Construction Foreman JN -092026-180935

Goodwin Recruiting; Elmhurst (IL); On-site; USD 44,000 - 51,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

PTO and paid holidays

401(k) participation

Job summary

Goodwin Recruiting is seeking an experienced Construction Foreman to lead landscape construction and outdoor living installations. This hands-on role combines field leadership with planning, coordination, and problem solving to keep projects moving and crews productive.

The Foreman will supervise a three-person crew, review plans, manage materials and equipment, and communicate with project leadership to ensure quality work and client satisfaction.

Qualifications

• Functional leadership and coaching of a three-person crew in landscape construction.
• Ability to interpret and review landscape plans and execute tasks safely and efficiently.
• Strong communication with project leadership and the office.
• Experience operating and coordinating construction equipment on site.

Responsibilities

• Lead a typical three-person crew on landscape projects.
• Interpret construction and landscape plans and ensure quality, safety, and productivity.
• Coordinate daily work with the PM/Project Lead and prep next-day tasks.
• Train crew members in proper techniques and ensure a professional jobsite.

Skills

Leadership

Communication

Team management

Tools

Skid steers

Compact excavators

Loaders

Trenchers

Dump trucks

Trailers

Other landscape equipment

Job description

Construction Foreman

We are seeking an experienced, hands-on Construction Foreman to lead landscape construction and outdoor living installations from the jobsite. This is a working field-leadership position for someone who combines strong technical construction skills with organization, communication, and the ability to coach and lead a crew. The ideal candidate is a player-coach who is comfortable working with their hands while also planning the work, solving problems, coordinating materials, and keeping the project moving.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead a typical three-person construction crew on landscape construction projects.
• Interpret and carefully review construction and landscape plans.
• Execute daily project tasks while maintaining quality, safety, and productivity.
• Determine grades, elevations, steps, layouts, and other technical construction details.
• Coordinate daily work with the Construction Project Manager/Project Lead.
• Help determine the next day's tasks and ensure the crew, truck, tools, equipment, and materials are prepared.
• Communicate upcoming material and equipment needs well in advance.
• Coordinate deliveries and ensure materials arrive when needed.
• Provide regular progress updates to the project leadership team.
• Communicate jobsite issues quickly and clearly to the office.
• Respond professionally to client questions and concerns at the jobsite.
• Escalate change orders, design questions, and significant client requests to project leadership.
• Train and develop crew members in proper construction techniques and expectations.
• Monitor crew performance and communicate personnel concerns to management.
• Maintain a safe, organized, and professional jobsite.
• Operate construction equipment and vehicles as needed.
• Perform hands-on construction work alongside the crew.
• Support winter operations and snow work when available and required.
• Perform other duties necessary to successfully complete projects.

Required Technical Experience

• Hardscape installation
• Patios and pavers
• Stone retaining walls
• Outdoor kitchens
• Fireplaces and fire pits
• Landscape lighting
• Grading and drainage
• Planting
• Irrigation repair
• Trenching and conduit
• Low-voltage systems
• Drainage pipe
• Water lines
• Gas-line preparation/coordination
• Electrical coordination
• Jobsite layout
• Equipment operation
• Landscape construction

Equipment Experience

• Skid steers
• Compact excavators
• Loaders
• Trenchers
• Dump trucks
• Trailers
• Other landscape construction equipment

A CDL is not required. A Class C license is encouraged. A Class A CDL with combination/air-brake qualifications would be a significant plus.

Leadership & Communication

• Leads by example.
• Communicates clearly with the crew and office.
• Trains employees and develops their skills.
• Holds crew members accountable while maintaining a positive working environment.
• Has a high level of organization.
• Has a strong "whatever it takes" mentality.
• Handles client interactions professionally and calmly.
• Demonstrates empathy and emotional intelligence.
• Can address problems without becoming defensive or confrontational.
• Understands that strong employee relationships are critical to retaining great crews.

Language Requirements

Functional English is required. The Foreman must be able to understand and respond to client questions and communicate effectively with project leadership and the crew. Spanish-speaking ability is highly valuable.

Schedule & Compensation

• Full-time, hourly position.
• Typical work week is approximately 50 hours, generally 10-hour days, five days per week.
• Typical base pay: $32–$37 per hour, before overtime.
• Overtime opportunities available after 40 hours.
• Year-round work may be available, but winter hours are not guaranteed.
• Employees available during winter receive priority for available winter work and snow operations.
• Snow work may require overnight hours depending on weather conditions.

$34 - $37,

Benefits & Company Support

• PTO and paid holidays.
• 40 hours of PTO.
• 401(k) participation is expected to be available; details to be confirmed.
• Company-provided vehicles, equipment, tools, and construction materials.
• Company-provided iPad for plans and jobsite communication.
• Uniform shirts provided.
• Employees are expected to provide steel-toed boots and tan work pants.
• Insurance Benefits

Physical Requirements

This is a physically active, hands-on construction position. The Foreman should be comfortable performing physical construction work, operating equipment, lifting materials, working outdoors, and participating in installation activities while simultaneously managing the crew and project.

What Success Looks Like

A successful Foreman keeps the crew productive, knows what needs to happen next, communicates proactively with project leadership, maintains high construction standards, solves problems in the field, and creates a professional experience for both clients and employees.

JOB ID: 180935 #post