment

Job description

Ames Construction has been building America for more than 60 years, and the people who work here are the reason we continue to succeed. We are a full-service, heavy civil and industrial contractor building critical infrastructure, including highways, bridges, mines, dams, rail, and more. Our teams take on challenging projects that keep communities safe, supply chains moving, and the country connected. At Ames, we are Fueled by Family and Driven by Ownership. That means we look out for one another, take pride in what we build, and take responsibility for our actions, our results, and the long-term health of the company. Guided by our core values of People, Team, Our Bond, Persistence, and Vision, we do what we say we will do, push through challenges and deliver work we’re proud of. When you join Ames, you’re joining a company built for long-term success, where skilled people, strong teams, and disciplined execution come together to build careers and a better future.

The Civil Foreman is responsible for supervising daily field operations and leading crews on heavy highway and civil construction projects. This role ensures work is performed safely, efficiently, and in accordance with project plans, specifications, and schedules. The Civil Foreman provides hands‑on leadership, assists with equipment and labor, and serves as a key link between field crews and project management.

Responsibilities

• Promote and enforce a safety-first culture on all job sites.
• Provide direct, on-site supervision and leadership to assigned crews.
• Review and interpret project plans, specifications, and work requirements.
• Work with project management to assist with scheduling and adjust daily work activities to meet production goals.
• Manage and oversee excavation activities for assigned crews.
• Understand and apply survey and grade staking.
• Complete daily foreman reports and ensure accurate and timely submission.
• Review, verify, and submit crew timecards on a weekly basis.
• Identify, analyze, and resolve field issues or unforeseen challenges as they arise.
• Communicate effectively with superintendents, project engineers, and other team members to ensure smooth operations.
• Perform other duties assigned by manager.

Qualifications

• Experience as a foreman or supervisor in the Heavy Highway/Civil Construction industry.
• Working knowledge of OSHA standards and safe construction practices.
• Strong familiarity with heavy equipment operations and construction tools.
• Ability to read and interpret construction plans and specifications.
• Ability to work outdoors in all weather conditions.
• Valid Driver’s License required.
• Proficient with power and non-power hand tools and construction equipment.
• Ability to frequently sit, stand, walk, crouch, kneel, climb, and periodically lift up to 50 lbs.
• Positive, team-oriented attitude with strong leadership and motivational skills.
• Strong time-management skills with the ability to multitask and prioritize effectively.
• High attention to detail with the ability to identify and address discrepancies.

Working Conditions

Projects will be located in Cedar Rapids and surrounding area; subsequent projects may be nationally based. Work is primarily performed on active construction job sites, including highways, roadways, and heavy civil infrastructure projects. Regular exposure to outdoor weather conditions—heat, cold, rain, wind, and dust—is expected. The position requires walking, standing, climbing, bending, and lifting in a construction environment. May require extended work hours, early mornings, nights, weekends, and occasional holidays to meet project schedules. Frequent interaction with heavy equipment, moving machinery, traffic, and construction hazards necessitates strict adherence to safety protocols. Travel between job sites may be required depending on project location. Use of personal protective equipment (PPE) is mandatory at all job sites.

Ability to pass a pre-employment drug test is required.

This job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities and activities may change at any time with or without notice.

Ames Construction is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or status as a protected veteran.