Substation Foreman - USA Nationwide

Tri-State Drilling, LLC; Plymouth (MN); On-site; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Top tier benefits

DOT certificate reimbursement

Per diem while traveling

Growth opportunities

Job summary

Tri-State Drilling, LLC is seeking a Substation Foreman to lead onsite crews performing substation construction, drilled pier foundations, and concrete work. You will plan, coordinate labor, equipment, materials, and subcontractors while ensuring production goals and safety standards are met on active sites in Minnesota.

This role requires strong leadership, field experience, and the ability to communicate with project management and customers.

Qualifications

• 5+ years electrical utility or substation construction experience.
• Experience leading construction crews.
• OSHA 30 or equivalent safety training.

Responsibilities

• Lead field crews performing substation construction activities.
• Set daily expectations and ensure crews understand project goals and work plans.
• Provide hands-on leadership, coaching, and development for crew members.
• Maintain accountability for crew performance, attendance, productivity, and professionalism.
• Create a positive work environment that promotes teamwork, communication, and employee development.
• Participate in onboarding and training of new employees.

Skills

Crew leadership

Safety leadership

Field coordination

Read drawings

Travel flexibility

Job description

Position Summary

The Substation Foreman serves as the onsite leader responsible for directing crews performing substation construction, drilled pier foundations, concrete flatwork, and related civil activities. This position oversees daily field operations, coordinates labor, equipment, materials, and subcontractors, and ensures work is completed safely, efficiently, and in accordance with project specifications, schedules, and quality standards. The Substation Foreman is responsible for planning and executing the work, maintaining production goals, leading crews, resolving field challenges, and fostering a strong safety culture. As the primary onsite leader, this position serves as the key link between the field, project management, and company leadership, ensuring projects are delivered safely, productively, and successfully. This role aligns with the leadership expectations established for foremen across field operations.

Essential Job Duties And Responsibilities

This list of duties and responsibilities is not all-inclusive and may be expanded to include other responsibilities as necessary.

Field Leadership & Crew Management

• Lead and direct field crews performing substation construction activities.
• Set daily expectations and ensure crews understand project goals, priorities, and work plans.
• Provide hands-on leadership, coaching, and development for crew members.
• Maintain accountability for crew performance, attendance, productivity, and professionalism.
• Create a positive work environment that promotes teamwork, communication, and employee development.
• Participate in onboarding and training of new employees.

Safety Leadership

• Lead by example and maintain an unwavering commitment to safety.
• Conduct daily job briefings, hazard assessments, and pre-task planning activities.
• Ensure compliance with company safety programs, customer requirements, and regulatory standards.
• Immediately address unsafe conditions and behaviors.
• Participate in incident investigations and corrective action implementation.

Project Execution & Production

• Plan daily and weekly work activities to achieve production and schedule goals.
• Coordinate manpower, equipment, tools, and materials needed to execute the work.
• Monitor project progress and adjust plans as conditions change.
• Identify obstacles early and develop practical solutions to maintain schedule and productivity.
• Ensure efficient utilization of labor and equipment resources.
• Maintain awareness of project budgets and support cost control objectives set by project managers.

Quality Control

• Ensure all work is performed in accordance with project drawings, specifications, client standards, and company expectations.
• Verify quality requirements are understood before work begins.
• Conduct routine inspections of work activities and completed installations.
• Address deficiencies promptly and implement corrective measures as necessary.

Communication & Coordination

• Serve as the primary point of contact for field crews on assigned projects.
• Communicate regularly with Superintendents, Project Managers, customers, inspectors, and subcontractors.
• Provide timely updates regarding progress, manpower needs, schedule impacts, material shortages, and project risks.
• Escalate safety, quality, staffing, equipment, and client concerns early.
• Maintain accurate documentation, reports, and daily records.

Equipment, Materials & Logistics

• Verify equipment, tools, and materials are job-ready and available when needed.
• Coordinate material deliveries and inventory requirements.
• Ensure equipment inspections and maintenance requirements are completed.
• Protect company assets and promote responsible use of equipment and resources.
• Support mobilization and demobilization activities.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of electrical utility, substation, transmission, industrial, or related construction experience.
• Previous experience leading construction crews.
• Experience working around energized facilities and utility customers.
• Working knowledge of substation construction practices, equipment, and safety requirements.
• Strong communication, organizational, and leadership skills.
• Ability to read and interpret construction drawings and specifications.
• Ability to travel as required.
• OSHA 30 or equivalent safety training.

Work Environment

This role involves hands-on work at active construction sites, primarily outdoors and exposed to a variety of weather conditions including heat, cold, rain, and wind. You will operate in environments with uneven terrain, heavy equipment, and ongoing construction activity. The position requires physical stamina, awareness of surroundings, and the ability to follow safety procedures at all times. Personal protective equipment (PPE) must be worn as required. You should be comfortable performing physically demanding tasks, adapting to changing site conditions, and communicating clearly with crew members and supervisors. Flexibility and a strong commitment to safety are essential.

What We Offer

• Top tier union compensation and benefits
• Reimbursement for DOT Medical Certificate
• Competitive per diem while traveling
• Realistic travel schedule to balance work, safety, wellness and home life
• Growth focus to support your career and development

Position may be subject to pre-employment screening, which may include background check and drug testing.

Tri-State Drilling is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer. The Company's policy is not to unlawfully discriminate against any applicant or employee on the basis of race, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, military status, or any other consideration made unlawful by applicable federal, state, or local laws. The Company also prohibits harassment of applicants and employees based on any of these protected categories. It is also policy to comply with all applicable state, federal and local laws respecting consideration of unemployment status in making hiring decisions.

Tri-State Drilling does not work with any third-party recruiters or agencies without a signed agreement with the Recruitment Team.

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