The Opportunity
J. Boon Contracting is a British Columbia land clearing, logging, and civil earthworks contractor running multiple active sites across Surrey, Langley, Abbotsford, Chilliwack and the surrounding Lower Mainland.
We are seeking an experienced, safety-oriented Foreman/Forewoman with strong leadership and interpersonal skills to lead our field operations on various active projects. This is a supervisory position. You will plan and sequence the work, direct crews, own safety on your sites, complete daily reporting, and communicate with the Project Manager, clients, and consultants. Willingness to operate equipment when circumstances require it is considered a strong asset, but running the sites is the main responsibility.
Reports to: Project Manager / Director of Operations.
Responsibilities
Crew Leadership
- Direct crews consisting of operators, labourers, fallers, trucking and subcontractors
- Conduct daily tailgate meetings covering the plan, hazards, sequence, assignments and FLHA sign offs.
- Assign work based on skill and experience; supervise performance throughout the shift
- Address performance and conduct issues directly and early
- Train and mentor apprentices and newer operators
Safety
- Foster and uphold a high standard of safety, following and enforcing all J Boon policies, and procedures on all job sites and with every coworker. Lead by example.
- Conduct and document daily toolbox talks, Field Level Hazard Assessments, Site Inspections, Hazard IDs, Incidents and weekly safety meetings
- Confirm underground and overhead utility locates before ground disturbance; enforce hand-exposure requirements and safe limits of approach. Coordinate One Calls with PM/Director of Operations.
- Apply requirements for danger tree assessment, no-work zones, machine and worker spacing, excavation sloping and shoring, traffic control, and confined space
- Verify crew completion of pre-use equipment inspections and lock-out procedures
- Report and investigate incidents and near-misses; Communicate directly with PM/Director of Ops to drive corrective actions to closure
- Maintain site emergency response planning: muster points, access routes, first aid coverage, communication protocols, and fire suppression readiness during fire season
- Stop work when conditions require it
Planning and Coordination
- Review drawings, site plans, permits, environmental conditions, and scopes of work with PM/Director prior to mobilization
- Assist in the planning and sequencing of daily and weekly production, equipment allocation, and crew assignments. (Site specific coordination required for assigned projects.)
- Assist in Coordinating equipment moves, float scheduling, servicing, and material deliveries/removals.
- Manage subcontractors and trucking on site to align with our safety, quality, and schedule requirements
- Coordinate with utility companies, environmental monitors, arborists, surveyors, and municipal and provincial inspectors
- Identify scope changes and extra work, document and report them promptly the same day
Production and Quality
- Deliver work to specifications. Perform walkthroughs to ensure quality and proper completion.
- Read and verify grade using laser, grade rod, GPS/machine control, and survey stakes
- Oversee ground disturbance, bulk excavation, sloping and benching, road building, subgrade prep, ditching, backfill, and compaction
- Manage/Oversee timber falling, clearing, grubbing, grinding, processing, decking, hauling, and slash and debris disposal.
- Manage erosion and sediment control, watercourse protection, invasive species handling, and environmental compliance conditions
- Operate excavators, dozers, loaders, graders, rock trucks, backhoes, skid steers, mulchers and processors as required, if knowledgeable.
- Track production and assist in generating daily reports.
Reporting and Documentation
- Complete daily field reports: crew hours, equipment hours, work completed, quantities, weather, delays, extra work, visitors, deficiencies, and incidents
- Maintain safety documentation in SiteDocs, completed in the field on the day of the work
- Photo-document progress, pre-existing conditions, buried services, and any change or disputed condition
- Review timesheets, LEM (Labour, Equipment, Material) tickets, and extra work authorizations accurately and on time in our tracking app (Workforce).
- Report equipment defects, damage, and maintenance requirements immediately and in writing
Communication
- Provide daily updates to the Project Manager, including problems, as they arise
- Represent the company professionally with clients, consultants, homeowners, and the public
- Communicate clearly and effectively with your crews and subcontractors.
- Escalate decisions that are outside your authority without delay
Equipment
- Enforce daily pre-operational inspections and hold operators accountable for machine condition
- Identify mechanical problems early — leaks, sounds, temperatures, undercarriage wear
- Coordinate with mechanics on scheduled maintenance and field repairs
- Manage fuel, fluids, attachments, ground engaging tools, and consumables
- Ensure equipment is secured and staged at the end of each shift and site security measures are in place
RequirementsExperience
- 5+ years operating heavy equipment in forestry, land clearing, and/or civil earthworks — excavators, dozers, loaders, graders, rock trucks, backhoes
- 2+ years as a foreman or supervisor running crews and equipment in the field
- Experience across several of: land clearing and right-of-way, timber falling and processing, bulk excavation, road building, grading, utility corridor work, site development
- Experience managing subcontractors and coordinating multi-machine operations
Certifications — Required
- Valid BC Class 5 driver's license or higher (CDL Preferred)
- Leadership Safety Excellence
- Ability to work within an electronic safety management system (we use SiteDocs and ISN)
Certifications — Assets
- Class 1 or Class 3 with air brake endorsement
- OFA Level 1 or higher
- Intermediate First Aid & CPR
- Ground Disturbance Level 2
- Wildlife/Danger Tree Assessment
- Certified Faller or Falling Supervisor or CUA
- S-100 Basic Fire Suppression and Safety
- Confined Space Entry, Traffic Control, Fall Protection
- Erosion and Sediment Control (ESC)
- Machine control / GPS grade systems (Trimble, Topcon, or equivalent)
- Chainsaw certification
Technical Skills
- Read construction drawings, grade sheets, cut sheets, cross-sections, site plans, and permit conditions
- Competent with laser levels, grade rods, GPS, and machine control
- Working knowledge of soil types, slope stability, drainage, and compaction
- Mechanical aptitude across hydraulic, undercarriage, electrical, and drivetrain systems
- Competent using a phone or tablet for digital forms, photos, and reporting
Attributes
- Consistent enforcement of safety standards regardless of schedule pressure
- Composure under breakdowns, weather, short crews, and difficult clients
- Direct communication — issues raised early and clearly
- Sound judgment on what to solve on site and what to escalate
- Accountability for schedule, budget, and equipment condition
Working Conditions
- Primarily Lower Mainland projects with home time nightly; occasional out-of-town work with accommodation and travel provided
- Typically 8+ hour days, Monday to Friday, with periodic Saturdays in peak season
- Year-round outdoor work in all weather conditions
- Physically demanding: uneven and steep terrain, extended time on foot, climbing on and off equipment, lifting up to 50 lbs
- Early starts; reliable personal transportation to sites and yards required
Compensation and Benefits
- $45.00–$55.00 per hour, based on experience, certifications, and supervisory background
- Extended health and dental benefits
- Overtime paid in accordance with BC Employment Standards
- Year-round work
To Apply
Apply through Indeed with your resume. In your application, please include:
- The largest crew and equipment spread you have supervised, and the type of project
- A situation where you stopped or changed work for safety reasons, and the outcome
- The certifications you currently hold
Pay: $45.00-$55.00 per hour
Work Location: In person
