Excavation Foreman – Underground Utilities

Lead the Crew, Build the Future - Become a Excavation Foreman-Underground Utilities at CEM Construction

Job Title: Excavation Foreman - Underground Utilities Company Name: CEM Construction Corp Salary Range: $46-$60+ per hour (prevailing wage, plus fringe benefits) Location: Los Angeles and Surrounding Areas Employment Type: Full-Time | Monday - Friday Industry: Civil Construction / Utilities / Public Works

Job Overview:

CEM Construction Corp is seeking a skilled and safety-conscious Excavation Foreman - Underground Utilities to lead and supervise field crews in the installation and repair of underground wet utilities-including potable water, sanitary sewer, and storm drain systems. This hands-on leadership role is key to delivering successful public works infrastructure projects across Southern California. You will oversee field operations, ensure regulatory compliance, enforce safety, and drive project productivity from the front lines.

Who We Are:

At CEM Construction Corp, we take pride in shaping the communities we serve through reliable and high-quality public infrastructure. Specializing in civil construction and wet utility work, our team is driven by safety, teamwork, and technical excellence. We work on union and prevailing wage projects across Los Angeles County, offering our team stable employment, weekly pay, and opportunities for professional development.

Key Responsibilities:

- Supervise daily operations of field crews (equipment operators, pipe layers, laborers).

- Oversee excavation, installation, and backfill of wet utility systems on public works projects.

- Interpret and execute project plans, grade sheets, and civil utility drawings.

- Coordinate equipment, materials, and manpower to meet production goals.

- Ensure all work complies with Cal/OSHA, trench safety, confined space, and environmental regulations.

- Communicate with superintendents, inspectors, and agency personnel to resolve field issues.

- Maintain project documentation including daily reports, crew hours, equipment usage, and field changes.

- Monitor installation quality and prepare for public agency inspections.

- Lead toolbox talks and enforce daily jobsite safety compliance.

- Mentor crew members to build skills and uphold company standards.

Qualifications:

Education & Experience:

- 5+ years of underground wet utility construction experience, including 2+ years as a foreman or crew lead.

- Previous experience on public works or municipal projects required.

Licenses & Certifications:

- Valid driver's license (Class A or B preferred).

- OSHA 30 Certification preferred or required.

- CPR/First Aid Certification a plus.

- Competent Person Certification (trenching & excavation) preferred.

Skills & Knowledge:

- In-depth knowledge of wet utility systems (water, sewer, storm).

- Familiarity with Caltrans, local DPW, and agency specs.

- Strong leadership and communication abilities.

- Ability to read and interpret construction plans and documents.

- Experience with prevailing wage requirements and public works documentation.

Benefits:

- Weekly Pay Cycle

- Paid Time Off (Vacation, Sick, Holidays)

- Prevailing Wage Fringe Benefits (public projects)

- Company Vehicle or Vehicle Allowance (if applicable)

- Paid Certifications and Safety Training

- Career Development & Leadership Opportunities

- Company Events & Team Culture

Schedule:

- Full-Time, Monday-Friday

- 8-10 hour shifts; overtime or weekend work as needed by project schedule

Work Location:

- Field sites across Los Angeles County and surrounding areas

- Must be open to regional travel between job sites

Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) Statement:

We are proud to be 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, protected veteran status, or any other legally protected status.

Compliance Statement:

A background check will be completed as part of the onboarding process, in compliance with applicable laws.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $46.00 - $60.00 per hour

Benefits:

- Paid time off

- Professional development assistance

Experience:

- underground wet utility construction: 5 years (Required)

- Foreman or crew lead: 2 years (Required)

- wet utility systems (water, sewer, storm): 1 year (Required)

- Caltrans, local DPW, and agency specs: 1 year (Required)

- Prevailing wage requirements and public works documentation: 1 year (Required)

License/Certification:

- Driver's License (Required)

- CDL (Required)

- OSHA 30 (Required)

- CPR Certification (Preferred)

- First Aid Certification (Preferred)

- Competent Person Certification (trenching & excavation) (Preferred)

Location:

- Los Angeles, CA (Preferred)

Ability to Commute:

- Los Angeles, CA (Required)

Ability to Relocate:

- Los Angeles, CA: Relocate before starting work (Required)

Work Location: In person