Underground Construction Foreman

Planet-Networks; Newton (NJ); On-site; USD 60,000 - 100,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive Pay

Health Insurance: Medical, Dental, and

Vision Insurance

401K with company match

Paid Holidays & Vacation

Job summary

Planet Networks is seeking an Underground Construction Foreman to lead fiber optic construction crews in outdoor environments. The role focuses on safety, quality, schedule adherence, and coordination with project management, crews, and subcontractors. Ideal candidates enjoy physical outdoor labor and have prior excavation supervisory experience.

Responsibilities include planning trenching and vault installations, overseeing equipment use, and maintaining daily documentation. CDL preferred.

Qualifications

• 3+ years of supervisory experience in excavation projects.
• Experience operating excavators and skid steers.
• Ability to read construction/engineering plans.
• Valid driver's license; CDL preferred.
• Able to lift up to 90 lbs and work outdoors in various weather conditions.

Responsibilities

• Direct and supervise underground construction crews; provide on‑the‑job training and mentorship.
• Plan and oversee trenching, conduit and vault installation, rodding, cable feeding and utility locating; coordinate schedules.
• Enforce OSHA and company safety protocols; conduct daily hazard analyses and toolbox talks.
• Operate and oversee use of heavy underground equipment; ensure tools are maintained and materials are available.
• Maintain quality control and document daily activities and site conditions; create redline maps for engineers.
• Communicate with owners, subcontractors and stakeholders; resolve problems quickly and professionally.

Skills

Crew leadership

Supervisory experience

Heavy machinery operation

Plan interpretation

Outdoor work

CDL preferred

Tools

Mini excavator

Skid steer

Cable plow

Job description

About Us

Planet Networks is filled with humble, life-long learners who are eager to help one another, and the company succeed. We lead with curiosity and aim for the highest, never shying away from taking calculated risks and embracing ambiguity as it comes. Here, the opportunities are limitless for those who dare to pursue bold ideas that exist just beyond the boundary of possibility.

Job Description

We are seeking hardworking and dependable Underground Construction Foremen to support our fiber optic construction projects. This role is ideal for individuals who enjoy physical outdoor labor, have experience leading excavation crews, and are eager to work in a growing industry. An Underground Construction Foreman is a skilled field supervisor who leads crews in underground utility, trenching, and conduit projects. The foreman is responsible for ensuring safety, quality, and schedule compliance while coordinating with project management, crews and subcontractors.

Key Responsibilities

• Crew Leadership & Training: Direct and supervise underground construction crews, provide on-the-job training, mentor workers, and ensure professional development.
• Project Execution: Plan and oversee tasks such as trenching, conduit and vault installation, rodding, cable feeding, and utility locating. Coordinate with project managers to create schedules, sequence work and meet deadlines.
• Safety Compliance: Enforce OSHA and company safety protocols, conduct daily hazard analyses, toolbox talks, and ensure all safety equipment and PPE are available and used correctly.
• Equipment & Resource Management: Operate and oversee use of mini excavators, skid steers, cable plows, pneumatic tools, and other underground equipment. Ensure that tools are in working order, and that necessary materials are available.
• Quality & Documentation: Maintain quality control, document daily activities and site conditions, log labor and equipment usage, and create redline maps for engineers.
• Coordination: Communicate with owners, subcontractors, and other stakeholders. Resolve problems quickly and professionally.

Skills & Qualifications

• Minimum of 3 years experience in a supervisory role for excavation projects.
• Experience operating heavy machinery such as excavators and skid steers.
• Strong understanding of jobsite layouts and utility location.
• Experience towing and backing with large trailers.
• Ability to read and interpret construction/engineering plans.
• Must be organized and possess a strong attention to detail.
• Ability to work outdoors in various weather conditions, lift and handle equipment up to 90 lbs, and work in confined spaces.
• Ability to troubleshoot site-specific challenges such as unexpected obstacles or ground conditions, equipment issues, and
• Strong verbal and written communication skills, with a collaborative mindset.
• Valid drivers license required, CDL preferred.

Benefits Include

• Competitive Pay
• Health Insurance: Medical, Dental, Vision, and Life Insurance
• Retirement Savings Plan (401K) with company match
• Paid Holidays & Vacation (PTO)
• Work Location: In person

All applicants are considered for all positions without regard to race, religion, color, sex, gender, sexual orientation, pregnancy, age, national origin, ancestry, physical/mental disability, medical condition, military/veteran status, genetic information, marital status, ethnicity, citizenship or immigration status, or any other protected classification, in accordance with applicable federal, state, and local laws. By completing this application, you are seeking to join a team of hardworking professionals dedicated to consistently delivering outstanding service to our customers and contributing to the financial success of the organization, its clients, and its employees. Equal access to programs, services, and employment is available to all qualified persons. Those applicants requiring an accommodation to complete the application and/or interview process should contact a management representative.