Construction Foreman Career Guide

Sample job description

Without construction foremen, projects at construction sites wouldn’t be completed safely and smoothly. The main responsibility of a construction foreman is to oversee operations at a worksite to ensure their team is working safely and efficiently. Their duty is to address any job site concerns, ensure safe working environments, communicate with construction workers and supervisors, coordinate tasks and production schedules, and train other employees. A construction foreman does this by communicating clearly and possessing great analytical and leadership skills. [Your Company Name] is looking to fulfill our construction foreman position. If you have experience in construction, strong problem-solving skills, and have the ability to lead by example, this position at our company could be the perfect fit.

Typical duties and responsibilities

• Make schedules for workers
• Assign tasks to crew members
• Supervise construction workers
• Solve disputes between workers
• Monitor progress on the project
• Ensure project stays within budget
• Serve as a liaison between workers and supervisors

Education and experience

Construction foremen need to earn a high school diploma or equivalent. A college degree is not required, but several years of experience in the construction industry would be beneficial. Employers usually provide on-the-job training.

Required skills and qualifications

• Excellent verbal and written communication ability
• Strong leadership and interpersonal skills
• Time-management skills and the ability to meet deadlines
• Ability to understand drawings and blueprints
• Expert knowledge of the construction industry
• Ability to lift weights to 50 pounds
• Proficiency in negotiation
• Keen attention to detail

Preferred qualifications

• Exceptionally responsible 
• Great communication and leadership skills 
• Able to oversee all operations at a worksite and ensuring a safe work environment 
• Proven experience as a construction foreman 
• An in-depth knowledge of construction procedures, equipment, and OSHA guidelines

Available certifications

Obtaining professional certification as a construction foreman is not required however, certifications do help demonstrate a particular level of knowledge and experience. Check out the following: 

• Certified Construction Manager (CCM). The certified construction manager (CCM) recognizes professionals who have chosen a career in construction management. Certified construction managers are committed to excellence in construction management/project management, career development, and the pursuit of knowledge. They provide professional services which apply effective management techniques to the planning, design, and construction of a project from inception to completion to control time, cost, and quality. Candidates must meet education and experience requirements and pass a technical exam. Candidates must also complete a self-study course that covers topics related to construction managers including the manager’s role, legal issues, and risk allocation. Renewal is required every 3 years.

• OSHA Outreach Training Program Certificate. The OSHA Outreach Training Program provides workers with basic and more advanced training about common safety and health hazards on the job. Its purpose is to promote workplace safety and health and to make workers more knowledgeable about workplace hazards and their rights. The 10-hour training program is primarily intended for entry-level workers. The 30-hour training program is intended to provide workers with some safety responsibility and a greater depth and variety of training. All outreach training is intended to cover an overview of the hazards a worker may encounter on a job site. Training emphasizes hazard identification, avoidance, and control and prevention.