Utility Scale UG Trenching Foreman

R-2 Contractors, Inc.; Phoenix (AZ); On-site; USD 55,000 - 76,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Union Wages & Benefits

Paid Time Off (PTO) / Sick Leave

Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance

5-Year Employment Appreciation Bonus

Job summary

R-2 Contractors, Inc. is seeking a Utility-Scale Trenching Foreman to lead trenching teams on nationwide project sites. You will coordinate crews, equipment, and materials, read drawings, and deliver high-production installations safely and to spec.

Expect 100% travel to active sites across the United States, extended hours as project schedules demand, and mentorship of crew members toward future foreman roles. You will live our core values daily and drive continuous improvement.

Qualifications

• Minimum 5 years of utility-scale trenching or heavy civil construction experience.
• Minimum 2 years as a Trenching Foreman leading field crews.
• Ability to read project drawings and utility layouts.
• Strong leadership, communication, and problem-solving skills.

Responsibilities

• Lead and supervise daily trenching and underground conduit installation activities for utility-scale projects.
• Plan daily work assignments and coordinate crews, equipment, materials, and subcontractors.
• Read and interpret project drawings, specifications, trench profiles, and layouts.
• Coordinate trenching operations, bedding, and restoration to meet specs and quality standards.
• Monitor production, manpower, equipment utilization, and project progress.
• Ensure safe operations and promote a strong safety culture on site.
• Train, mentor, and develop crew members for future leadership roles.
• Complete daily reports and required project documentation.

Skills

Trenching

Equipment operation

Safety management

Team leadership

Reading drawings

Project coordination

Tools

Tesmec trenchers

Vermeer trenchers

Rock saws

Cable lay box

Excavators

Job description

Job Title: Utility-Scale Trenching Foreman

Location: Nationwide job sites

Travel Requirements: 100% travel to active project sites throughout the United States
Candidates must be willing to travel extensively and work extended schedules as required to support project demands.

Salary: $40 - $55 per hour DOE (based on local union rates)

Key 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

Requirements:

• 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
• Strong knowledge of high-production trenching, underground conduit installation, single-pass mechanical laying, trench safety, bedding placement, warning mesh installation, backfilling, and restoration
• Experience operating or supervising Tesmec trenchers, Vermeer trenchers, rock saws, cable lay box systems, excavators, and other trenching equipment
• Ability to read and interpret project drawings, utility layouts, trench profiles, and construction specifications
• Ability to lead multiple craft personnel while maintaining productivity, quality, and safety
• Strong understanding of trenching methods, underground utility installation, equipment utilization, and quality standards
• Excellent communication, leadership, organizational, and problem-solving skills
• Ability to build strong working relationships with Superintendents, Project Managers, customers, and field personnel
• Demonstrated commitment to safety, accountability, quality workmanship, and operational excellence
• Willingness to travel nationwide and work extended hours as project schedules require
• Valid driver's license with an acceptable driving record
• Ability to successfully complete pre-employment drug screening and background check

What Success Looks Like:

• Builds a crew that works safely, efficiently, and takes pride in producing quality work
• Consistently delivers trenching and underground conduit installations that meet project specifications and production goals
• Successfully leads high-production single-pass mechanical laying operations that improve safety, quality, and productivity
• Develops crew members into future Foremen and Superintendents
• Earns the trust and confidence of customers, inspectors, and project leadership through reliable execution
• Plans ahead, communicates effectively, and resolves field challenges before they impact production
• Strengthens R-2 by continuously improving safety, quality, productivity, and teamwork

Our Leadership Philosophy:

At R-2 Contractors, technical expertise may open the door—but leadership is defined by how you develop people, build teams, and live our Core Values.

• Lead with integrity, humility, professionalism, and accountability
• Put the safety and success of their people first
• Coach, mentor, and develop future leaders
• Build trust through consistent execution and open communication
• Foster teamwork while empowering others to grow
• Hold themselves and others accountable to the highest standards
• Protect and strengthen the culture that makes R-2 different
• Leave their team stronger than they found it

The R-2 Core Values

PRIDE – We take ownership of our work, our people, our equipment, and our reputation. Every project reflects the pride we have in our craft.

• Do What's Right
• Put Your Name On It
• Never Accept Mediocrity
• I Am R-2
• Grow or Die

GRIT – We embrace challenges, solve problems, overcome adversity, and never allow obstacles to define our success.

• Dig Deep and Grind It Out
• Give It Your All
• Do What It Takes
• Dedication

OWN IT! – We don't make excuses or point fingers. We own the outcome, communicate early, solve problems, and continually improve ourselves and our teams.

• Do What You Say
• Be Accountable
• If You Ain't First, You're Last
• Accept Criticism
• Own Your Position

Union Wages & Benefits:

• Union Wages
• Union Retirement
• Paid Time Off (PTO) / Sick Leave
• Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance
• 5-Year Employment Appreciation Bonus

R-2 Contractors is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or protected veteran status.