Base/Gravel Crew Supervisor

Department: Earthwork & Infrastructure

Reports To: VP of Earthworks and Infrastructure

Location: Various project sites across Minnesota, North Dakota, South Dakota, Iowa and Montana

Status: Hourly (Non-Exempt)

Position Summary

The Base/Gravel Crew Supervisor is responsible for the daily oversight and coordination of base, gravel, and subgrade operations on heavy highway and road construction projects. This role ensures the crew performs work safely, efficiently, and in compliance with project specifications, schedules, and quality standards. The Supervisor leads by example, maintaining clear communication between crew members, project management, trucking operations, and survey/layout teams to ensure optimal productivity and quality results.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Crew Leadership & Oversight

Direct and supervise base/gravel crew members in grading, shaping, compacting, and finishing subgrade and aggregate base layers.

Coordinate the sequencing of material placement and compaction activities to maintain project schedules.

Provide daily direction, assign tasks, and monitor crew performance for safety, quality, and efficiency.

Promote teamwork, accountability, and a positive work environment.

Project Coordination

Communicate regularly with the Project Manager, Foremen, and Survey/Grade Control personnel to align production goals and verify elevations and tolerances.

Work closely with trucking and materials dispatch to ensure timely delivery and efficient placement of materials.

Review project plans, specifications, and blueprints to ensure compliance with design grades and cross-sections.

Safety & Compliance

Enforce company safety policies, conduct weekly safety meetings, and ensure all crew members follow safe work practices.

Inspect equipment and work areas to identify and correct potential hazards.

Maintain compliance with environmental, DOT, and project-specific regulations.

Quality Control

Verify base and gravel placement meets density, thickness, and grade specifications.

Perform visual checks and coordinate with testing personnel for compaction and material sampling.

Identify and correct deficiencies before subsequent paving or surfacing activities.

Equipment & Material Management

Ensure proper use, maintenance, and care of equipment, including graders, rollers, dozers, and trucks.

Report equipment issues promptly to maintenance or mechanics.

Monitor material quantities to prevent waste and ensure accurate documentation of usage.

Administrative Duties

Complete and submit daily reports, crew timesheets, and production logs.

Track quantities installed and communicate progress to project management.

Assist with training, coaching, and performance evaluations for crew members.

Qualifications

Experience:

3–5 years of experience in heavy highway or road construction.

1-2 years in a supervisory or lead operator role preferred.

Strong understanding of subgrade preparation, aggregate base placement, and compaction techniques.

Valid driver’s license with an acceptable driving record is required. CDL preferred.

Knowledge of OSHA safety regulations.

Skills & Competencies:

Proficient in reading and interpreting blueprints, grade stakes, and survey data.

Strong leadership, communication, and organizational skills.

Knowledge of GPS machine control systems and grade-checking tools preferred.

Ability to manage multiple tasks and adapt to changing priorities.

Commitment to safety, quality, and efficiency.

Physical Requirements

Ability to lift 50+ lbs regularly and perform physically demanding tasks.

Frequent bending, kneeling, crouching, climbing, and standing.

Ability to work outdoors in varying weather conditions (heat, cold, rain, dust, noise).

Tolerance for long hours and extended periods of standing and walking on uneven terrain.

Work Environment

Field-based construction sites with exposure to heavy equipment, traffic, and changing conditions.

Seasonal overtime and extended hours during peak construction.

Requires travel to multiple job sites; may involve overnight stays during construction season.

Position Type & Expected Hours

Full-time, seasonal.

Typical schedule: Project dependent, 70+ hours per week during construction season.

Compensation and Benefits

Performance-based bonus structure

Company vehicle

Health, dental, and vision insurance

HSA with employee contribution

401(k) with employer match and profit sharing

Company paid basic life insurance

Per diem

Central Specialties is an equal opportunity employer.  All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, status as a protected veteran or any other characteristic protected under applicable federal, state, or local law.