Ironworker Foreman

Position Summary

Pay rate: $36.00-$38.00 based on experience

The Industrial Construction Ironworker Foreman is responsible for supervising and coordinating ironworkers and other craft personnel in the safe and efficient installation, erection, alignment, and modification of structural steel, miscellaneous metals, equipment supports, platforms, stairs, handrails, ladders, and related components on industrial construction projects.

The Ironworker Foreman provides daily field leadership, coordinates work activities with project supervision and other trades, ensures work is performed according to drawings and specifications, and maintains productivity, quality, and safety standards.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Field Supervision

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• Supervise, direct, and coordinate the activities of ironworkers and assigned craft personnel.
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• Plan daily work activities based on project schedules, drawings, specifications, manpower, materials, and equipment availability.
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• Assign work to employees based on qualifications, experience, and project requirements.
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• Monitor employee productivity, workmanship, attendance, and job performance.
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• Provide clear direction and expectations to crew members.
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• Train and mentor less-experienced ironworkers and apprentices.
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• Maintain effective communication with the General Foreman, Superintendent, Project Manager, and other craft foremen.
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Structural Steel and Ironwork

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• Supervise the erection, installation, alignment, and modification of structural steel and miscellaneous steel.
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• Oversee installation of:
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• Structural steel members
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• Beams and columns
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• Bracing and supports
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• Platforms and walkways
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• Stairs and ladders
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• Handrails and guardrails
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• Equipment supports
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• Pipe racks and supports
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• Grating and checker plate
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• Embedded steel and miscellaneous metals
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• Direct crews performing bolting, rigging, welding, burning, fitting, and alignment activities as applicable.
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• Ensure steel and components are properly positioned, plumbed, leveled, aligned, and secured.
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• Verify field dimensions and identify discrepancies before installation.
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• Coordinate erection sequences and material placement to maximize productivity and minimize rework.
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Drawings and Specifications

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• Read and interpret structural steel drawings, erection drawings, shop drawings, specifications, and project plans.
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• Interpret dimensions, elevations, details, connection requirements, and material specifications.
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• Identify potential conflicts between drawings, existing structures, equipment, piping, electrical systems, and other trades.
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• Communicate RFIs, field conflicts, and design discrepancies to appropriate supervision.
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• Ensure work is performed in accordance with approved drawings and project specifications.
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Rigging and Equipment

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• Direct and participate in safe rigging and material-handling operations.
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• Ensure proper selection and use of rigging equipment, including slings, shackles, chokers, spreader bars, and other lifting accessories.
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• Coordinate crane and lifting activities with crane operators and site supervision.
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• Inspect rigging and lifting equipment before use and remove damaged equipment from service.
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• Ensure loads are properly secured, balanced, and controlled during lifting operations.
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• Coordinate laydown and staging of steel and materials to support the erection sequence.
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Safety

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• Lead by example and promote a strong safety culture.
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• Conduct and participate in daily Job Safety Analyses (JSAs), toolbox talks, pre-task planning, and job briefings.
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• Ensure employees follow company, OSHA, client, and site-specific safety requirements.
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• Monitor work areas for hazards involving:
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• Fall protection
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• Rigging and lifting
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• Welding and burning
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• Dropped objects
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• Scaffold and ladder use
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• Confined spaces
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• Hot work
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• Mobile equipment
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• Electrical hazards
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• Housekeeping
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• Ensure proper use of fall protection systems when working at elevation.
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• Stop unsafe work when necessary and immediately report safety concerns.
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• Report incidents, near misses, property damage, and unsafe conditions promptly.
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• Ensure required permits and inspections are completed before work begins.
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Quality Control

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• Ensure completed work meets project drawings, specifications, tolerances, and quality requirements.
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• Inspect work throughout installation to identify deficiencies before they result in rework.
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• Verify bolt installation, connections, alignment, elevations, dimensions, and weld preparation as applicable.
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• Coordinate with Quality Control/Quality Assurance personnel on inspections and documentation.
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• Correct deficiencies promptly and communicate recurring quality issues to supervision.
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• Maintain required quality documentation and field records.
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Productivity and Schedule

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• Monitor crew productivity and progress against the project schedule.
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• Identify manpower, equipment, material, or access issues that could affect production.
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• Coordinate work sequences with other trades to prevent delays and interference.
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• Communicate daily production status and anticipated schedule issues to supervision.
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• Assist in developing short-term work plans and manpower requirements.
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• Minimize material waste, equipment downtime, and unnecessary labor costs.
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Tools, Materials, and Equipment

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• Ensure crews have the proper tools, equipment, materials, and PPE required to perform assigned work.
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• Maintain accountability for company tools and equipment assigned to the crew.
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• Inspect tools and equipment and report damaged or defective items.
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• Coordinate material deliveries and staging with the laydown yard, warehouse, or material management personnel.
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• Maintain an organized and safe work area.
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Documentation and Communication

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• Complete or assist with daily reports, timekeeping, production reports, material reports, inspection documentation, and other required records.
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• Accurately report manpower, hours worked, work completed, delays, and field conditions.
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• Communicate changes in scope, drawings, work sequence, and project priorities to the crew.
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• Attend coordination, planning, and safety meetings as required.
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Required Qualifications

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• Minimum 5–7 years of Industrial Construction Ironworker Foreman experience, with progressive supervisory experience preferred.
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• Demonstrated experience supervising ironworkers on industrial, power, manufacturing, petrochemical, or heavy construction projects.
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• Strong knowledge of structural steel erection and miscellaneous steel installation.
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• Ability to read and interpret structural steel drawings, shop drawings, erection drawings, and specifications.
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• Strong knowledge of rigging and material-handling practices.
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• OSHA 30 certification.
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• NCCCO, NCCER or other recognized rigging qualifications.
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• Ability to lead and motivate a multi-person craft crew.
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• Strong communication, organizational, and problem-solving skills.
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• Must be capable of working at heights and in industrial construction environments.
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Preferred Qualifications

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• Forklift, aerial lift, telehandler, or other equipment certifications.
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• Experience with crane-assisted structural steel erection.
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• Welding or burning experience.
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• Experience with industrial shutdowns, turnarounds, or maintenance projects.
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• Experience working from engineered erection drawings and project specifications.
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Physical Requirements

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• Ability to stand, walk, climb, bend, stoop, kneel, squat, and work in awkward positions for extended periods.
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• Ability to climb ladders, stairs, scaffolding, and structural steel.
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• Ability to work at significant heights while utilizing required fall protection.
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• Ability to lift and carry materials and tools weighing up to approximately 40 pounds, with heavier materials handled using mechanical lifting equipment or team lifting.
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• Ability to wear required PPE, including hard hat, safety glasses, gloves, fall protection, hearing protection, and other site-required equipment.
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Disclaimer

This job description is intended to describe the general nature and level of work performed by employees assigned to this position. It is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties, responsibilities, qualifications, or physical requirements. Management reserves the right to modify duties and responsibilities based on project and business requirements.