Position Overview
We are seeking an experienced, hands-on HR Manager to support the people function for our heavy civil and underground utility construction company operating in the Maryland / DMV / Baltimore region. Reporting to the HR and Safety Director, this role is responsible for day-to-day talent acquisition, employee relations, compliance, on-boarding, benefits administration, and people support for both craft/field and professional employees. The HR Manager partners closely with Superintendents, Project Managers, Safety, and office leadership to attract, retain, and support the workforce needed to deliver projects safely and productively.
Key Responsibilities
Lead or support recruiting for craft, field supervision, and professional roles; source candidates, screen, coordinate interviews, and help close offers in a competitive labor market.Manage employee relations matters, including investigations, progressive discipline, documentation, and terminations in partnership with the HR and Safety Director and legal counsel as needed.Ensure day-to-day compliance with federal, Maryland, and local employment laws and company policies (wage & hour, FLSA, FMLA, ADA, EEO, leave, accommodations, I-9, etc.).Administer or coordinate benefits enrollment, changes, COBRA, and employee questions; support open enrollment and carrier communications.Manage and support on-boarding and orientation processes so new hires—especially craft and field personnel—start strong and understand expectations, safety culture, and company policies.Maintain accurate employee records, personnel files, and HRIS/payroll data in close coordination with Payroll and Finance.Support performance management cycles, including reminders, documentation standards, and coaching for field and office managers.Assist with workers’ compensation reporting, light-duty coordination, return-to-work, and related people-risk matters in partnership with Safety.Respond to employee questions on policies, pay, benefits, and workplace issues with professionalism, discretion, and consistency.Contribute to continuous improvement of HR processes, templates, manager tool-kits, and people practices appropriate for a construction environment.Required Qualifications
5+ years of progressive HR experience, including hands-on employee relations and recruiting.Experience supporting a field-based, multi-site, or construction/trades workforce; strong understanding of craft recruiting realities.Working knowledge of core employment laws and practical application in a non-union or mixed environment.Strong interpersonal skills; ability to build trust with craft workers, supervisors, and executives.Excellent written and verbal communication; sound judgment and discretion on sensitive matters.Proficiency with HRIS/payroll systems and Microsoft Office; ability to maintain accurate records.Experience with prevailing wage / Davis-Bacon compliance coordination.Bilingual (English/Spanish) a plus for craft workforce support.Prior HR experience in heavy civil, highway, utility, or general contracting.Preferred Qualifications
Bachelor’s degree in HR, Business, or related field preferred; equivalent practical experience considered.SHRM-CP, PHR, or equivalent certification.Experience supporting both craft and professional/office populations.Equal Opportunity Employer
Pessoa Construction Company is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to a diverse and inclusive workplace. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, or veteran status.
Welcome to Pessoa Construction Company (PCC)! PCC has been building the future for over 35 years, across Maryland, Virginia, Washington D.C. & Delaware, and looking to expand over the next 35 years.
We look to our teams specific skills, determination, and attention to detail to help us achieve our goals. We strive to deliver a complete product that exceeds our clients’ expectations for safety, quality, and functionality every time. With the help of our team we are able to keep increasing the bar of excellence here at Pessoa Construction. Are you ready to be great?
Company DescriptionWelcome to Pessoa Construction Company (PCC)! PCC has been building the future for over 35 years, across Maryland, Virginia, Washington D.C. & Delaware, and looking to expand over the next 35 years.\n\nWe look to our teams specific skills, determination, and attention to detail to help us achieve our goals. We strive to deliver a complete product that exceeds our clients’ expectations for safety, quality, and functionality every time. With the help of our team we are able to keep increasing the bar of excellence here at Pessoa Construction. Are you ready to be great? Read LessPosition Overview
We are seeking a skilled, safety-conscious Wet Utility Pipelayer to join our field crews on heavy civil and underground utility construction projects in the Maryland / DMV / Baltimore region. This hands-on craft role focuses on the accurate installation of water mains, sanitary sewer, and storm drain systems, with primary responsibility for verifying drawings for fittings and material needs, ensuring all required materials are on hand, and pre-assembling fittings and assemblies where practical prior to the start of pipe-laying work. The Pipelayer works under the direction of the Foreman, coordinates closely with excavator operators and laborers, and contributes directly to high-quality, efficient production while maintaining strict adherence to safety, grade, specification, and material-readiness requirements.
Key Responsibilities
Verify construction drawings, profiles, and material take-offs before each run; confirm all fittings, valves, adapters, gaskets, joint restraint, manhole components, and specialty items are identified, staged, and ready.Pre-assemble fittings, valve assemblies, and any pipe sections that can be prepared ahead of excavation so installation proceeds without delay once the trench is ready.Lay and join pipe (ductile iron, PVC, HDPE, RCP, CMP, and other materials) for water, sanitary sewer, and storm drain systems according to plans and specifications.Prepare trench bottoms, place bedding material, and set pipe to precise grade and alignment using laser levels, string lines, and GPS as directed.Make watertight joints, install fittings, valves, hydrants, manholes, catch basins, cleanouts, and related appurtenances per manufacturer and project requirements.Assist with excavation support, shoring, trench boxes, and safe trench entry/exit practices.Perform or assist with backfill, compaction, and testing support (pressure, leakage, mandrel, CCTV coordination) around installed pipe.Read and interpret construction drawings, cut sheets, and grade stakes for pipe runs, structures, and fitting locations.Operate or assist with small tools, compactors, lasers, and occasionally light equipment under supervision.Maintain a clean, organized work area; protect installed work from damage; stage materials for continuous production.Follow all OSHA, company, and site-specific safety rules; participate in daily briefings and hazard assessments.Communicate material shortages, drawing conflicts, grade problems, or quality issues promptly to the Foreman.Required Qualifications
2+ years of hands-on experience laying water, sewer, and/or storm pipe on civil or utility projects (public works / municipal experience preferred).Proven ability to read drawings and identify fittings, valves, adapters, and material needs in advance of installation.Demonstrated skill setting pipe accurately to grade and alignment using laser, level, or GPS methods.Working knowledge of trench safety, shoring, and confined-space awareness.Physical ability to work in trenches, lift pipe sections and fittings, and perform outdoor work in varying weather.Valid driver’s license; reliable transportation to job sites in the Maryland / DMV / Baltimore area.Strong work ethic, attention to detail, material organization, and willingness to follow direction while contributing ideas for safer/more efficient methods.Preferred Qualifications
Experience with multiple pipe materials (DI, PVC, HDPE, RCP) and joint types, including restrained joints and mechanical couplings.Familiarity with manhole, catch basin, hydrant, and valve vault installation.OSHA 10 or OSHA 30 certification; competent-person training for excavation.Ability to operate or assist with excavators, loaders, or compactors.Prior experience on Maryland / DMV public-works wet utility projects.Bilingual (English/Spanish) a plus on many crews.
Equal Opportunity Employer
Pessoa Construction Company is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to a diverse and inclusive workplace. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, or veteran status.
Welcome to Pessoa Construction Company (PCC)! PCC has been building the future for over 35 years, across Maryland, Virginia, Washington D.C. & Delaware, and looking to expand over the next 35 years.
We look to our teams specific skills, determination, and attention to detail to help us achieve our goals. We strive to deliver a complete product that exceeds our clients’ expectations for safety, quality, and functionality every time. With the help of our team we are able to keep increasing the bar of excellence here at Pessoa Construction. Are you ready to be great?
Company DescriptionWelcome to Pessoa Construction Company (PCC)! PCC has been building the future for over 35 years, across Maryland, Virginia, Washington D.C. & Delaware, and looking to expand over the next 35 years.\n\nWe look to our teams specific skills, determination, and attention to detail to help us achieve our goals. We strive to deliver a complete product that exceeds our clients’ expectations for safety, quality, and functionality every time. With the help of our team we are able to keep increasing the bar of excellence here at Pessoa Construction. Are you ready to be great? Read LessPosition Overview
We are seeking a skilled, safety-focused Wet Utility Main Excavator Operator to perform precise excavation and trenching for water main, sanitary sewer, and storm drain installations on heavy civil projects in the Maryland / DMV region. This hands-on equipment role is responsible for accurate grade and alignment work, protection of existing utilities, and full compliance with required Pre-Excavation and daily Excavator Inspection checklists before any work begins. The Operator works under the direction of the Foreman, coordinates closely with pipelayers and laborers, and contributes directly to safe, productive utility production while protecting people, property, and the installed work.
Key Responsibilities
Complete the company Pre-Excavation Checklist (locates current, permits in place, trench safety plan, utility exposure plan, traffic control status) and obtain Foreman acknowledgment before digging begins each day or on each new excavation.Perform a documented daily Excavator Inspection Checklist (walk-around, fluid levels, tracks/undercarriage, bucket/attachments, controls, alarms, lights, and any defects) prior to starting the machine; tag out and report any unsafe condition immediately.Operate hydraulic excavators to dig trenches, pits, and excavations for water mains, sanitary sewer, and storm drain systems to precise grade, slope, and alignment using laser, GPS, or traditional methods.Excavate carefully around existing utilities; support potholing and soft-dig exposure; never dig blind in conflict zones.Maintain accurate trench bottoms, bedding support, and spoil placement; assist with trench box / shoring movement and safe working clearances.Load trucks, place select fill/bedding, and handle pipe, structures, and stone as directed by the Foreman.Support related grading, stormwater features, and site work as needed on the crew.Read and interpret construction drawings, profiles, cut sheets, and grade stakes for excavation limits and invert elevations.Follow all OSHA, company, and site-specific safety rules; participate in daily briefings and hazard assessments; exercise stop-work authority for unsafe conditions.Communicate utility conflicts, grade issues, soil conditions, or equipment problems promptly to the Foreman.Required Qualifications
2+ years of hands-on excavator operation experience on civil or underground utility projects (water / sewer / storm preferred).Proven ability to dig to grade and alignment using laser, GPS, or traditional methods with minimal rework.Working knowledge of trench safety, sloping/benching, trench boxes, and competent-person principles; willingness to stop work when conditions are unsafe.Ability and discipline to complete Pre-Excavation and daily equipment inspection checklists accurately and without exception before starting work.Ability to read basic construction plans, profiles, and cut sheets.Valid driver’s license; reliable transportation to varying job sites in the Maryland / DMV area.Strong safety awareness, communication skills, and reliability under production pressure.Preferred Qualifications
Experience on public works / municipal water, sewer, and storm projects in Maryland or the greater DMV.GPS machine control proficiency (Trimble, Topcon, or similar).OSHA 10 or OSHA 30; excavation competent-person training.Multi-machine capability (loader, skid steer, mini-excavator).Bilingual (English/Spanish) a plus on many crews.Equal Opportunity Employer
Pessoa Construction Company is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to a diverse and inclusive workplace. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, or veteran status.
Welcome to Pessoa Construction Company (PCC)! PCC has been building the future for over 35 years, across Maryland, Virginia, Washington D.C. & Delaware, and looking to expand over the next 35 years.
We look to our teams specific skills, determination, and attention to detail to help us achieve our goals. We strive to deliver a complete product that exceeds our clients’ expectations for safety, quality, and functionality every time. With the help of our team we are able to keep increasing the bar of excellence here at Pessoa Construction. Are you ready to be great?
Company DescriptionWelcome to Pessoa Construction Company (PCC)! PCC has been building the future for over 35 years, across Maryland, Virginia, Washington D.C. & Delaware, and looking to expand over the next 35 years.\n\nWe look to our teams specific skills, determination, and attention to detail to help us achieve our goals. We strive to deliver a complete product that exceeds our clients’ expectations for safety, quality, and functionality every time. With the help of our team we are able to keep increasing the bar of excellence here at Pessoa Construction. Are you ready to be great? Read Less