Heavy Equipment Operator Foreman

Edwards Construction Group, Inc.; Arroyo Grande (CA); On-site; USD 95,000 - 120,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, & vision

Fringe Benefits

Continuing education bonus program

Opportunities for career growth

Job summary

Edwards Construction Group, Inc. seeks an experienced Operator Foreman in California to lead a small crew while operating heavy equipment daily. You will balance hands-on work with leadership, prioritizing safety, quality, and timely production targets.

Responsibilities include running excavators, graders, loaders, and coordinating with project teams. Strong communication, safety discipline, and mentoring newer operators are essential to success.

Qualifications

• Minimum 5 years heavy equipment operating experience in earthwork and utilities.
• 1+ years as lead operator, foreman, or crew lead preferred.
• Proficient on multiple machines (excavator, dozer, loader, grader).
• Hands-on GPS machine control and grade stakes readings.
• Experience with trenching, site prep, rough/finish grading.
• Strong safety mindset and OSHA awareness.
• Valid driver's license; CDL preferred for hauling.

Responsibilities

• Operate heavy equipment daily across multiple machines.
• Lead a crew of 2-4 operators and laborers on excavation and grading.
• Plan and sequence daily equipment work and coordinate deliveries.
• Run GPS machine-control grading; verify grades and elevations.
• Interpret blueprints and site plans for crew daily tasks.
• Train and mentor operators on safety and production targets.
• Perform pre-shift inspections and routine maintenance; report larger repairs.
• Enforce safety protocols and OSHA compliance.
• Maintain daily production logs and submit timesheets.
• Communicate with foreman, project managers, and engineers.

Skills

Heavy equipment operation

Leadership

GPS machine control

Grade stakes reading

Site planning & sequencing

Communication

Safety awareness

Driver's license

OSHA 10/30

Tools

Trimble

Topcon

Leica

Job description

About Us

Edwards Construction Group is a leading commercial contractor specializing in K-12, Higher Education, Civic, and Private Commercial projects across California. We take a hands-on, people-first approach, prioritizing innovation, safety, and mentorship within a collaborative culture where every voice is valued.

About Us

Edwards Construction Group is a leading commercial contractor specializing in K-12, Higher Education, Civic, and Private Commercial projects across California. We take a hands-on, people-first approach, prioritizing innovation, safety, and mentorship within a collaborative culture where every voice is valued.

About the role

We are looking for a skilled and motivated Operator Foreman. This is a working foreman role: you will spend most of your day in the seat, running heavy equipment yourself while leading a small crew of operators and laborers. It is ideal for an accomplished operator who is ready to step into leadership, takes pride in precise, efficient production, and is committed to safety, quality, and developing the next generation of operators. If you can run multiple machines with skill and keep a crew productive in the field, we want to hear from you.

Job Duties

• Operate heavy equipment daily, including excavators, dozers, loaders, motor graders, scrapers, backhoes, skid steers, and compactors
• Lead a crew of 2-4 operators and laborers on excavation, grading, and underground utility work while working alongside them
• Perform mass excavation, trenching, backfilling, rough and finish grading, and compaction to plan and specification
• Run GPS machine-control grading systems; set up and verify grades, elevations, and cut/fill using site plans and grade stakes
• Interpret blueprints, site plans, and elevation drawings, and translate them into daily work for the crew
• Plan and sequence daily equipment work, coordinate truck and material deliveries, and keep production on schedule
• Train and mentor operators on safe operation, machine techniques, grade work, and production targets
• Perform pre-shift inspections and daily maintenance (greasing, fluid checks, minor repairs); report and schedule larger repairs
• Enforce site safety protocols, including trench safety, utility locates, and equipment swing and blind-spot awareness, in compliance with OSHA and company regulations
• Monitor soil conditions and compaction results, and coordinate with testing inspectors
• Load, haul, and unload equipment between job sites as needed
• Keep daily logs of production, equipment hours, and crew time; submit timesheets to the General Foreman or Superintendent
• Communicate clearly with the General Foreman, Superintendent, project managers, engineers, and other trades

Requirements

Professional Skills

• Minimum 5 years of heavy equipment operating experience in earthwork, grading, and underground utilities
• 1+ years as a lead operator, foreman, or crew lead preferred
• Proficient on multiple machines (excavator, dozer, loader, grader); finish grading skill strongly preferred
• Hands-on experience with GPS machine control (Trimble, Topcon, or Leica) and reading grade stakes and elevations
• Experience with excavation, site prep, trenching, wet/dry utility installation, and rough/finish grading
• Working knowledge of trench safety, shoring, and sloping requirements
• Ability to perform equipment inspections and routine maintenance
• Strong communication, leadership, and problem-solving skills
• Valid driver's license required; Class A CDL preferred for hauling equipment
• OSHA 10 or OSHA 30 preferred; Competent Person (excavation/trenching) certification a plus

Personal Strengths

• Detail-Oriented & Organized
• Proactive & Takes Initiative
• Dependable
• Strong Communicator
• Collaborative
• Problem-Solver
• Leads by Example
• Conflict Management & Personal Integrity

Physical Requirements

• Must be able to operate heavy equipment for extended periods, including in heat, cold, dust, and noise
• Must be able to climb on and off equipment, bend, stoop, kneel, and walk on uneven terrain
• Must be able to lift up to 50 pounds
• Comfortable using a tablet or phone for daily logs and timesheets
• Able to travel to job sites as needed

This is a general statement of required major duties and responsibilities performed on a regular and continuous basis. It does not exclude other duties as assigned.

Benefits

• Medical, dental, & vision
• Fringe Benefits
• Continuing education bonus program
• Opportunities for career growth

We pay prevailing wage on applicable public works jobs - Public works follow California prevailing wage (DIR), federal work jobs follow Davis-Bacon, and private work is competitively compensated.

ECG is an equal opportunity employer. We are committed to building a team that represents a variety of backgrounds, perspectives, and skills. All employment is decided on the basis of qualifications, merit, and business needs.