Utility Foreman

Durr Heavy Construction, LLC; New Orleans (LA); On-site; USD 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

Durr Heavy Construction, LLC is seeking a Utility Foreman in New Orleans, LA. Responsible for overseeing utility construction projects, you will lead crews in the installation and maintenance of underground utility systems.

The ideal candidate has over 5 years of experience in utility construction, excellent leadership skills, and a commitment to safety and quality. Strong communication and organizational skills are essential for this role.

Qualifications

• Minimum 5 years of utility construction experience required.
• Minimum 2 years of experience leading utility crews preferred.
• Basic computer and reporting skills.

Responsibilities

• Lead and supervise utility construction crews.
• Ensure project compliance with specifications and safety standards.
• Maintain accurate daily reports and production records.

Skills

Underground utility construction methods

Installation of water and sewer systems

Leadership and communication skills

Organizational skills

Education

5+ years of utility construction experience

OSHA 30 certification

Valid driver's license

Job description

Summary of Responsibilities

The Utility Foreman is responsible for leading and supervising utility construction crews in the installation, maintenance, and repair of underground utility systems, including water, sewer, storm drainage, force mains, duct banks, and related infrastructure. The Utility Foreman is accountable for the safe, productive, and profitable execution of assigned work while maintaining the highest standards of quality and compliance.

Responsibilities

• Keeps up-to-date knowledge of project plans, specifications, utility profiles, contract requirements, and scope of work.
• Plans daily and weekly activities to ensure labor, equipment, materials, tools, and subcontractors are available before work begins.
• Conducts daily crew meetings and pre-task planning discussions.
• Develops and communicates daily production goals and expectations.
• Participates in two‑week look‑ahead planning and weekly GAMEPLAN meetings.
• Coordinates with Superintendents, Project Managers, Surveyors, Utility Owners, and Inspectors to ensure efficient project execution.
• Identifies potential conflicts, utility clashes, access issues, and production obstacles before they impact operations.
• Maintains accurate daily reports, production records, quantities installed, and project documentation.
• Ensures crews understand project priorities and scheduled milestones.

Safety

• Be actively engaged in the project.
• Be a mentor – educate and provide guidance for those under your supervision.
• Ensure a safe job site for all employees.
• Report all safety incidents and near misses immediately.

Quality

• Ensure all utility installations meet project specifications and quality standards.
• Verify grades, elevations, alignments, slopes, and utility locations before and during installation.
• Coordinate inspections and testing activities with project teams and inspectors.
• Maintain accurate as‑built information and documentation.
• Perform ongoing quality control inspections and correct deficiencies immediately.
• Ensure all materials installed comply with approved submittals and project requirements.
• Create and manage punch list items until completion.

Ownership

• Takes full responsibility for assigned work areas and crews.
• Leads crews with professionalism, accountability, and integrity.
• Maintains positive relationships with owners, inspectors, subcontractors, and project stakeholders.
• Ensures equipment is properly maintained, inspected, and returned clean and serviceable.
• Verifies material deliveries for accuracy and quantity.
• Protects company assets, equipment, tools, and resources.
• Proactively resolves problems and escalates issues when necessary.
• Holds team members accountable for performance, attendance, safety, and workmanship.

Productivity & Efficiency

• Monitors daily production rates and crew performance.
• Drives crews to meet or exceed labor and equipment budgets.
• Tracks installed quantities and completed work accurately.
• Identifies opportunities to improve efficiency, reduce costs, and increase profitability.
• Evaluates means and methods and adjusts operations to improve performance.
• Ensures equipment and labor resources are utilized efficiently.
• Coordinates work sequencing to minimize downtime and maximize productivity.
• Communicates production progress and challenges to project leadership.
• Supervises operators, pipe layers, laborers, and subcontractors.
• Provides ongoing coaching, training, and mentoring.
• Evaluates employee performance and provides constructive feedback.
• Recognizes and praises strong performance.
• Develops future leaders by teaching company standards and expectations.
• Builds a positive team environment focused on accountability and success.
• Promotes teamwork and collaboration across all project personnel.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Strong knowledge of underground utility construction methods and practices.
• Experience installing water, sewer, storm drainage, force mains, duct banks, and related utility infrastructure.
• Ability to read and interpret plans, profiles, specifications, and construction documents.
• Understanding of utility grades, elevations, slopes, benchmarks, and layout procedures.
• Knowledge of trenching, shoring, excavation safety, and utility locating requirements.
• Understanding of production rates, labor management, and cost control.
• Strong leadership, communication, and team‑building skills.
• Excellent organizational and problem‑solving abilities.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast‑paced construction environment.
• Basic computer and reporting skills.
• Ability to effectively communicate with employees, management, clients, and inspectors.

Education and/or Experience

• Minimum 5 years of utility construction experience required.
• Minimum 2 years of experience leading utility crews preferred.
• Heavy civil construction experience strongly preferred.
• OSHA 30 certification preferred.
• Valid driver's license required.

Physical Demands/Working Conditions

This role operates in a business office setting. The employee is regularly required to sit; use hands to finger, handle, or feel; reach with hands and arms; and talk or hear. The employee is frequently required to stand and walk. The employee is not regularly exposed to outdoor weather conditions. The noise level in the work environment is usually quiet to moderate.