What are the responsibilities and job description for the Vertical Drill Superintendent position at NORTHERN LIGHTS & JDH CONTRACTING?
Job Details
Description
The Vertical Drilling Superintendent is responsible for overseeing and organizing the daily field operations of multiple drilling projects. This role ensures safe, efficient, and compliant execution of Vertical Drilling work while managing field activities related to safety, crew leadership, job planning, equipment readiness, and communication. The Superintendent maintains JDH standards, enforces company policies and procedures, and fosters a positive and productive work environment across all assigned job sites.
Key Responsibilities:
- Supervision & Oversight:
The Superintendent manages daily drilling operations across multiple job sites, ensuring all work is completed efficiently, safely, and in alignment with project expectations. This position combines hands-on field involvement with high-level oversight, monitoring jobsite operations for safety, performance, and overall work quality. The Superintendent ensures crews understand expectations and that all field activities are properly coordinated and supported. - Stakeholder Communication:
The Superintendent supports communication between the field and project leadership by providing regular updates on job progress, challenges, equipment needs, and site conditions. While not always the primary point of contact, the Superintendent may interact with customers, inspectors, subcontractors, and vendors as needed to support field operations. Clear and timely communication with Project Managers, Directors, Safety, and Field Coordinators is essential to maintaining schedule alignment and resolving issues that arise in the field. - Site Assessment & Preparation:
The Superintendent reviews project details and verifies that documentation aligns with actual field conditions. When plans or details are incomplete, the Superintendent evaluates site conditions and develops an appropriate plan of action. Adjustments to crew assignments, equipment, and material needs are made as necessary to support successful project execution. - Safety Leadership:
The Superintendent is responsible for supporting and reinforcing JDH’s safety expectations across all job sites. This includes promoting safe work practices, ensuring crews understand and follow established procedures, and helping maintain a safe and compliant work environment. The Superintendent collaborates with Safety personnel on training, observations, and any corrective actions needed, ensuring that safety remains a consistent priority throughout project operations. - Team Development:
The Superintendent provides ongoing coaching, training, and mentorship to drillers, foremen, and laborers. This includes reinforcing proper work practices, drilling techniques, and equipment operation. The ability to foster positive labor relations and promote a cohesive, professional field team is an important aspect of the position. - Equipment & Jobsite Support:
The Superintendent monitors the condition, readiness, and general upkeep of drilling rigs and support equipment. Working with leadership, the Superintendent coordinates maintenance, repairs, and equipment logistics to ensure operational uptime. The Superintendent is also responsible for ensuring jobsites remain organized, clean, and secure at the end of each shift. - Additional Duties:
Perform other duties as assigned by management.
Qualifications
- Ability to read and interpret project plans, specifications, and engineering documents.
- Strong verbal and written communication skills for coordination with internal teams and external partners.
- Solid mechanical understanding of drilling rigs and associated support equipment.
- Ability to operate or understand the operation of drilling-related equipment.
- Valid driver’s license required (Class A CDL preferred).
- Demonstrated leadership ability, including task delegation, crew motivation, and maintaining productivity and safety expectations.
- Prior experience in Vertical Drilling operations.
- Experience supervising field crews or managing multi-site drilling operations.
- Slurry management experience preferred.
- Concrete foundation experience preferred (forming, pouring, etc.).
- Experience coordinating with customers, inspectors, vendors, or utility representatives.
- Knowledge of safety regulations, environmental requirements, and drilling best practices.