Tunnel Superintendent - Microtunneling & Trenchless Construction

Tunnel Superintendent – Microtunneling & Trenchless Construction

Position Summary

We are seeking an experienced Tunnel Superintendent to lead field operations for complex microtunneling, trenchless, underground utility, and tunnel construction projects .

The ideal candidate will have extensive hands-on experience with Microtunnel Boring Machines (MTBMs), pipe jacking, tunneling systems, shafts, underground construction, and specialized tunneling equipment .

This is a field leadership position responsible for supervising tunneling crews, coordinating equipment and resources, maintaining production, and ensuring work is completed safely, efficiently, and according to project plans and specifications.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and supervise daily field operations for microtunneling, tunneling, and trenchless construction projects.
• Supervise Tunnel Technicians, operators, mechanics, laborers, and other field personnel.
• Coordinate and oversee MTBM setup, launch, operation, retrieval, maintenance, and demobilization .
• Supervise proper operation and maintenance of tunneling boring machines and associated systems.
• Oversee construction activities involving:
  • Microtunneling
  • Pipe Jacking
  • Tunnel Boring
  • Launch & Receiving Shafts
  • Deep Excavations
  • Trenchless Pipeline Installation
  • Large-Diameter Underground Utilities
• Coordinate shaft construction, tunneling operations, pipe installation, spoil removal, and supporting underground activities.
• Monitor line and grade throughout tunneling operations to ensure work meets project requirements.
• Coordinate tunneling operations with survey, engineering, project management, and field teams.
• Supervise maintenance personnel performing repairs, preventative maintenance, and refurbishment of microtunneling and related equipment.
• Troubleshoot equipment and production issues to minimize downtime and maintain tunneling progress.
• Assist with determining tunneling equipment requirements, means and methods, and project-specific equipment configurations.
• Coordinate mobilization, assembly, shipping, installation, and demobilization of tunneling equipment.
• Identify equipment that must be rented or purchased when project requirements exceed existing fleet capabilities.
• Maintain appropriate materials, spare parts, tooling, pipe, and equipment inventories to support continuous production.
• Develop daily work plans and coordinate manpower, equipment, materials, and subcontractors.
• Monitor production rates, crew productivity, equipment utilization, and project progress.
• Prepare and maintain daily reports, production records, manpower reports, and payroll documentation.
• Work closely with Project Managers, Tunnel Engineers, General Superintendents, and project leadership to maintain schedule and budget.
• Identify and resolve field issues that could impact safety, production, schedule, quality, or profitability .
• Assist with evaluating, hiring, training, and developing Tunnel Technicians and maintenance personnel.
• Maintain strong communication between field crews, project management, engineering, and equipment personnel.

Preferred Project Experience

Candidates with experience in the following areas are highly preferred:

• Microtunneling
• Microtunnel Boring Machines (MTBM)
• Pipe Jacking
• Utility Tunnels
• Tunnel Boring Machines
• Trenchless Construction
• Jack & Bore
• Auger Boring
• Launch & Receiving Shafts
• Deep Shafts & Excavations
• Large-Diameter Sewer Pipelines
• Water & Wastewater Pipelines
• Underground Utilities
• Deep Sewer Construction
• Heavy Civil Infrastructure
• Groundwater / Dewatering Operations
• Shoring & Excavation Support

Tunneling Equipment Knowledge

The ideal candidate should have hands-on knowledge of tunneling systems and supporting equipment, including:

• Microtunnel Boring Machines
• Jacking Systems
• Guidance & Survey Systems
• Slurry Separation Systems
• Slurry Pumps & Circulation Systems
• Hydraulic Systems
• Excavation & Spoil Removal Systems
• Ventilation Systems
• Dewatering Equipment
• Cranes & Hoisting Equipment
• Shaft Equipment
• Pipe Handling & Jacking Equipment

Safety & Field Leadership

• Ensure all tunneling and underground work complies with applicable safety requirements, project specifications, codes, and standards.
• Enforce company and project-specific health, safety, and environmental requirements.
• Conduct or participate in daily safety meetings, pre-task planning, and Job Hazard Analyses.
• Monitor confined-space, excavation, shaft, lifting, and underground construction activities.
• Identify unsafe conditions and ensure corrective actions are implemented immediately.
• Promote a strong safety culture while maintaining production and quality expectations.
• Ensure crews understand daily work plans, potential hazards, and production goals.

Required Qualifications

• 7+ years of tunneling or underground construction experience.
• Strong microtunneling experience highly preferred .
• Previous experience as a Tunnel Superintendent, Tunnel Foreman, General Superintendent, Tunnel Supervisor, or similar field leadership position .
• Demonstrated experience supervising tunneling and underground construction crews.
• Strong knowledge of tunneling means and methods.
• Experience with MTBM operations and supporting tunneling systems preferred.
• Understanding of pipe jacking, shaft construction, underground utilities, and trenchless installation methods.
• Proven ability to manage manpower, equipment, materials, and production.
• Strong understanding of construction plans, specifications, line and grade, and field documentation.
• Demonstrated history of maintaining project productivity and profitability.
• Strong troubleshooting and problem-solving abilities.
• Excellent leadership and communication skills.
• Ability to effectively lead diverse field teams.
• Basic computer skills for reporting, communication, and project documentation.

Ideal Candidate

We are looking for a hands-on tunneling professional who understands the work from the ground down .

The successful candidate should be comfortable leading crews underground, troubleshooting an MTBM or slurry system, coordinating shaft and pipe-jacking operations, evaluating production rates, working with engineers on line and grade, and making field decisions that protect the project's safety, schedule, quality, and profitability .

This role requires someone who understands both tunneling equipment and field production and can keep complex underground operations moving efficiently.

Physical & Work Requirements

• Ability to work in active heavy civil, tunneling, and underground construction environments.
• Ability to stand and walk for extended periods.
• Ability to climb ladders, scaffolding, shafts, and other construction access systems.
• Ability to stoop, kneel, crouch, and crawl as required.
• Ability to lift and carry materials or equipment weighing up to approximately 50 pounds.
• Must be comfortable working around heavy equipment and active construction operations.
• Ability to work indoors, outdoors, underground, and in varying weather conditions.
• PPE including hard hat, hearing protection, eye protection, and other project-specific safety equipment is required.
• Travel and extended project assignments may be required.

Why Join Us?

This is an opportunity to take a leadership role on technically challenging microtunneling, pipe jacking, utility tunnel, and underground infrastructure projects .

You'll have direct responsibility for tunneling crews, specialized equipment, production, field execution, safety, and project performance while working alongside experienced heavy civil construction and tunneling professionals.