Heavy Equipment Operator Foreman

Edwards Construction Group; Arroyo Grande (CA); On-site; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical benefits

Dental/vision insurance

Education bonus

Career growth

Job summary

Edwards Construction Group is seeking an experienced Operator Foreman to lead a small crew while operating heavy equipment in earthwork, grading, and underground utilities across California. The role blends hands-on operation with leadership, safety, and mentoring responsibilities for the next generation of operators.

You will run multiple machines, read blueprints and grade plans, and ensure production stays on schedule.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of heavy equipment operating in earthwork and underground utilities.
• 1+ year as lead operator, foreman, or crew lead preferred.
• Proficient on multiple machines (excavator, dozer, loader, grader).
• Hands-on GPS machine control experience and ability to read grade stakes/elevations.

Responsibilities

• Operate heavy equipment daily across excavators, dozers, loaders, graders, scrapers, backhoes, skid steers, and compactors.
• Lead a crew of 2–4 operators and laborers on excavation, grading, and underground utilities.
• Perform mass excavation, trenching, backfilling, and grading per plan and specs.
• Run GPS machine-control grading; verify grades, elevations, and cut/fill using site plans.
• Interpret blueprints, site plans and elevations for daily work.
• Plan daily equipment work and coordinate deliveries to keep on schedule.
• Train and mentor operators on safe operation and production targets.
• Perform pre-shift inspections and schedule major repairs.
• Enforce OSHA safety protocols, trench safety, and utility locates.
• Monitor soil and compaction with inspectors; load/unload between sites.
• Maintain daily logs and submit timesheets; communicate with foreman/superintendent.

Skills

Heavy equipment

Crew leadership

GPS machine control

Blueprint reading

Safety compliance

CDL/driver license

OSHA training

Communication

Tools

GPS machine control systems (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 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.

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.

Edwards Construction Group, Inc. offers a comprehensive benefits package, including:

• 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.