Drill Crew Foreman

Maxwell Construction is seeking an experienced Drill Crew Foreman to lead horizontal directional drilling (HDD) operations supporting underground utility construction across the Eastern Iowa Corridor. This hands-on field leadership position oversees drilling crews, equipment, bore execution, and installation support for underground infrastructure projects, with a focus on safe production, quality workmanship, and crew development. The Drill Crew Foreman directs daily HDD operations, applies sound field judgment, demonstrates the ability to plan work, communicate expectations, coordinates crew activities, and maintains compliance with company safety procedures and project requirements. Key Duties - Plan and supervise drill rig positioning, bore setup, tooling selection, drilling-fluid preparation, pilot bores, reaming, and product pullback. - Operate HDD equipment (Vermeer 20x22, 36x50) and related construction equipment as needed. - Lead, coach, and assign daily work to HDD operators, drill hands, and supporting field personnel. - Review project plans, bore profiles, specifications, production goals, and jobsite conditions before beginning work. - Coordinate safe installation of underground utility infrastructure, including water-main and other utility piping or conduit as required by the project. - Monitor bore progress, drilling-fluid performance, tooling condition, equipment performance, and installation quality; troubleshoot field issues and escalates changes when necessary. - Coordinate with project leadership and designated utility-locating personnel regarding approved bore plans, site restrictions, and existing-facility protection; utility locating is not an assigned job function. - Inspect, maintain, clean, stage, and secure drill rigs, tooling, trucks, trailers, and supporting equipment. - Communicate effectively with superintendents, project managers, customers, and other teams; support schedule and production commitments. Essential Work Activities - Directing a field crew while participating in HDD drilling and underground utility installation. - Interpreting construction plans and coordinating safe, efficient bore execution. - Training crew members and reinforcing accountability, quality, and safe work practices. Work Environment This position works primarily outdoors on active underground construction jobsites, including variable weather, uneven ground, excavations, and areas with moving heavy equipment. Regular travel between assigned local and regional jobsites is expected. Minimum Qualifications At least 3 years of hands-on HDD drill operation experience in construction or underground utilities; demonstrated ability to lead or coordinate a field crew. Working knowledge of HDD rigs, tooling, drilling fluids, bore setup, and installation processes. Ability to read and apply construction drawings, bore plans, and specifications. []{styl=""}