Heavy equipment Jobs in Columbia, SC

Lead Field Operations with a Growing Heavy Civil Contractor

Targeted HR Consulting is partnering with a respected heavy civil construction contractor to identify an experienced Foreman to lead field crews on a variety of site development and infrastructure projects throughout Central South Carolina.

This is an excellent opportunity for a hands-on leader with experience in heavy civil construction, grading, utilities, GPS machine control, and heavy equipment operation. The successful candidate will play a key role in delivering safe, high-quality projects while mentoring crews and driving daily production.

Candidates must be authorized to work in the United States without current or future visa sponsorship.

About the Company

Our confidential client specializes in a broad range of heavy civil construction services, including:

• Heavy civil site development

• Infrastructure construction

• Site preparation and grading

• Underground utilities

• Mass excavation

• Landfill development

• Mining and reclamation

• Commercial, industrial, municipal, and select mining projects

Compensation & Benefits

• Annual bonus opportunity

• Company vehicle with gas card

• Company-issued iPad

• Cell phone reimbursement of $60 per month

• Comprehensive medical coverage with the company paying 90% of employee premiums

• Dental, vision, short-term disability, and accident insurance options

• Company-paid life insurance

• 401(k) with company match

• Two weeks of paid time off after 90 days, with increased PTO based on tenure

• Per diem of $105 per day for projects located more than 70 miles from home (hotel or campground receipt required)

• Strong project backlog providing long-term stability

• Excellent training and advancement opportunities

• Promote-from-within culture focused on employee development

Position Summary

The Foreman is responsible for leading daily field operations on heavy civil construction projects while ensuring work is completed safely, efficiently, and in accordance with project specifications.

This position coordinates field crews, equipment, production schedules, and communication with Project Managers, Superintendents, and Engineers to successfully deliver grading, utility, and infrastructure projects.

Key Responsibilities

Field Leadership

• Lead daily field operations to achieve production, quality, and safety goals

• Supervise and mentor field crews while promoting teamwork and accountability

• Coordinate daily work activities to maintain project schedules

• Identify field challenges and implement practical solutions to maintain productivity

Construction Operations

• Read and interpret construction plans, grades, and specifications

• Execute field layout and support grading operations

• Operate and oversee heavy equipment in a safe and efficient manner

• Set up and utilize GPS base stations and GPS-guided construction equipment

• Monitor erosion control measures and maintain compliance throughout the project

Safety & Compliance

• Conduct daily Job Safety Analyses (JSAs), toolbox talks, and workplace examinations

• Ensure compliance with OSHA, MSHA, and company safety standards

• Maintain clean, organized, and safe job sites

• Communicate hazards and corrective actions promptly

Equipment & Documentation

• Coordinate equipment maintenance and perform minor emergency repairs when necessary

• Maintain fuel inventory, tools, equipment, and assigned company vehicle

• Complete daily production reports, fuel logs, load counts, equipment hours, and expense documentation accurately and on time

Required Qualifications

• Experience as a Foreman or Crew Leader in heavy civil construction

• Hands-on experience operating heavy construction equipment

• Strong knowledge of:

  • Site preparation

  • Grading

  • Underground utilities

  • Road construction

  • Heavy civil construction practices

• Experience reading engineered plans and interpreting grades

• Experience working with GPS machine control systems

• Strong leadership, communication, and decision-making skills

• Valid driver's license with fewer than three moving violations within the past three years

• Ability to pass pre-employment drug and alcohol screening

• Ability to lift at least 40 pounds and work in physically demanding environments

Ideal Candidate

We're looking for a leader who is:

• Safety-focused and quality-driven

• Dependable, organized, and proactive

• Comfortable leading crews in a fast-paced environment

• Skilled at solving problems in the field

• Committed to mentoring team members and maintaining positive working relationships

• Professional in interactions with coworkers, clients, and project stakeholders

Work Environment

This position is primarily field-based and requires working outdoors in varying weather conditions around active heavy construction equipment.

Candidates should be comfortable performing physically demanding work while maintaining a strong commitment to safety, productivity, and quality.

Travel within South Carolina may be required based on project assignments. Employees assigned to projects located more than 70 miles from their residence are eligible for the company's daily per diem program.

Apply Today

If you're an experienced Heavy Civil Foreman looking to join a growing contractor with an outstanding reputation, excellent leadership, modern equipment, and long-term career opportunities, we'd like to hear from you.

Targeted HR Consulting is conducting this confidential search on behalf of our client. Qualified applicants will be contacted to discuss the opportunity in greater detail.