Position Summary\n
The Concrete Carpenter Foreman is responsible for leading concrete forming crews in the construction of footings, foundation walls, structural walls, slabs, retaining walls, and other concrete structures.
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This is a hands-on leadership position responsible for crew productivity, layout, quality, safety, material planning, and completing work according to project plans and schedule.
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The Foreman is expected to understand the complete forming process, anticipate upcoming needs, effectively direct employees, and communicate with project management and other trades to keep work progressing.
Primary Responsibilities\n
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- Lead and supervise concrete carpenters and laborers in daily field operations.
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- Plan daily work activities and assign crew members according to project priorities.
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- Establish daily and weekly production goals and communicate expectations to the crew.
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- Read and interpret structural drawings, architectural plans, specifications, and details.
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- Perform and verify layout for footings, foundation walls, structural walls, openings, embeds, blockouts, stairs, and other concrete elements.
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- Establish and verify elevations, dimensions, wall locations, and control points.
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- Ensure forms are properly located, dimensioned, plumb, level, straight, braced, and secured before concrete placement.
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- Direct the installation of forming systems, ties, walers, strongbacks, braces, bulkheads, blockouts, and related components.
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- Coordinate reinforcing steel, anchor bolts, embeds, sleeves, openings, and other items that must be installed before concrete placement.
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- Perform pre-pour inspections to ensure work is complete and ready for concrete.
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- Coordinate concrete placement activities and assign crew responsibilities before each pour.
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- Monitor forms, bracing, elevations, embeds, and concrete placement throughout the pour.
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- Identify and immediately correct form movement, leaks, alignment problems, or other issues.
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- Coordinate stripping operations and ensure forms are removed safely and without unnecessary damage.
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- Ensure forming materials and hardware are cleaned, organized, maintained, and prepared for reuse.
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- Track material needs and communicate upcoming requirements before they impact production.
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- Coordinate equipment, tools, concrete pumps, access, and manpower needed for upcoming work.
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- Maintain an organized and productive jobsite.
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Crew Leadership\n
The Foreman is responsible for the performance and development of the crew.
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Responsibilities include:
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- Clearly communicate daily expectations and production goals.
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- Keep employees productive and properly assigned throughout the workday.
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- Train employees in proper forming techniques, layout, tool use, and safe work practices.
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- Identify employees who need additional instruction or supervision.
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- Hold crew members accountable for quality, productivity, attendance, and safety.
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- Lead by example through work ethic, attitude, organization, and professionalism.
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- Address problems early instead of allowing them to affect the project schedule.
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- Develop carpenters and crew members so they can take on additional responsibility.
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Planning & Production\n
The Foreman is expected to think ahead and maintain an organized plan for the crew.
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This includes:
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- Review plans before beginning each phase of work.
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- Understand upcoming project milestones and concrete pour dates.
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- Develop a plan for forming, reinforcing, embeds, inspections, and concrete placement.
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- Determine manpower, materials, tools, and equipment required to complete upcoming work.
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- Identify potential conflicts or missing information before they delay the crew.
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- Coordinate with the Project Manager or Superintendent regarding schedule and manpower needs.
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- Monitor production throughout the day and make adjustments when necessary.
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- Minimize downtime by ensuring the crew has the information, materials, and equipment necessary to work efficiently.
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Quality Control\n
The Foreman is responsible for ensuring work meets company standards and project requirements.
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Before concrete placement, the Foreman should verify:
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- Correct layout and dimensions
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- Correct footing and wall locations
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- Proper elevations
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- Forms are straight, level, and plumb
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- Proper wall thickness
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- Adequate bracing and form ties
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- Correct openings and blockouts
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- Anchor bolts and embeds are properly located
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- Reinforcing steel is installed according to plans
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- Forms are clean and properly prepared
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- Required inspections have been completed
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The goal is to identify and correct problems before concrete is placed rather than repairing them afterward.
Safety Responsibilities\n
The Foreman is responsible for establishing and maintaining a safe working environment for the crew.
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Responsibilities include:
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- Enforce company safety policies and applicable OSHA requirements.
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- Conduct daily safety discussions and communicate job-specific hazards.
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- Ensure employees use required PPE.
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- Inspect ladders, scaffolding, work platforms, handrails, fall protection, and access points.
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- Ensure forms and bracing remain safe throughout construction and concrete placement.
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- Correct unsafe conditions immediately.
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- Maintain good housekeeping and safe access throughout the work area.
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- Ensure tools and equipment are being operated correctly.
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- Report incidents, injuries, near misses, and safety concerns to management.
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Communication & Coordination\n
The Foreman serves as the primary field leader for the crew and is expected to maintain clear communication with:
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- Project Managers
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- Superintendents
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- General Contractors
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- Surveyors
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- Concrete suppliers and pump operators
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- Reinforcing steel crews
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- Other subcontractors and trades
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Potential schedule impacts, conflicts, missing information, material shortages, or quality concerns should be communicated to management as soon as they are identified.
Required Skills & Qualifications\n
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- Strong experience in concrete carpentry and concrete forming.
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- Previous experience leading a concrete crew preferred.
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- Ability to read and understand structural and architectural drawings.
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- Strong understanding of footing, foundation, wall, and structural concrete construction.
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- Ability to perform construction layout.
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- Ability to work with elevations, benchmarks, lasers, and control points.
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- Strong understanding of concrete forming and bracing systems.
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- Ability to calculate dimensions, quantities, and basic material requirements.
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- Ability to plan manpower and daily production.
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- Strong leadership and communication skills.
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- Ability to identify problems and develop practical solutions in the field.
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- Strong understanding of construction safety requirements.
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- Ability to operate common concrete carpentry tools and equipment.
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Physical Requirements\n
This is a hands-on field leadership position. The Foreman must be able to:
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- Regularly lift and carry approximately 50–75 lbs.
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- Bend, kneel, climb, push, pull, and work from various positions.
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- Work on uneven terrain and active construction sites.
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- Work from ladders, scaffolding, and approved work platforms.
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- Perform physical construction work throughout the workday.
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- Work outdoors in hot, cold, wet, dusty, and windy conditions.
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Performance Expectations\n
A successful Concrete Carpenter Foreman is measured by the overall performance of the crew, not simply their individual work.
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Key expectations include:
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- Safety: Crew follows company safety requirements and maintains a safe jobsite.
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- Quality: Work is installed correctly and meets plans and specifications.
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- Production: Crew consistently meets reasonable production and schedule goals.
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- Planning: Materials, manpower, equipment, and information are ready before they are needed.
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- Leadership: Employees understand their responsibilities and remain productive.
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- Communication: Problems and schedule concerns are communicated early.
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- Accountability: Mistakes are addressed and corrected rather than ignored.
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- Organization: Tools, materials, forming systems, and work areas remain organized.
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- Schedule: Work is completed according to established project milestones and pour dates.
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Foreman Standard\n
Plan the work. Communicate the plan. Give the crew what they need. Check the work. Correct problems early. Complete the work safely, accurately, and on schedule.