Substation Foreman

About the role

Forbes Bros. Group of Companies delivers transmission, distribution, substation, and related power infrastructure projects across Canada and the United States. Our work spans field construction, project delivery, operations, and corporate support in an environment where safety, execution, and reliability matter. The Opportunity Lead a field crew and help deliver safe, productive, high-quality utility substation construction. The Foreman is a first-level supervisory role responsible for leading a crew of approximately 6–10 craft workers across substation construction activities. Working closely with General Foremen and Superintendents, you’ll help coordinate daily work, keep crews productive, and ensure work is completed safely and in accordance with project requirements. This opportunity is well suited to an experienced tradesperson who is ready to take the next step into leadership and assume greater responsibility for crew performance, task coordination, field communication, and day-to-day execution. Work may include substation civil, structural, and electrical installation scopes, including foundations, grounding systems, structural steel, conduit systems, and electrical equipment support. Primary work location: Lebanon, Kentucky.

Responsibilities

• Lead daily crew activities: Direct a crew of approximately 6–10 craft workers in accordance with work plans, schedules, and daily task assignments.
• Coordinate field execution: Ensure crew members understand their tasks and have the tools, materials, equipment, and information needed to complete work safely and efficiently.
• Drive safety: Conduct daily tailboard talks and field-level hazard assessments while reinforcing PPE requirements, permits, safe work practices, and company safety expectations.
• Lead by example: Promote a positive safety culture and maintain high standards of professionalism, accountability, and teamwork within the crew.
• Maintain quality: Ensure work is completed in accordance with drawings, specifications, client requirements, and applicable substation construction standards.
• Support inspections: Complete or support installation checklists, material verification, photo documentation, and preparation for inspections or client walkdowns.
• Address field issues: Identify construction issues, non-conforming work, delays, and other field concerns and communicate them to the General Foreman or Superintendent for resolution.
• Track productivity: Monitor crew progress, task durations, crew time, and material usage, providing accurate daily reports to field supervision.
• Coordinate with other crews: Maintain communication with other field leaders to coordinate adjacent work and keep activities aligned across the project.
• Support your crew: Provide direction to new or junior crew members, help resolve day-to-day questions, and ensure team members understand site expectations and work requirements.
• Maintain tools and equipment: Ensure tools, equipment, and materials are properly cared for, stored, and available for daily work.
• Communicate clearly: Serve as the primary point of contact for your assigned crew and communicate instructions, priorities, and changes effectively.

Requirements

• 3–5 years of hands-on experience in utility construction or a related skilled trade.
• Demonstrated technical experience in utility construction, preferably within substation construction.
• Experience with one or more substation scopes, such as civil foundations, grounding, structural steel, conduit installation, or electrical yard installation.
• Previous experience providing direction to crew members or serving in an informal or formal leadership capacity.
• Working knowledge of construction drawings, specifications, field safety requirements, and jobsite procedures.
• Valid driver’s license and ability to work in remote or active jobsite environments.

Skills

• Strong communication, organization, and problem‑solving skills.
• Ability to coordinate multiple tasks and maintain productivity in an active construction environment.
• Comfortable using mobile field tools, including digital forms, timesheets, equipment logs, and other project documentation systems.
• Formal supervisory training, safety certifications, or additional trade qualifications are considered assets.

Pay

• Base pay range: $48–$58 USD per hour.
• Per diem: $275 USD.
• Travel arrangements: This is a travelling, site‑based role initially based in Lebanon, Kentucky. Employees are responsible for arranging and covering their own travel and accommodations. As projects are completed, crews may transition to other projects within the region, so regional travel is a regular part of the role.

Schedule

• Working schedule: Monday‑Friday.
• Anticipated project duration: 8‑10 weeks.