Soil Testing Jobs in Chicago, IL (NOW HIRING)

Description
THE COMPANY:
Schnabel is a nationally recognized specialty contractor with over 65 years of experience in geostructural design-build and underground construction. With a portfolio of thousands of successful projects across the country, we are known for delivering smart, safe, and cost-effective solutions to complex engineering challenges. We specialize in advanced earth retention systems, deep foundations, ground improvement, specialized grouting, and other innovative geostructural techniques that create stable, lasting foundations for buildings, infrastructure, and other critical structures. At Schnabel, we combine technical expertise with a hands-on approach to ensure every project starts on solid ground.
ROLE:
Schnabel is seeking an experienced Superintendent to be responsible for the overall field execution of construction projects, ensuring work is completed safely, on schedule, within budget, and in accordance with quality standards. This role provides direct leadership to Foremen and field crews, while coordinating closely with the General Superintendent or Operations Manager, who oversees multiple projects.
Schnabel's scope of work includes a wide range of geostructural solutions: drilled and driven deep foundations, soil mixing, aggregate piers, rigid inclusions, soldier piles, tiebacks, soil nails, wood lagging, shotcrete, bracing, underpinning, and all types of grouting. Candidates who have direct construction experience and familiarity with these construction methods are preferred.
RESPONSIBILITIES:
Field Leadership & Supervision
• Directly supervise, mentor, and develop one or more Foremen responsible for specific scopes or crews
• Clearly communicate expectations for safety, quality, production, and reporting
• Coordinate work across multiple Foremen to ensure alignment and efficiency across all operations
• Drive accountability at the Foreman level for crew performance, safety compliance, and productivity
• Build a strong field culture consistent with high-performance contractors (ownership, discipline, and teamwork)
Field Operations & Execution
• Lead day-to-day site construction activities from mobilization through project completion
• Ensure proper installation methods, equipment usage, and sequencing in line with project specifications
• Coordinate specialized equipment and crews (drilling rigs, cranes, batching systems, etc.)
• Troubleshoot field challenges related to subsurface conditions, production rates, and constructability
Safety Leadership
• Lead a proactive safety culture with zero-incident expectations
• Ensure Foremen conduct daily safety meetings, Job Hazard Analyses (JHAs), and enforce safe work practices
• Maintain strict compliance with OSHA, environmental regulations, and company policies
• Empower field teams to stop work and resolve unsafe or non-compliant conditions
Quality Control
• Establish clear quality expectations with Foremen and verify execution in field
• Ensure all work complies with plans, specifications, and client requirements
• Coordinate inspections, testing, and documentation
• Identify, communicate, and resolve field issues proactively
Planning & Coordination
• Develop and manage short-term (look-ahead) schedules in coordination with Foremen
• Align daily and weekly production goals with overall project schedule and budget
• Monitor production rates (e.g., linear feet installed, cubic yards placed) and adjust resources accordingly
• Identify constraints and proactively implement solutions to maintain progress
Communication & Alignment
• Act as the primary on-site liaison between the project team and field ops
• Provide regular updates to the General Superintendent on progress, risks, and resource needs
• Interface with clients, inspectors, and regulatory agencies as needed
• Ensure consistent communication flows from leadership to Foremen and crews
• Coordinate with other projects (as directed by the General Superintendent) when sharing resources
Cost & Resource Management
• Monitor labor productivity at the Foreman/crew level
• Ensure efficient use of equipment and materials across all crews
• Assist in controlling costs and minimizing rework or waste
• Track quantities, field changes, and extra work with input from Foremen
Documentation & Reporting
• Review and validate daily reports and production logs submitted by Foremen
• Maintain accurate site records including safety, quality, and production data
• Track RFIs, change orders, and as-built conditions
• Support project closeout and documentation requirements
REQUIREMENTS:

• High school diploma or equivalent (technical training preferred)
• 4 years of heavy civil, geotechnical, or industrial construction experience, including senior field leadership roles

• Demonstrated experience managing field crews and foremen on complex projects
• Strong leadership and team development skills
• Proficient in reading and interpreting construction drawings and specifications
• Demonstrated understanding of construction safety standards and practices
• Ability to lift and carry up to 50 pounds
• Ability to pass pre-employment drug test

• Local and regional travel as required for projects

• Driver's license and a safe driving record

SAFETY:
Support the company's safety and risk management objectives by adhering to established procedures, proactively identifying and addressing potential risks, and contributing to the achievement of safety goals through the use of metrics and continuous improvement efforts.
Don't hurt yourself, don't hurt anyone else, and don't let anyone hurt you; a simple philosophy that has been adopted at Schnabel. We live by this belief to provide a safe and healthy workplace for all our employees and subcontractors.
COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS:

• Base Salary Range: $120,000.00 - $165,000.00 depending on experience and work location. Union option also available!
• Company Vehicle and Fuel Card
• Company Technology
• 401(k) with Company Contributions
• Company Bonus Plan
• Health, Vision, and Dental Insurance

**Salary ranges are determined by a variety of conditions, including regional market factors, relevant experience, education, and skill level. Final offers may vary to ensure alignment with both organizational equity and individual qualifications**
Schnabel is an Equal Opportunity Employer and is fully committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, pregnancy, sexual orientation, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, veteran or military status, or any other characteristics protected by applicable laws. We are an E-Verify employer.