JOB DESCRIPTION

H.E. Jackson Engineering Ltd (HEJ) is one of the leading providers of engineering solutions in Malawi and serves all sectors of the economy including mining, energy, agriculture, construction and manufacturing.

The company has vacancies at one of its Project Sites in Rumphi as follows:

Job Title: Earthworks Foreman

Nature of Contract: 12 months Fixed Term

Duty Station: Rumphi

Reporting to: Construction Manager/Project Manager

Department: Construction/Civil Engineering

Job Purpose

The Earthworks Foreman is responsible for planning, supervising, and coordinating all earthworks activities on construction projects, including excavation, filling, grading, compaction, drainage works, and related civil engineering operations. The incumbent ensures that work is carried out safely, efficiently, and in compliance with project specifications, contract requirements, and applicable laws and regulations of Malawi.

Key Duties and Responsibilities

1. Site Supervision and Coordination

• Supervise daily earthworks operations and ensure work is completed according to approved drawings, specifications, and project schedules.
• Direct and coordinate the activities of equipment operators, drivers, skilled workers, and labourers.
• Ensure proper setting out, levels, and alignment are maintained during construction activities.
• Coordinate earthworks activities with surveyors, engineers, subcontractors, and other site personnel.

2. Earthworks Operations

• Oversee excavation, backfilling, embankment construction, grading, levelling, trenching, and compaction works.
• Monitor the quality and suitability of fill materials and ensure compliance with project requirements.
• Ensure compaction and moisture content requirements are achieved before approval of completed works.
• Assist in identifying borrow pits, spoil areas, and material stockpiles.

3. Plant and Equipment Management

• Coordinate the effective utilization of earthmoving equipment such as excavators, bulldozers, graders, compactors, loaders, water bowsers, and dump trucks.
• Conduct daily inspections of equipment and report breakdowns or maintenance requirements.
• Ensure operators follow safe operating procedures and manufacturer guidelines.

4. Health, Safety, and Environmental Compliance

• Promote and enforce compliance with the Occupational Safety, Health and Welfare Act of Malawi and company safety policies.
• Conduct daily toolbox talks and safety briefings.
• Ensure workers use appropriate Personal Protective Equipment (PPE).
• Identify hazards and implement corrective measures to prevent accidents and injuries.
• Ensure environmental protection measures are observed, including erosion control, dust suppression, and waste management.

5. Quality Control

• Ensure earthworks activities meet contract specifications, quality standards, and engineering requirements.
• Work closely with laboratory technicians and quality inspectors during testing of materials and compaction.
• Identify defects and ensure corrective actions are implemented promptly.
• Maintain records of completed works and inspections.

6. Reporting and Administration

• Prepare daily site reports detailing manpower, equipment utilization, production quantities, and site activities.
• Monitor productivity and recommend improvements where necessary.
• Report project progress, challenges, and resource requirements to the Site Engineer or Construction Manager.
• Maintain accurate records of attendance, materials used, and work completed.

Qualifications and Experience

Education

Diploma or Degree in Civil Engineering, Construction, or a related field is an added advantage.

Experience

• Minimum of 5 years’ experience in earthworks, road construction, or civil engineering projects.
• At least 2 years in a supervisory or foreman position.
• Experience working on road, bridge, dam, irrigation, airport, or large infrastructure projects will be an advantage.

Skills and Competencies

• Strong knowledge of earthworks and road construction techniques.
• Ability to read and interpret engineering drawings and specifications.
• Knowledge of surveying levels and construction setting-out procedures.
• Good leadership and team management skills.
• Strong problem-solving and decision-making abilities.
• Knowledge of occupational health and safety requirements.
• Good communication and reporting skills.
• Ability to work under pressure and meet project deadlines.

• Supervise daily earthworks operations and ensure work is completed according to approved drawings, specifications, and project schedules.
• Direct and coordinate the activities of equipment operators, drivers, skilled workers, and labourers.
• Ensure proper setting out, levels, and alignment are maintained during construction activities.
• Coordinate earthworks activities with surveyors, engineers, subcontractors, and other site personnel.
• Oversee excavation, backfilling, embankment construction, grading, levelling, trenching, and compaction works.
• Monitor the quality and suitability of fill materials and ensure compliance with project requirements.
• Ensure compaction and moisture content requirements are achieved before approval of completed works.
• Assist in identifying borrow pits, spoil areas, and material stockpiles.
• Coordinate the effective utilization of earthmoving equipment such as excavators, bulldozers, graders, compactors, loaders, water bowsers, and dump trucks.
• Conduct daily inspections of equipment and report breakdowns or maintenance requirements.
• Ensure operators follow safe operating procedures and manufacturer guidelines.
• Promote and enforce compliance with the Occupational Safety, Health and Welfare Act of Malawi and company safety policies.
• Conduct daily toolbox talks and safety briefings.
• Ensure workers use appropriate Personal Protective Equipment (PPE).
• Identify hazards and implement corrective measures to prevent accidents and injuries.
• Ensure environmental protection measures are observed, including erosion control, dust suppression, and waste management.
• Ensure earthworks activities meet contract specifications, quality standards, and engineering requirements.
• Work closely with laboratory technicians and quality inspectors during testing of materials and compaction.
• Identify defects and ensure corrective actions are implemented promptly.
• Maintain records of completed works and inspections.
• Prepare daily site reports detailing manpower, equipment utilization, production quantities, and site activities.
• Monitor productivity and recommend improvements where necessary.
• Report project progress, challenges, and resource requirements to the Site Engineer or Construction Manager.
• Maintain accurate records of attendance, materials used, and work completed.

• Strong knowledge of earthworks and road construction techniques.
• Ability to read and interpret engineering drawings and specifications.
• Knowledge of surveying levels and construction setting-out procedures.
• Good leadership and team management skills.
• Strong problem-solving and decision-making abilities.
• Knowledge of occupational health and safety requirements.
• Good communication and reporting skills.
• Ability to work under pressure and meet project deadlines.

• Diploma or Degree in Civil Engineering, Construction, or a related field is an added advantage.
• Minimum of 5 years’ experience in earthworks, road construction, or civil engineering projects.
• At least 2 years in a supervisory or foreman position.
• Experience working on road, bridge, dam, irrigation, airport, or large infrastructure projects will be an advantage.