Pipe Layer Operator Jobs in Athens, GA (NOW HIRING)

Position Summary:

J&J Earthworks is seeking an experienced Civil Construction Foreman to lead our field operations in the Athens, Georgia area. This is a hands-on leadership position for an experienced heavy equipment operator who can effectively manage a crew, read construction plans, establish grades, and oversee/complete civil sitework and underground utility installation.

The ideal candidate is a dependable leader who can organize daily field activities, operate equipment, maintain production goals, and ensure work is completed safely and according to project plans and specifications.

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.