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Foreman Operator Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

FiberTel, LLC

Underground Foreman

San Jose, CA · On-site

$28/hr

The Underground Foreman/Operator position will oversee the work of their crews' depending on job size. The Foreman will be able to perform all the duties of an Underground Laborer & Operator. He/she ...

FiberTel, LLC

Underground Foreman

San Jose, CA · On-site

$28 - $36/hr

The Underground Foreman/Operator position will oversee the work of their crews' depending on job size. The Foreman will be able to perform all the duties of an Underground Laborer & Operator. He/she ...

Quanta Services

Underground Foreman

San Jose, CA

$28 - $36/hr

The Underground Foreman/Operator position will oversee the work of their crews' depending on job size. The Foreman will be able to perform all the duties of an Underground Laborer & Operator. He/she ...

Ortco Inc

Foreman

Orange, CA · On-site

$25 - $35/hr

Job Details The basic function of the Foreman is to accept authority, responsibility, and ... Required: 5 years Operator and/or Site Laborer experience. * Preferred: 2 years Playground ...

Teichert

Underground Foreman

Fresno, CA · On-site

Position Description OPERATING ENGINEER - UNDERGROUND FOREMAN Must be a Member of the Operating Engineers Union, Local 3 Compensation is in accordance with the applicable Collective Bargaining ...

Boudreau Pipeline

Foreman

Corona, CA · On-site

The Mainline Foreman directs equipment operators, pipelayers, and laborers, coordinates workflow, interprets plans and profiles, and ensures all work aligns with project specifications, BPC standards ...

New

Turner Mining Group

Mining Foreman

Hinkley, CA · On-site

$42 - $50/hr

Supervise and coordinate daily activities of operators, laborers, and support personnel * Ensure ... Proven experience in a supervisory or foreman role within mining, quarry, or heavy civil operations

Turner Mining Group

Mining Foreman

Hinkley, CA · On-site

$42 - $50/hr

Supervise and coordinate daily activities of operators, laborers, and support personnel * Ensure ... Proven experience in a supervisory or foreman role within mining, quarry, or heavy civil operations

Tree Masters

Tree Foreman

San Rafael, CA · On-site

$35 - $50/hr

As a Tree Foreman / Crew Lead, you will be responsible for leading a team of tree care ... Experience operating heavy equipment such as bucket trucks and chippers * Experience with tree ...

Western Engineering Contractors, Inc.

CA · On-site

Foreman - Underground Division General Summary : Western Engineering Contractors Inc. is seeking a ... operating within budget allowances. Projects will include new construction, removal, and ...

Clean Harbors

IS Foreman 159834

Santa Monica, CA · On-site

$30 - $35/hr

The Foreman supervises single/multiple crews in performing downstream service line tasks (filter press, centrifuges, air operated pumps, etc.) to complete jobs at client's site in accordance with ...

Careers at Teichert

Grading Foreman

Fresno, CA

OPERATING ENGINEER - UNDERGROUND FOREMAN Must be a Member of the Operating Engineers Union, Local 3 Compensation is in accordance with the applicable Collective Bargaining Agreement CONSTRUCTION ...

Teichert

Grading Foreman

Fresno, CA · On-site

Position Description OPERATING ENGINEER - UNDERGROUND FOREMAN Must be a Member of the Operating Engineers Union, Local 3 Compensation is in accordance with the applicable Collective Bargaining ...

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All JobsForeman Operator JobsForeman Operator Jobs in California

Foreman Operator information

See California salary details

$10

$28

$43

How much do foreman operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 7, 2026, the average hourly pay for foreman operator in California is $28.78, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $23.51 and $32.98 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

How does a foreman operator typically coordinate with other team members on a construction site?

A Foreman Operator plays a crucial role in bridging communication between machine operators, laborers, and project managers. They are responsible for delegating tasks, ensuring everyone follows safety protocols, and troubleshooting issues as they arise. Daily, they hold briefings to clarify goals, monitor progress, and adjust workloads to keep the project on schedule. Strong collaboration skills are essential, as the Foreman Operator must address concerns, provide feedback, and ensure smooth workflow across the team.

What is the difference between Foreman Operator vs Equipment Operator?

AspectForeman OperatorEquipment Operator
CredentialsTypically requires certifications in equipment operation and supervisory trainingRequires equipment operation certifications, but usually no supervisory training
Work EnvironmentSupervises crews on construction sites, overseeing safety and workflowOperates machinery directly on construction sites or industrial settings
Employer & Industry UsageCommonly employed in construction, mining, and heavy industryUsed across construction, manufacturing, and transportation sectors

The main difference between a Foreman Operator and an Equipment Operator is that the Foreman Operator combines equipment operation skills with supervisory responsibilities, overseeing crews and ensuring safety, while the Equipment Operator focuses solely on operating machinery. Both roles require similar certifications, but the Foreman Operator's additional leadership duties distinguish it in the industry.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a foreman operator, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Foreman Operator, you need strong leadership abilities, hands-on experience in the relevant trade, and a solid understanding of safety standards, often supported by a high school diploma or technical certification. Familiarity with industry-specific machinery, project management software, and safety compliance systems is typically required. Excellent communication, problem-solving, and team management skills help you coordinate crews and resolve issues efficiently. These competencies ensure safe, productive, and high-quality operations on job sites.

What is a foreman operator?

A Foreman Operator is a supervisory professional who oversees and coordinates the work of a team, often in construction, manufacturing, or industrial settings. They are responsible for ensuring that operations run smoothly, work is completed safely and efficiently, and that all team members follow project specifications and safety regulations. Foreman Operators often manage schedules, delegate tasks, monitor progress, and serve as a liaison between workers and management. Their hands-on experience and leadership skills are crucial for maintaining productivity and quality on site.
Foreman Operator jobs near you
Infographic showing various Foreman Operator job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 40% Full Time, 58% Part Time, 1% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $59,863 per year, or $28.8 per hour.

Foreman/Operator-Underground

Leo Tidwell Excavating Corporation

Selma, CA

$24 - $32/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement

Re-posted 17 days ago

Job description

Leo Tidwell Excavating Corporation has been a utilities contractor for the past 46+ years. This includes substructure: (Plowing, trenching, excavating, directional boring, rodding, pulling, paving, conduit and cable placing, fiber placing and pulling and manhole placement).

Our corporate office is in Paso Robles, and we have a secondary office operating in Selma. Our area of work includes the central part of California, the coast to the Nevada border; from San Jose to Los Angeles, Bakersfield to Sacramento and the Lancaster to Bishop area.

Job Requirements
  • Hard working with strong work ethic.
  • Strong organizational, people, and time management skills.
  • Able to lead jobs and laborers safely and timely.
  • Able to meet attendance & punctuality requirements.
  • Display endurance, the ability to work in all weather conditions.
  • Comply with drug / alcohol free policy
  • Must be willing to travel (Leo Tidwell Excavating Corp. pays for hotels and per diem when out-of-town work is required).
Job Qualifications
  • High School Diploma or GED
  • Class A license preferred
  • Roadside construction experience.
  • Experience with concrete and/or asphalt work.
  • Experience managing teams or individuals.
  • Must have a full understand of all phases of underground construction (setting, manholes, trenching, tie-ins, etc.).
  • Must be able to read, decipher, understand plans/construction drawings.
  • Must be able to effectively communicate with project managers, clients, city/county/state inspectors, vendors, suppliers, and sub-contractors.
  • Preferred underground experience of 2 years or more.
Responsibilities for the Role
  • Job requires effective communication with crew
  • Complete Daily field reports
  • Complete Daily job task analysis forms
  • Conduct Safety meetings
Physical Demands of the job
  • Push, pull, reach, and carry objects such as tools, materials and equipment weighing up to 90 lbs.
  • Load and unload tools and equipment on truck.
  • Ability to ascend and descend ladders.
  • All work is performed at remote locations; driving and sitting are required.
  • All work is outdoors, subject to inclement weather conditions.
  • Must be able to stoop, kneel, crouch and crawl while performing work.
  • Must be able to stand or walk for long periods of time.
  • Must be able to operate or work around heavy equipment and machinery.
  • Must be able to work in small/confined areas.
  • Must be able to maintain visual and audible contact with other crewman and all moving or stationary persons/vehicles/objects to ensure safe coordination of movement.
  • Must be able to work while wearing safety boots, safety glasses, hardhat, and any applicable safety gear.
Compensation and Benefits
  • Compensation will be hourly based on experience.
  • 4-10-hour work days (Mon-Thurs typically)
  • Full-time employment
  • Leo Tidwell Excavating Corporation does offer medical, dental, and vision insurance.
  • Leo Tidwell Excavating Corporation also offers a retirement benefit.

Leo Tidwell Excavating Corporation provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.