Entry Level Underground Construction Jobs in Riverside, CA

Position Overview

We are hiring a working Construction Manager to lead field execution on EV charging, battery storage (BESS), and commercial solar projects.

This is not a sit-back management role. This position requires someone who can personally perform, teach, and enforce high-level field execution across civil and electrical scopes.

You will oversee multiple job sites while actively working in the field, developing junior foremen into strong, independent leaders.

What This Role Actually Does

- Run 3–4 active job sites per week

- Work directly with crews in the field (not from a truck or office)

- Lead and develop junior foremen into capable foremen

- Ensure jobs are built correctly, efficiently, and safely

- Maintain momentum and solve problems in real time

- Spend 1 day per week in the office handling:

- Change orders

- Field reporting

- Coordination with Project Managers

Core Responsibilities

Field Leadership

- Direct and support crews on-site daily

- Set expectations for production, quality, and safety

- Train and mentor foremen and labor crews

- Step in and perform work when needed to maintain progress

Layout & Build Execution

- Perform and verify accurate site layout (critical)

- Ensure proper installation of:

- Conduit systems (routing, depth, spacing)

- Equipment pads and foundations

- Underground utilities and trenching systems

- Maintain alignment with plans while adapting to field conditions

Civil Construction Mastery (Required)

Must be able to personally perform and teach:

- Excavation and trenching (including deep trench work)

- Shoring and trench safety (OSHA/CalOSHA compliant)

- Asphalt cutting, removal, and restoration

- Concrete work:

- Forming

- Rebar placement

- Structural pours

- Equipment pads and foundations

- Finishing and anchoring

- Irrigation identification, modification, and repair

Electrical Awareness (Required, Not Master-Level)

- Read and understand single-line diagrams

- Determine appropriate conduit sizing and routing

- Coordinate electrical scope with crews and PMs

- Understand equipment layouts (switchgear, transformers, chargers, BESS)

Safety & Compliance

- Enforce all safety standards without exception

- Understand and apply:

- Trench safety and shoring regulations

- Job site hazard identification and mitigation

- Run safety meetings and maintain job site discipline

What We’re Looking For

- Proven field experience across civil construction trades

- Strong ability to lead crews and train foremen

- High-level layout skills (non-negotiable)

- Ability to read plans and adjust in real-world conditions

- Hands-on, no-ego approach to getting work done

- Strong problem-solving ability under pressure

What This Is NOT

- Not a clipboard-only manager

- Not someone learning trades on the job

- Not an entry-level or assistant role

If you cannot personally perform and teach core civil scopes at a professional level, this role is not a fit.

Success in This Role

- Jobs stay on schedule and maintain momentum

- Crews improve under your leadership

- Layouts are correct the first time

- Field problems are solved before they become delays

- Work is clean, safe, and built right

Interview Requirement

Be prepared to demonstrate field knowledge during the interview, including layout, trench safety, and concrete procedures