Substation Foreman

Forbes Bros. Group of Companies; Cincinnati (OH); On-site; USD 66,000 - 80,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Per diem

Job summary

Forbes Bros. Group of Companies is seeking an experienced foreman to lead a field crew on substation construction projects in the Lebanon, Kentucky area.

You will guide a 6–10 person crew, ensure work is performed safely, and maintain quality in accordance with project drawings and client requirements. The role is site-based with travel to project sites in the region, offering a Monday–Friday schedule and a pay range of $48–$58 per hour.

Qualifications

• 3–5 years in utility construction or related skilled trade.
• Experience in substation construction preferred.
• Leadership or crew-direction experience.
• Proficient with drawings, specs, field safety requirements.

Responsibilities

• Lead daily crew activities and direct a crew of craft workers.
• Coordinate field execution ensuring tasks have tools and info.
• Drive safety with tailboard talks and hazard assessments.
• Lead by example and uphold professionalism and teamwork.
• Maintain quality per drawings, specs, and client requirements.
• Support inspections and prepare for client walkdowns.
• Address field issues and communicate resolutions to supervision.
• Track productivity and report daily crew progress.
• Coordinate with other crews to align project work.
• Support junior crew members and ensure site expectations.

Skills

Field leadership

Safety compliance

Communication

Substation construction

Job description

Forbes Bros. Group of Companies delivers transmission, distribution, substation, and related power infrastructure projects across Canada and the United States.

Our work spans field construction, project delivery, operations, and corporate support in an environment where safety, execution, and reliability matter.

The Opportunity

Lead a field crew and help deliver safe, productive, high-quality utility substation construction.

The Foreman is a first-level supervisory role responsible for leading a crew of approximately 6–10 craft workers across substation construction activities. Working closely with General Foremen and Superintendents, you’ll help coordinate daily work, keep crews productive, and ensure work is completed safely and in accordance with project requirements.

This opportunity is well suited to an experienced tradesperson who is ready to take the next step into leadership and assume greater responsibility for crew performance, task coordination, field communication, and day-to-day execution.

Work may include substation civil, structural, and electrical installation scopes, including foundations, grounding systems, structural steel, conduit systems, and electrical equipment support.

What You’ll Do

• Lead daily crew activities: Direct a crew of approximately 6–10 craft workers in accordance with work plans, schedules, and daily task assignments.
• Coordinate field execution: Ensure crew members understand their tasks and have the tools, materials, equipment, and information needed to complete work safely and efficiently.
• Drive safety: Conduct daily tailboard talks and field-level hazard assessments while reinforcing PPE requirements, permits, safe work practices, and company safety expectations.
• Lead by example: Promote a positive safety culture and maintain high standards of professionalism, accountability, and teamwork within the crew.
• Maintain quality: Ensure work is completed in accordance with drawings, specifications, client requirements, and applicable substation construction standards.
• Support inspections: Complete or support installation checklists, material verification, photo documentation, and preparation for inspections or client walkdowns.
• Address field issues: Identify construction issues, non-conforming work, delays, and other field concerns and communicate them to the General Foreman or Superintendent for resolution.
• Track productivity: Monitor crew progress, task durations, crew time, and material usage, providing accurate daily reports to field supervision.
• Coordinate with other crews: Maintain communication with other field leaders to coordinate adjacent work and keep activities aligned across the project.
• Support your crew: Provide direction to new or junior crew members, help resolve day-to-day questions, and ensure team members understand site expectations and work requirements.
• Maintain tools and equipment: Ensure tools, equipment, and materials are properly cared for, stored, and available for daily work.
• Communicate clearly: Serve as the primary point of contact for your assigned crew and communicate instructions, priorities, and changes effectively.

What You’ll Bring

• 3–5 years of hands‑on experience in utility construction or a related skilled trade.
• Demonstrated technical experience in utility construction, preferably within substation construction.
• Experience with one or more substation scopes, such as civil foundations, grounding, structural steel, conduit installation, or electrical yard installation.
• Previous experience providing direction to crew members or serving in an informal or formal leadership capacity.
• Working knowledge of construction drawings, specifications, field safety requirements, and jobsite procedures.
• Strong communication, organization, and problem‑solving skills.
• Ability to coordinate multiple tasks and maintain productivity in an active construction environment.
• Comfortable using mobile field tools, including digital forms, timesheets, equipment logs, and other project documentation systems.
• Valid driver’s license and ability to work in remote or active jobsite environments.
• Formal supervisory training, safety certifications, or additional trade qualifications are considered assets.

Project, Pay & Work Schedule

• Primary work location: Lebanon, Kentucky
• Working schedule: Monday-Friday
• Pay: $48-58/hr
• Per diem: $275
• Travel arrangements: This is a travelling, site-based role initially based in Lebanon, Kentucky. Employees are responsible for arranging and covering their own travel and accommodations. As projects are completed, crews may transition to other projects within the region, so regional travel is a regular part of the role.
• Anticipated project duration: 8-10 weeks

The range shown is the expected base pay range for this role. Final compensation will be determined based on role requirements, experience, qualifications, work location, applicable project/site requirements, internal equity, and any applicable collective agreement or union requirements.This range does not include overtime, premiums, per diem / LOA, bonuses, benefits, or other forms of compensation unless specifically stated in the job posting.

Base Pay Range: $48 USD - $58 USD

Forbes Bros. Group of Companies and its affiliated entities are committed to providing a respectful and accessible recruitment process.

Employment is subject to the requirements of the applicable role, location, project, and employing entity. Depending on the position, this may include verification of work authorization, background screening, driver abstract, drug and alcohol screening, credential verification, client/site access requirements, and other pre-employment conditions permitted by applicable law.

Applicants who require accommodation during the recruitment process are encouraged to contact the recruitment team.