Utility-Scale Trenching Foreman: Field Crews Nationwide

R-2 CONTRACTORS, INC; Grand Rapids (MI); On-site; USD 83,000 - 114,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Union wages

Union retirement

PTO / Sick Leave

Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance

5-Year Employment Appreciation Bonus

Job summary

R-2 Contractors, INC is seeking an experienced Utility-Scale UG Dry Utility Foreman to lead field crews on trenching and underground conduit installation for utility-scale projects across the United States. Michigan-based start with nationwide travel.

The role emphasizes safe planning, daily execution, crew development, and delivering high-quality workmanship on schedule, with a focus on safety and operational excellence.

Qualifications

• Minimum 5 years of utility-scale trenching, underground utility, or heavy civil construction experience.
• Minimum 2 years of experience as a Trenching Foreman leading field crews.
• Ability to read and interpret project drawings, utility layouts, trench profiles, and construction specifications.
• Willingness to travel nationwide and work extended hours as project schedules require.

Responsibilities

• Lead and supervise daily trenching and underground conduit installation activities for utility-scale infrastructure projects
• Plan daily work assignments and coordinate crews, equipment, materials, subcontractors, and production activities
• Read and interpret project drawings, specifications, trench profiles, utility layouts, and construction documents
• Coordinate high-production trenching, single-pass mechanical laying, cable lay box operations, conduit installation, bedding placement, warning mesh installation, backfilling, and restoration activities
• Ensure trenching operations are completed safely, accurately, and in accordance with project specifications and quality standards
• Monitor daily production, manpower, equipment utilization, and project progress
• Coordinate the operation of trenchers, rock saws, cable lay box systems, excavators, loaders, and other support equipment
• Maintain a clean, organized, and safe work environment while promoting a strong safety culture
• Coordinate with Superintendents, Project Managers, survey crews, inspectors, subcontractors, and suppliers
• Identify field issues and proactively communicate solutions before they impact production
• Train, mentor, and develop crew members while building future field leaders
• Complete daily reports, production tracking, and required project documentation
• Promote teamwork, accountability, and continuous improvement throughout the crew
• Lead by example while living and reinforcing the R-2 Core Values every day

Skills

Utility-scale trenching

Team leadership

Field operations planning

Read/interpret drawings

Safety leadership

Tools

Tesmec trenchers

Vermeer trenchers

Cable lay box

Excavators

Job description

R-2 Contractors, INC is seeking an experienced Utility-Scale UG Dry Utility Foreman to lead field crews on trenching and underground conduit installation for utility-scale projects across the United States. Michigan-based start with nationwide travel.

The role emphasizes safe planning, daily execution, crew development, and delivering high-quality workmanship on schedule, with a focus on safety and operational excellence.