Superintendent – Earthwork & Grading

Trident Civil is a growing civil construction contractor specializing in concrete structures, site development, utilities, and infrastructure projects. We are committed to delivering safe, high-quality work while building long-term relationships with our clients and employees.

We are seeking a Earthwork and Grading Superintendent to oversee all sitework, earthwork, grading, and excavation activities on assigned projects. This role manages field crews, equipment, subcontractors, and production schedules to ensure work is completed safely, on time, within scope, and in accordance with quality standards. The position reports to the General Superintendent or Operations Manager and works closely with the Project Manager.

  • Supervise and coordinate all earthwork and grading operations including clearing, excavation, cut/fill, subgrade preparation, fine grading, and stabilization.
  • Lead and manage field crews, foremen, operators, trucking, and subcontractors to maintain productivity and quality.
  • Interpret and implement site plans, grading plans, utility drawings, erosion control plans, and contract documents.
  • Monitor elevations, slopes, and compaction to ensure compliance with project specifications and testing requirements.
  • Coordinate daily manpower, materials, trucking, and heavy equipment (dozers, excavators, graders, compactors, loaders).
  • Collaborate with surveyors to verify layout, grades, and benchmarks.
  • Prepare daily production reports including quantities, manpower, equipment utilization, and site conditions.
  • Coordinate inspections and testing for grading, compaction, erosion control, and environmental compliance.
  • Identify and resolve field issues proactively to maintain schedule alignment.
  • Support the Project Manager with quantity tracking, cost awareness, and change order documentation.
  • Promote and enforce a zero-tolerance safety culture across all grading operations.
  • Ensure compliance with OSHA, EM-385 (if applicable), environmental regulations, and site-specific safety plans.
  • Enforce proper equipment operation, trench safety standards, and erosion/sediment control measures.
  • Conduct and document safety meetings and Job Hazard Analyses (JHAs).
  • Maintain safe access roads, haul routes, equipment staging, and organized job sites.
  • All other duties as assigned.

  • 7–10 years of experience in sitework, earthwork, or heavy civil construction.
  • 3–5 years of supervisory experience overseeing grading or dirt crews.
  • Proven experience managing earthwork production on projects ranging from $1MM to $20MM+.
  • Strong knowledge of grading techniques, soil conditions, compaction requirements, and construction sequencing.
  • Ability to read and interpret blueprints, grading plans, and specifications.
  • Experience coordinating with testing agencies and inspectors.
  • Basic computer proficiency (Microsoft Office; scheduling software preferred).

Essential Physical Functions

  • Ability to travel to and access active construction sites.
  • Ability to walk and stand for extended periods while inspecting project sites.
  • Ability to climb ladders, stairs, and navigate scaffolding or uneven terrain when necessary.
  • Ability to occasionally bend, kneel, crouch, or reach while reviewing work areas or site conditions.
  • Ability to work outdoors in varying weather conditions, including heat, cold, wind, and rain, during site visits.
  • Ability to wear required personal protective equipment (PPE), including hard hats, safety glasses, high-visibility vests, and protective footwear while on construction sites.
  • Ability to safely navigate active construction environments that may include noise, dust, moving equipment, and other construction-related hazards.
  • Ability to occasionally lift or carry materials, documents, or equipment up to 50 pounds.
  • Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the position.

See also

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