Grading Crew Jobs in Athens, GA (NOW HIRING)

Position Summary:

J&J Earthworks is a small, close-knit civil construction company currently seeking an experienced Civil Construction Foreman to join our growing team in the Athens, Georgia area. We’re looking for a hands-on leader who knows civil construction, takes pride in their work, and can lead a crew while still being willing to jump in and work alongside them when needed.

At J&J, people know each other, hard work is noticed, and every person plays an important role in what we’re building. We want our employees to feel valued, supported, and have the opportunity to build a long-term career with us.

We believe in developing our people from within, which means helping laborers become operators, operators become foremen, and foremen continue into superintendent and leadership roles.

What you can expect at J&J Earthworks:

• Team-oriented work environment
• Growth opportunities/continued development
• Leadership that recognizes hard work and initiative

Our foremen lead daily field operations, coordinate crews and equipment, read plans, establish grades, and oversee civil sitework and underground utility installation. Heavy equipment experience is important, as our foremen are hands-on and willing to operate when the job calls for it.

Above all, we’re looking for someone dependable who takes ownership of their work, looks out for their crew, and wants to grow with us.

Primary Responsibilities:

· Lead and supervise civil construction crews performing sitework and underground utility installation.

· Plan and coordinate daily labor, equipment, materials, and production activities.

· Read and interpret civil plans, grading plans, utility plans, profiles, details, and project specifications.

· Establish and verify grades, slopes, elevations, and pipe inverts.

· Properly set up and use grade lasers, rotary lasers, pipe lasers, and grade rods.

· Lead the installation of storm drainage, sanitary sewer, waterline, structures, and related utilities.

· Operate excavators, dozers, loaders, skid steers, compactors, and other heavy equipment as needed.

· Direct excavation, trenching, bedding, pipe installation, backfill, compaction, fine grading, and stabilization activities.

· Ensure work is completed according to plans, specifications, schedules, and quality standards.

· Monitor crew productivity and communicate production goals clearly.

· Coordinate with project managers, superintendents, inspectors, subcontractors, and other trades.

· Identify plan conflicts, changed conditions, delays, and potential change-order work.

· Document daily labor, equipment usage, installed quantities, delays, and jobsite conditions.

· Conduct daily safety meetings and enforce company safety policies.

· Inspect equipment and ensure required maintenance or repairs are reported promptly.

· Maintain an organized, professional, and safe jobsite.

· Train and develop operators, pipe layers, and laborers.

· Perform other field and supervisory duties as assigned.

Required Qualifications:

· At least five years of civil construction, sitework, grading, or underground utility experience.

· Previous experience as a foreman, lead operator, pipe foreman, or similar field leadership position.

· Strong heavy equipment operating skills.

· Ability to independently read and interpret civil construction plans.

· Experience using grade lasers, pipe lasers, rotary lasers, and grade rods.

· Knowledge of elevations, slopes, percentages, pipe inverts, and basic construction layout.

· Experience installing storm drainage, sanitary sewer, waterline, or similar underground utilities.

· Ability to lead employees, assign work, and hold crews accountable for safety, quality, and production.

· Knowledge of trench safety, excavation practices, compaction requirements, and utility installation procedures.

· Ability to communicate professionally with field employees, management, inspectors, and clients.

· Valid driver’s license and dependable transportation.

· Ability to pass pre-employment screening requirements.

· Ability to work outdoors in varying weather and site conditions.

· Ability to lift at least 50 pounds and safely perform the physical duties of the position.

Preferred Qualifications:

· OSHA 10- or OSHA 30-hour construction certification.

· Competent Person training for excavation and trenching.

· CPR and first-aid certification.

· Experience working on commercial, municipal, or public infrastructure projects.

· Experience with GPS machine control or construction layout technology.

· Experience completing daily field reports and tracking installed quantities.

· Commercial driver’s license or experience transporting construction equipment.

Leadership Expectations:

The Civil Construction Foreman is expected to:

· Lead by example and maintain a professional attitude.

· Be prepared before the crew begins work each day.

· Clearly communicate the daily plan and production expectations.

· Treat employees, clients, inspectors, and subcontractors respectfully.

· Take ownership of safety, quality, productivity, and jobsite organization.

· Develop crew members and help employees improve their skills.

· Communicate problems early instead of allowing issues to grow.

· Protect company equipment, materials, and resources.

· Maintain accurate documentation of field activities.

· Represent J&J Earthworks professionally on every project.

Work Schedule:

This is a full-time position. The normal schedule is generally Monday through Friday, with early mornings, evenings, or occasional weekend work required depending on project needs and weather conditions.

Reliable attendance and punctuality are essential.

Compensation and Benefits:

· Starting pay of $25.00–$32.00 per hour, based on experience and demonstrated ability.

· Paid holidays and paid time off, subject to company policy.

· Company-provided safety equipment.

· Training and advancement opportunities.

· Access to a company vehicle

· Additional benefits may be available based on eligibility and company policy.

J&J Earthworks is a growing civil construction and excavation contractor serving commercial, municipal, and private clients. Our work includes grading, excavation, storm drainage, water and sewer utilities, site development, and related civil construction services.

We are looking for experienced professionals who value safety, accountability, quality workmanship, and teamwork.