Lead Utility-Scale Trenching Foreman

R-2 Contractors, Inc.; Grand Rapids (MI); Hybrid; USD 55,000 - 76,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Union Wages & Benefits

Paid Time Off (PTO)

Medical, Dental, Vision Insurance

Job summary

R-2 Contractors, Inc. is seeking a Utility-Scale UG Dry Utility Foreman to lead field crews on nationwide projects, starting in Michigan. This role requires coordinating trenching, conduit installation, and cable lay operations with a strong emphasis on safety and quality.

You will read project drawings, plan daily work, manage crews and equipment, and ensure on-schedule delivery while promoting safety and continuous improvement across the team.

Qualifications

• Minimum 5 years of utility-scale trenching, underground utility, or heavy civil construction experience.
• Minimum 2 years of experience as a Trenching Foreman leading field crews.
• Experience operating or supervising Tesmec trenchers, Vermeer trenchers, rock saws, cable lay box systems, excavators.
• Ability to read and interpret project drawings, utility layouts, trench profiles, and construction specifications.
• Willingness to travel nationwide and work extended schedules as required.

Responsibilities

• Lead and supervise daily trenching and underground conduit installation activities for utility-scale infrastructure projects.
• Plan daily work assignments and coordinate crews, equipment, materials, subcontractors, and production activities.
• Read and interpret project drawings, specifications, trench profiles, utility layouts, and construction documents.
• Coordinate high-production trenching, single-pass mechanical laying, cable lay box operations, conduit installation, bedding placement, warning mesh installation, backfilling, and restoration activities.
• Ensure trenching operations are completed safely, accurately, and in accordance with project specifications and quality standards.
• Monitor daily production, manpower, equipment utilization, and project progress.
• Coordinate the operation of trenchers, rock saws, cable lay box systems, excavators, loaders, and other support equipment.
• Maintain a clean, organized, and safe work environment while promoting a strong safety culture.
• Lead by example while living and reinforcing the R-2 Core Values every day.

Skills

Leadership

Communication

Safety compliance

Reading blueprints

Problem solving

Travel readiness

Tools

Tesmec trenchers

Vermeer trenchers

Rock saws

Cable lay box systems

Excavators

Job description

R-2 Contractors, Inc. is seeking a Utility-Scale UG Dry Utility Foreman to lead field crews on nationwide projects, starting in Michigan. This role requires coordinating trenching, conduit installation, and cable lay operations with a strong emphasis on safety and quality.

You will read project drawings, plan daily work, manage crews and equipment, and ensure on-schedule delivery while promoting safety and continuous improvement across the team.