Heavy Equipment Operator Foreman - Geotechnical

About this role

Lead a geotechnical field crew based in Walterboro, SC. This hands-on foreman role puts you in charge of daily drilling setup and takedown, crew management, production tracking, site grading, erosion control and equipment operation. You’ll run toolbox talks, set pile elevations, transfer benchmarks with a laser and keep jobs moving safely and on schedule. Expect an outdoor role with travel as needed and frequent 40–60+ hour weeks. You’ll operate and oversee excavators, skidsteers, water trucks, lulls, pumps and light equipment while keeping clear, legible drill logs and production records and communicating site data to the superintendent and project manager.

What you'll do

• Set up and tear down drill rigs; oversee drilling operations and watch for hazards.
• Lead daily PTP/toolbox talks, manage on-site crew assignments and enforce safety procedures.
• Operate and supervise excavators, skidsteers, water trucks, lull, pumps and light equipment as needed.
• Perform grading, drainage, erosion control, spread/level material and prepare site elevations to plan.
• Run laser/level loops, set and verify pile elevations and read grade stakes and blueprints.
• Maintain clear daily production records, drill logs and relay important data to superintendent/PM; perform basic equipment checks and preventive maintenance.

What we're looking for

• Minimum 3+ years hands-on heavy equipment experience in civil or geotechnical work; previous lead/foreman experience preferred.
• Able to read blueprints, grade stakes and perform laser/elevation work accurately.
• Comfortable operating excavators, skidsteers, lulls and water trucks and coaching apprentices/operators.
• Strong focus on safety: able to run pre-op checks, enforce site controls, and conduct toolbox talks.
• Physically able to work outdoors in all weather, lift up to 100 lbs, climb, bend, and work on uneven terrain for long periods.
• Willing to travel to nearby sites as needed and work frequent 40–60+ hour workweeks, including overtime.

Qualifications

• OSHA 10-hour and OSHA 30-hour certifications (required).
• First Aid/CPR certification (required).
• Aerial lift certification (required).
• All-terrain material handler (ATMH) certification (required).
• Forklift and scissor-lift operator credentials (preferred/required where applicable).
• Valid driver’s license and willingness to complete company craft training up through Level I after hire.

What we offer

• Paid site-specific training and certification support after hire.
• Overtime opportunities with frequent extended weeks (40–60+ hours).
• Company-provided PPE and standard site tools.
• Clear path for advancement — potential move to assistant superintendent role.
• Hands-on work with varied equipment and civil/geotechnical tasks (drilling, grading, ground improvements).

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