Field Foreman

HBK Engineering, LLC is a fully licensed, professional engineering design firm headquartered in Chicago, IL with a staff approaching 700 individuals. HBK provides civil, environmental, structural, electrical, subsurface utility, construction support services and permitting facilitation. Since our founding in 1998, we have earned a reputation for delivering outstanding, accurate services in extremely time-sensitive, multilayered environments. With 25 offices nationwide, HBK brings together a dedicated team focused on the design and protection of utilities and utility networks. In July 2020, HBK Engineering was acquired by Quanta Services, a provider of infrastructure services for electric power, pipeline, and communications industries.

About the role

The Field Foreman oversees field surveying operations across multiple crews and is responsible for the daily direction, coordination, and quality of survey work performed by Field Technicians, Field Leads, and Senior Field Leads. This role possesses full technical capabilities of a Senior Field Lead and applies that expertise to plan, assign, and review field work across a variety of survey disciplines. The Field Foreman holds direct supervisory authority over field staff, approves timesheets and expense reports, ensures compliance with safety and quality standards, and serves as the primary point of accountability for field operations on assigned projects.

Work location: Texas

Responsibilities

• Heavy Civil Survey Construction Layout and Data Collection, including data centers, substations, and BESS facilities.
• Complex Boundary survey providing technical directions to other crews.
• Complex Scanning projects interior & exterior.
• Complex layout & positional verification of construction features.
• Complete precise horizontal and vertical control networks.
• Advanced SUE field work including Pipe & Cable Locating & GPR collection in urban environments as well as GPR data extraction.
• Expert use of total stations and robotic total stations.
• UAS Advance - Part 107 FAA drone pilot (HBK UAS Flight Operations Manual Level 1).
• Interact with clients and contractors on site daily.
• Direct other HBK field crews in daily operations.
• General construction layout accuracy expected: 0.02 feet horizontal, 0.01 feet vertical.
• Direct the daily field operations of multiple crews consisting of Field Technicians, Field Leads, and Senior Field Leads across concurrent projects.
• Assign daily work tasks, crew assignments, and equipment to field personnel based on project needs and priorities.
• Review and approve timesheets and expense reports for all field staff under supervision.
• Monitor field production, quality, and safety across all assigned crews and take corrective action as needed.
• Interpret project plans, specifications, and survey control documents and communicate work scope clearly to field crews.
• Coordinate with Project Managers, Licensed Surveyors, and clients to align field operations with project schedules and deliverables.
• Identify and resolve field problems — including access, utility conflicts, control discrepancies, and site conditions — escalating to the Project Manager or Licensed Surveyor when required.
• Mentor and develop Field Technicians, Field Leads, and Senior Field Leads through on-the-job coaching and performance feedback.
• Maintain accountability for field equipment, including total stations, GPS/GNSS systems, levels, scanners, ensuring proper use, maintenance, and tracking.
• Coordinate with company safety contacts and ensure compliance with company safety policies and field procedures; conduct or oversee daily tailgate safety meetings.
• Ensure accurate and complete daily field records, field notes, and project documentation across all supervised crews.

Requirements

• Five (5) years of OSP survey experience with a combination of aerial and underground OSP survey is required.
• Ability to travel up to 90% of the time and work nights/weekends when required.
• Datacenter experience.
• Working knowledge of NESC rules.
• High School Diploma or GED.
• Attention to jobsite safety.
• Working knowledge of OSP construction techniques and placement methods.

Qualifications

• PC knowledge and/or use of Microsoft Office Suite (Word / Excel) are preferred.
• Proficiency in AutoCAD and/or MicroStation.
• Construction experience is a plus.
• Bachelor’s degree is a plus.
• I.T./S.I. T Certification is a plus.
• Surveying experience is a plus.
• Aerial and/or underground OSP construction experience.

Physical Requirements

• Physically capable of moving about on construction sites, public streets, and parkways.
• Capable of lifting up to 40 lbs.
• Ability to walk and stand for extended periods of time.
• Ability to sit, kneel, and squat on a daily basis — minimal frequency of kneeling and squatting.
• Hand-eye coordination necessary to operate surveying equipment and measurements.

Work Environment

• Work safely outside in all weather conditions year-round.
• Frequently work in excavations areas and roadways.
• Occasionally exposed to wet and/or humid conditions, fumes or airborne particles, and vibration.
• The noise level in the work environment is occasionally moderate to loud.
• May be required to work nights or weekends.

Benefits

• Comprehensive benefits package including medical, dental, vision, disability, and employer-paid life insurance.
• 401(k) retirement plan with company match.
• Paid time off and holidays.
• Tuition reimbursement and other role-specific company-paid professional development opportunities.