Lead Man (Junior Foreman)

James E. Fulton & Sons, Inc.; Kalamazoo (MI); On-site; USD 38,572 - 46,838; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

401(k)

Paid holidays

Job summary

A local contracting company seeks a Lead Man (Junior Foreman) in Kalamazoo, MI. This role requires overseeing daily tasks, leading crew efforts, and operating equipment. Candidates should have a strong background in civil construction and previous leadership experience. The position offers a full-time opportunity with competitive pay ranging from $28 to $34 an hour, health benefits, and a 401(k). Strong communication skills and the ability to perform physical tasks are essential for success in this role.

Qualifications

• Underground utilities/site work experience preferred.
• Able to lead people with a calm, respectful approach.
• Able to pass pre-employment drug screening.

Responsibilities

• Step in as acting leader when the foreman is away.
• Keep production moving and coordinate tasks for the crew.
• Operate equipment and work alongside the crew.

Skills

Strong civil construction background

Prior experience as a crew leader

Comfortable operating equipment

Ability to communicate clearly in English

Valid driver’s license

Physically able to handle active jobsite work

Job description

Overview

Lead Man (Junior Foreman)

James E Fulton & Sons, Inc

Lead Man (Junior Foreman)
Location: Kalamazoo, MI (local work within ~50 miles)

Ready to take the next step between operator and foreman? If you can run equipment, keep a crew moving, and take ownership when the foreman steps away, this role is built for you. We are looking for a Lead Man (Junior Foreman) who leads from the front, works with the team, and helps deliver clean, high-quality work we are proud to put our name on.

James E Fulton & Sons is a family-owned excavating and trucking contractor serving Southwest Michigan. We have built our reputation on quality work, outstanding service, and a committed team for decades. Our yellow-and-white fleet is a visible legacy built on pride and well-maintained equipment.

The Lead Man (Junior Foreman) acts as the bridge between the foreman and the crew. You will run the job when the foreman is in meetings or offsite, coordinate day-to-day execution, and still spend plenty of time doing real work, operating equipment, and helping with labor when needed. This is a hands-on leadership role with a clear path to Foreman for the right person.

We use a simple app-based system for timekeeping and basic job tracking, so comfort with basic mobile tech is important.

Responsibilities

• Step in as acting leader when the foreman is away (coordinate crew, pace, and priorities)
• Keep production moving: plan daily tasks, communicate expectations, and problem-solve in real time
• Operate equipment as needed (machine time is part of the role)
• Work alongside the crew on labor tasks when required (this is a team-first environment)
• Coordinate materials, trucking, and jobsite logistics so work doesn’t stall
• Maintain a safe jobsite: enforce PPE, spotting practices, and hazard awareness
• Communicate clearly with foreman/ownership, subcontractors, and onsite contacts
• Complete basic job paperwork/time reporting using a mobile app
• Help train and support developing team members (set the tone for work quality and professionalism)

Qualifications

• Strong civil construction background (underground utilities/site work experience preferred)
• Prior experience as a crew leader, lead operator, or "right-hand" to a foreman preferred
• Able to lead people with a calm, respectful, get-it-done approach
• Comfortable operating equipment and understanding job flow (grading/utilities exposure is a plus)
• Able to communicate clearly in English for safety coordination and job documentation
• Valid driver’s license and reliable attendance
• Physically able to handle active jobsite work (outdoors, variable conditions, lifting/bending/climbing)
• Able to pass pre-employment drug screening and participate in random testing as applicable
• Comfortable using a phone/tablet app for time and basic job reporting

Pay & Benefits

• Full-time opportunity, W-2 Employment
• Pay: $28 to $34 per hour, depending on experience/qualifications
• Health insurance
• 401(k)
• Paid holidays
• Schedule: Day shift with job-based start/end time
• Overtime/ occasional weekends (seasonal needs & snow/emergency work)

We are an equal opportunity employer and recruit, hire, train, and promote without regard to protected characteristics under applicable law, including Michigan's civil rights protections. If you need a reasonable accommodation to apply or participate in the hiring process, let us know.