Traveling Operator Foreman

Miller Bros. Const., Inc.; Kentucky; On-site; USD 65,000 - 85,000; Full time

Job summary

A prominent construction company is seeking a Traveling Operator Foreman to lead field crews on heavy civil projects focused on energy and environment site development. The role requires a hands-on leader with extensive experience in operating heavy machinery and managing union crews. Key responsibilities include ensuring safety compliance, maintaining project schedules, and managing budget targets. Candidates should have a background in heavy civil construction, particularly in areas such as mass grading and site development, along with union heavy equipment operator experience.

Qualifications

• 3–5+ years of experience in heavy civil construction required.
• Experience working on traveling construction crews is necessary.
• Proven ability to operate heavy equipment while leading crews.

Responsibilities

• Lead field crews on projects related to energy and environment site development.
• Ensure compliance with safety standards and promote a strong safety culture.
• Manage daily production and coordinate materials, labor, and equipment.

Skills

Union heavy equipment operator experience

Leadership on construction crews

Operational proficiency with heavy machinery

Safety compliance

Education

OSHA 30-Hour certification (preferred)

Tools

HCSS HeavyJob

Job description

Reports to

Superintendent

Travel Required

Yes – projects located in Ohio, Michigan, Indiana, Kentucky, and Illinois

Position Summary

Miller Bros. Const., Inc. is seeking an experienced Traveling Operator Foreman to lead field crews on heavy civil projects with a focus on energy and environment site development. The ideal candidate is a hands‑on leader capable of operating heavy equipment while directing union crews, coordinating daily production, and ensuring safe and efficient project execution. This position requires extensive travel and experience working on projects including site development, mass grading, access roads, drainage systems, and underground utility installation.

The Foreman is responsible for supervising crews and managing daily field operations. Primary responsibilities include:

• Safety – meet or exceed OSHA standards and company safety expectations
• Quality – meet or exceed plan and specification requirements
• Schedule – meet or improve project schedules
• Budget – meet or outperform production and cost targets
• Project Records – ensure accurate and timely reporting
• Employee Relations – maintain compliance with company policies and training standards

All duties must be performed consistent with the Company Mission Statement and the “Team Miller” philosophy, maintaining positive relationships with customers, employees, and the public.

Responsibilities

Safety

• Ensure crew compliance with OSHA standards and MBC Safety Programs
• Promote a strong safety culture on all job sites, especially in high‑production environments such as solar field construction
• Ensure proper PPE usage and that trained personnel are assigned to specialized roles (competent person, traffic control, etc.)
• Conduct daily toolbox talks and pre‑task safety briefings
• Report all safety incidents immediately to the Superintendent and Safety Manager and assist in completing incident reports
• Address and document safety violations as needed

Quality, Schedule & Budget

• Review and understand project plans, specifications, and standard drawings related to heavy civil and solar site development
• Coordinate daily operations including labor, equipment, trucking, and materials to maintain production goals
• Operate and oversee heavy equipment including excavators, dozers, graders, compactors, and off‑road trucks
• Ensure work meets or exceeds project specifications and quality standards
• Monitor production and crew performance using HCSS HeavyJob
• Maintain workflow by ensuring materials and resources are available when needed
• Complete assigned work within budgeted time and cost targets
• Report equipment issues promptly and ensure proper maintenance

Project Records

• Complete and submit accurate daily reports in HCSS HeavyJob
• Track quantities, production, and crew performance
• Document extra work and obtain required signatures from owner representatives (inspectors/engineers)
• Assist the Superintendent in monitoring production vs. budget and adjusting field operations as needed

Employee Relations

• Communicate and enforce company policies regarding EEO, harassment, and workplace conduct
• Maintain a professional and respectful work environment
• Train and mentor union operators and laborers to improve safety, productivity, and skill development
• Report employee concerns or policy violations to the Superintendent and Human Resources

Authority

The Foreman has the authority to:

• Direct the work of assigned crew members, suppliers, and subcontractors
• Coordinate daily needs for materials, trucking, and equipment through the Superintendent
• Recommend manpower adjustments and equipment needs
• Recommend discipline or replacement of crew members (subject to approval)

Education & Experience

Preferred qualifications include:

• Union heavy equipment operator experience required
• 3–5+ years of experience in heavy civil construction
• Mass grading and earthwork
• Site development or large‑scale site work
• Access roads, drainage, and underground utilities
• Proven ability to lead crews while remaining hands‑on in equipment
• Experience working on traveling construction crews
• OSHA 30‑Hour certification (preferred or willingness to obtain)
• Experience with HCSS HeavyJob or similar production tracking software is a plus

EEO Disclaimer

We are proud of the fact that we extend equal employment opportunities to all qualified employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, ethnicity, sex, sexual orientation, gender status, age, pregnancy, religion, national origin, citizenship, ancestry, physical or mental disability, medical condition or marital status, genetic information or condition, military or veteran status, political belief or any other basis prohibited by federal, state or local law.

All phases of employment including, but not limited to, recruiting, hiring, selection for training, promotion, demotion, discipline, rates of pay or other compensation, transfer, layoff, termination, recall, use of all facilities, and participation in all company‑sponsored activities, will be administered so as to further the principle of equal employment opportunity.