Underground Supervisor

Position Summary:

Underground Supervisors are responsible for managing all aspects of utility construction projects from planning through to completion. This includes overseeing field crews, coordinating with subcontractors, ensuring compliance with safety and quality standards, and maintaining project schedules and budgets. The supervisor is the on-site authority and liaison between field teams, project management, and clients.

Supervisory Responsibilities:

Responsible for the operational oversight and leadership of construction crews (foreman, equipment operators, laborers, etc.) and subcontractors working on assigned projects.

Key Responsibilities:

Project Management

• Supervise and coordinate daily activities of in-house and subcontractor construction crews.
• Monitor construction progress, including scheduling, quality assurance, and productivity.
• Maintain accurate project documentation including daily reports, material usage, and timekeeping.
• Communicate regularly with project managers on status, issues, and timelines.

Technical Oversight

• Interpret design prints and ensure accuracy in field implementation.
• Ensure compliance with engineering specifications and applicable codes.
• Review as-built documentation and verify that all construction meets industry standards.

Team Leadership

• Provide direction, mentoring, and performance feedback to construction crews.
• Ensure crews are properly trained on equipment use and safety protocols.
• Lead morning safety briefings and toolbox talks.

Client and Vendor Coordination

• Interface with inspectors, municipalities, and customers to secure permits and schedule inspections.
• Coordinate with utility owners to avoid conflicts and resolve right-of-way issues.
• Order and manage delivery of materials and equipment.

Safety and Compliance

• Enforce safety policies and ensure all work is performed in accordance with OSHA and company safety guidelines.
• Conduct job site hazard assessments and accident investigations when needed.

Required Qualifications:

Education & Certification:

• High School Diploma or GED
• Valid Class A Driver's License with a clean driving record

Experience:

• Minimum 3–5 years of experience in utility construction work, including supervisory experience.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Associate or bachelor's degree in construction management or related field.
• OSHA 10 or 30 Certification.

Skills & Competencies:

• Strong knowledge of utility construction.
• Familiarity with construction drawings, schematics, and GPS/mapping tools.
• Excellent leadership, problem-solving, and decision-making skills.
• Effective written and verbal communication.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite and construction/project management software.

Work Environment:

• Work outdoors in all weather conditions, including extreme heat, cold, rain, or snow.
• Exposure to dust, mud, insects, and loud equipment.
• Regularly exposed to construction hazards such as open trenches, moving equipment, and vehicular traffic.
• May require overtime or weekend work depending on project needs.

Physical Requirements:

General Physical Demands:

• Must be able to stand and walk for extended periods (up to 8–10 hours per day), often on uneven terrain, construction sites, or active roadways.
• Occasional desk or vehicle-based tasks may require sitting for extended periods of time.
• Regular bending and maneuvering in tight spaces to inspect underground or utility infrastructure.
• Frequent reaching overhead, handling tools and documents, operating field equipment, and directing crews.
• Ability to drive or ride in a vehicle for up to 11 hours to travel to and from job sites.

Visual and Auditory Requirements:

• Must have clear distance and near vision (with or without corrective lenses) to read blueprints, project plans, and inspect work zones.
• Must be able to detect color-coded utilities (flags, spray paint, wires).
• Must have adequate hearing (with or without hearing aid) to understand radio communications, detect hazards (e.g., equipment backing up), and engage in field conversations in noisy environments.

High Voltage Construction

Transmission Line Construction

Distribution Line Construction

Underground Power Installation

Overhead Line Construction

Electric Utility Infrastructure