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Shipyard Foreman Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

Colonna's Shipyard, Inc.

$88K - $111K/yr

Colonna's Shipyard is seeking a General Foreman for our Plate/Weld Shop to support operations in our shipyard in Norfolk, VA. Position Summary: Position maintains detailed understanding of project ...

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How much do shipyard foreman jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 22, 2026, the average hourly pay for shipyard foreman in Virginia is $33.22, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $27.40 and $38.61 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a shipyard foreman do?

A Shipyard Foreman supervises and coordinates the work of shipyard crews involved in vessel construction, repair, and maintenance. They ensure that projects are completed on time, within budget, and in compliance with safety and quality standards. Responsibilities include assigning tasks, monitoring progress, troubleshooting issues, and enforcing safety regulations. Strong leadership, technical knowledge, and communication skills are essential for this role.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a shipyard foreman?

To excel as a Shipyard Foreman, you need a solid background in shipbuilding or marine construction, proven leadership experience, and knowledge of safety regulations. Familiarity with project management software, blueprints, and certifications such as OSHA or NCCER are highly beneficial. Effective communication, problem-solving, and organizational skills help you lead teams and coordinate multiple tasks efficiently. These abilities ensure projects are completed safely, on time, and within budget while maintaining a positive and productive work environment.

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Shipyard Foreman jobs near you
Infographic showing various Shipyard Foreman job openings in Virginia as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 70% Full Time, 20% Contract, and 10% Nights. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $69,089 per year, or $33.2 per hour.

General Foreman - Plate/Weld Shop (Job ID: 1433)

Colonna's Shipyard, Inc.

Norfolk, VA • On-site

$88K - $111K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 23 days ago

Job description

General Foreman (Plate/Weld Shop)
Purpose:
Colonna's Shipyard is seeking a General Foreman for our Plate/Weld Shop to support operations in our shipyard in Norfolk, VA.
Position Summary:
Position maintains detailed understanding of project specifications and all requirements necessary for appropriate trades support, ensuring safe and efficient production in ship repair/industrial fabrication operations. Provides oversight to qualified trades workforce & trades supervision and is responsible for meeting overall schedule, budget, quality, and safety goals of work assigned.
The position is located onsite in Norfolk, VA and will often require hours beyond a standard work week with flexible schedule availability to support production/operations. Position may require limited travel.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities:
Supports labor requirements for completion of job assignments. Understand specifications, blueprints, and job orders in order to effectively communicate duties to work teams. Maintains adequate personnel/manning levels, production space, tooling, and equipment assets, while establishing work processes to meet production schedules. Suggests changes in working conditions and use of equipment to increase efficiency of shop, department, or work crews. Analyzes and resolves work problems to minimize disruptions to production schedule.
Key responsibilities include:
  • Manages all shop resources by assigning trades personnel to Foremen based on project needs.
  • Supports trades foremen in supervising, assigning, coordinating, training, and evaluating semi-skilled and skilled trades personnel according to their skill, experience, and job knowledge. Recommends training to enhance skill and productivity of employees and assists in development of training processes/procedures. Continually monitor foremen's project designations, deck plate presence, understanding of work scope, and efficiency of trades management.
  • Manages lifecycle of shop personnel through all phases of employment, to include hiring and retention efforts of shop personnel, as well as developing/delivering coaching and disciplinary actions needed to address performance concerns. Responsible for personnel administration needs, to include recommendations/handling of change requests facilitated by EANs (pay, reclassification, etc.).
  • Engaged in workforce development by identifying candidates for additional development/mentorship opportunities, support succession planning efforts, and ensuring assigned apprentices have appropriate oversight and developmental resources.
  • Breaks broad projects down to practical action plans, ensuring adequate shop manning resources, and develops/executes POD for all shop resources (with the input of Foreman) daily to ensure production goals are executed safely and efficiently.
  • Responsible for final approval and presentation of all project deliverables via condition reports and approval/management of all material orders, ensuring contractual requirements and period of performance are met.
  • Responsible for complying with all technical aspects of the job including adherence to all drawings, procedures, etc. and manages test and inspection plans for assigned areas (overseeing submittal of required documentation, ensure foreman attend inspections as required, etc.).
  • Responsible for manufacturing, installation, operation, testing, and process operations that have a significant financial impact on the company's performance.

Additionally, position will:
  • Provide data/feedback for current budgets via hours management/EACs, including dates, and report scheduling and progress updates to superintendents/project management.

Required Qualifications:
  • Must have a Bachelors or Registered Apprentice (grad) and at least 2 years relative trades experience (or HS + 6 years trades experience) and 2 years of prior supervisory experience.
  • Must have knowledge of design principles, ASME/AWS codes, and safety standards as well as knowledge/ experience with various welding methods, weld procedures, and quality controls. Specific experience must include "hands-on" involvement in the layout, fitting, and welding of structural steel, pipe, plate, and sheet metal.
  • Must be experienced in supporting QA/QC programs and procedures.
  • Must have working knowledge of all standard ship repair/industrial fabrication tools and equipment (i.e., overhead cranes, saw, iron workers, shears, brakes, welding equipment).
  • Must have ability to understand job specifications, drawings, and corresponding technical references as well as ability to read/interpret blueprints and schematics.
  • Must have well-developed communication skills, both verbal and written, to effectively communicate with employees/leadership/customers and prepare/deliver written reports and correspondence.
  • Must have regular, reliable attendance. Must be available to work all shifts (1st, 2nd, 3rd).

Preferred Skills/Qualifications:
  • Exposure to or experience supporting multiple trades is highly preferred.
  • 4 years of overall supervision experience for the trade to be supervised is highly preferred.

Security Requirements:
  • U.S Citizenship Required.
  • Ability to obtain DBIDS preferred.

Travel Requirements:
  • Minimal Travel; 10% or less.

Physical Requirements:
  • Must be able to lift, carry and transport heavy equipment and boxes. The exact weight requirements will be determined by the specific job, but no less than 20 lbs.
  • Must be physically agile to perform tasks in naval ships. Able to work on and climb ladders, work in extreme temperature environments, aboard ships, in shipyards, under industrial conditions and in confined spaces, including enter and moving through manholes.
  • May ride ships at sea for extended periods.
  • Able to perform other duties as required which may involve high heat, humidity, noise and dirty conditions, working aloft or over the sides of vessels.
  • Frequent exposure to noise due to machinery and equipment.
  • Employee is required to operate trucks, forklifts & man-lifts.
  • While performing the duties of this job, you may frequently be required to stand, walk & sit; use hands or fingers; handle or feel; talk and hear. Occasionally required to reach with hands and arms, climb and balance, stoop, squat, kneel, twist and crawl.
  • Work in extreme temperatures and conditions. At times you will work in areas that have less adequate ventilation
  • Frequent use of respirator.
  • Protective clothing or equipment and face shields or goggles shall be worn when welding, cutting, or working with molten metal.

Respect, Pride, Truth, Family - These are our VALUES and the guidelines that make us a leader in our industry. We are pleased and confident in stating that our skilled employees are among the most respected experts in the ship repair industry.
Colonna's Shipyard, Inc. is proud to be an Equal Employment Opportunity employer. We do not discriminate based upon race, religion, color, national origin, gender (including pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions), sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, age, status as a protected veteran, status as an individual with a disability, or other applicable legally protected characteristics.
Additionally, Colonna's Shipyard provides a variety of benefits to support your best health, wellness, and future, to include medical/dental/vision options, company paid disability insurances, 401k with match, legal services, as well as company paid holidays and paid time off (PTO).
Pay Range: $88,307 - $111,683.00/yr
Determination of base salary considers various factors, including but not limited to scope of responsibility, candidate's relative and specific experience, education level, key skills, as well as other business considerations. The company also provides a variety of benefits to support employees' best health and wellness. Additionally, the company offers a 401k retirement program with match, paid holidays, and competitive paid time off (PTO)

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