Utility/Underground Pipe Foreman

Ames Construction; United States; On-site; USD 50,000 - 69,000; Full time

Job summary

Ames Construction is seeking a Site Utility/Underground Pipe Foreman to lead pipe crews on heavy civil projects, installing storm sewer, sanitary sewer, and water main utilities. You will coordinate daily activities, equipment, materials, and personnel to meet plans, specs, and safety standards.

Travel across the Central Region is required for extended project assignments. Candidates should have 5+ years in underground utility work and at least 2 years in a foreman role, with OSHA knowledge and

Qualifications

• Minimum of 5 years of underground utility construction experience.
• Minimum of 2 years of experience leading pipe crews or serving in a foreman-level role.
• Knowledge of OSHA standards and practices.
• Familiar with trenching, excavation, grading, and utility construction methods.
• Must have a valid Driver’s License.
• Ability to work with tools and equipment such as power and non-power tools.
• Frequently sit, stand, walk, crouch, kneel, climb and periodically lift up to 50lbs.
• Time management, multitasking, and prioritization are crucial.
• Good attention to detail with the ability to recognize discrepancies.

Responsibilities

• Instill Safety as a top priority.
• Lead, direct, and motivate pipe crews in the installation of underground utility systems.
• Interpret and execute work according to project plans, specifications, grades, and company standards.
• Coordinate daily crew activities, manpower, equipment, and materials to maximize productivity.
• Conduct pre-task planning and daily safety meetings with crew members.
• Monitor trench safety, excavation procedures, utility locating requirements, and proper shoring practices.
• Work closely with Superintendents, Project Managers, Surveyors, and other trades to maintain project schedules and workflow.
• Track production quantities and provide daily reports on labor, equipment, and material usage.
• Inspect completed work to ensure quality standards and project specifications are met.
• Maintain accurate documentation, including timecards, daily logs, production reports, and safety records.
• Promote a positive team environment and uphold the values and culture of Ames Construction.

Skills

Safety leadership

Team leadership

Time management

Attention to detail

Tools

Heavy equipment

Power tools

Non-power tools

Job description

Company Overview

Ames Construction has been building America for more than 60 years, and our people are the reason we continue to succeed. We are a full-service, heavy civil and industrial contractor building critical infrastructure, including highways, bridges, mines, dams, rail, and more. Our teams take on challenging projects that keep communities safe, supply chains moving, and the country connected. At Ames, we are Fueled by Family. That means we look out for one another, take pride in our work, and build strong relationships rooted in trust and respect. Guided by our core values of People, Team, Our Bond, Persistence, and Vision, we do what we say we will do, push through challenges, and deliver work we’re proud of. When you join Ames, you’re joining a company built for long-term success, where skilled people, strong teams, and disciplined execution come together to build careers and a better future.

* Please Note: This position is a travel position that will require an assignment to an active construction project for an extended period throughout the Central Region. Projects may be in Iowa, South Dakota, North Dakota, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Illinois and West Virginia.

Position Overview

* The Site Utility/Underground Pipe Foreman is responsible for leading and directing pipe crews on heavy civil construction projects to safely and efficiently install underground utilities, including storm sewer, sanitary sewer, water main, and associated structures. This role coordinates daily work activities, equipment, materials, and personnel to ensure projects are completed according to plans, specifications, quality standards, and production goals.

Key Duties and Responsibilities

• Instill Safety as a top priority.
• Lead, direct, and motivate pipe crews in the installation of underground utility systems.
• Interpret and execute work according to project plans, specifications, grades, and company standards.
• Coordinate daily crew activities, manpower, equipment, and materials to maximize productivity.
• Conduct pre-task planning and daily safety meetings with crew members.
• Monitor trench safety, excavation procedures, utility locating requirements, and proper shoring practices.
• Work closely with Superintendents, Project Managers, Surveyors, and other trades to maintain project schedules and workflow.
• Track production quantities and provide daily reports on labor, equipment, and material usage.
• Inspect completed work to ensure quality standards and project specifications are met.
• Maintain accurate documentation, including timecards, daily logs, production reports, and safety records.
• Promote a positive team environment and uphold the values and culture of Ames Construction.

Qualifications

• Minimum of 5 years of underground utility construction experience.
• Minimum of 2 years of experience leading pipe crews or serving in a foreman-level role.
• Knowledge of OSHA standards and practices.
• Must be familiar with heavy equipment Knowledge of trenching, excavation, grading, and utility construction methods.
• Must have a valid Driver’s License.
• Ability to work with tools and equipment such as power and non-power tools.
• Frequently sit, stand, walk, crouch, kneel, climb and periodically lift up to 50lbs.
• Positive attitude and possess excellent motivational skills.
• Time management, multitasking, and prioritization are crucial.
• Good attention to detail with the ability to recognize discrepancies.

Travel Requirements

This position requires assignment to active construction projects for extended periods throughout the Central Region. Projects may be in Iowa, South Dakota, North Dakota, Ohio, Pennsylvania, and West Virginia. Must be willing and able to temporarily relocate to project areas and work away from home location for prolonged durations. Flexibility is required, as project assignments, durations, and locations may change based on workload and project demands.

Working Conditions

Work is primarily performed on active construction job sites, including highways, roadways, and heavy civil infrastructure projects. Regular exposure to outdoor weather conditions, including heat, cold, rain, wind, and dust. Position requires walking, standing, climbing, bending, and lifting up to 50lbs in a construction environment. May require extended work hours, early mornings, nights, weekends, and occasional holidays to meet project schedules. Frequent interaction with heavy equipment, moving machinery, traffic, and construction hazards; strict adherence to safety protocols is required. Use of personal protective equipment (PPE) is mandatory at all job sites.

Total Rewards

People are the most important asset at Ames Construction.

• Hourly Wage: $36.00-$50.00, which varies for many factors including Union Contracts, experience, knowledge and skills.
• Health & Welfare: Provided through Local Union Health Fund — medical, dental, vision, Rx
• Retirement: Pension Fund and Annuity Fund employer contributions per CBA
• Project-Based Pay: overtime, shift differential, per diem/subsistence, travel eligible
• Ames-Sponsored Benefits: Mental Health Benefits, Virtual Physical Therapy Benefits

Equal Opportunity Statement

Ames Construction 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 status as a protected veteran.

Company Overview (Repeat)

Ames Construction has been building America for more than 60 years, and the people who work here are the reason we continue to succeed. We are a full-service, heavy civil and industrial contractor building critical infrastructure, including highways, bridges, mines, dams, rail, and more. Our teams take on challenging projects that keep communities safe, supply chains moving, and the country connected. At Ames, we are Fueled by Family and Driven by Ownership. That means we look out for one another, take pride in what we build, and take responsibility for our actions, our results, and the long-term health of the company. Guided by our core values of People, Team, Our Bond, Persistence, and Vision, we do what we say we will do, push through challenges and deliver work we’re proud of. When you join Ames, you’re joining a company built for long‑term success — where skilled people, strong teams, and disciplined execution come together to build careers and a better future. Ames Construction 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 status as a protected veteran.