Cavern Superintendent

About the role

The Cavern Superintendent oversees daily field operations for excavation, support, waterproofing, and structural work associated with large underground caverns, including station boxes, crossovers, and ventilation shafts. This field-based leadership role ensures construction activities are executed safely, efficiently, and in compliance with design specifications and project schedules while working closely with field crews, subcontractors, engineers, and support staff.

Responsibilities

• Supervise day-to-day underground activities for cavern excavation, initial support, waterproofing, and structural concrete installation.
• Coordinate excavation sequences in accordance with the approved excavation and support design.
• Ensure proper installation of rock bolts, lattice girders, shotcrete, and other support systems as per design requirements.
• Oversee subcontractor operations and ensure alignment with construction plans, quality standards, and safety regulations.
• Monitor production rates, daily progress, and manpower utilization; adjust work plans and resources to optimize performance.
• Enforce site safety protocols and lead daily toolbox talks, hazard assessments, and inspections.
• Collaborate with field engineers, geotechnical staff, and surveyors to interpret ground conditions and adjust excavation or support strategies as needed.
• Assist with implementation of ground stabilization and grouting operations in coordination with the design team and geotechnical personnel.
• Supervise placement of waterproofing membranes and related materials to ensure continuity and compliance.
• Coordinate installation of formwork, rebar, and placement of cast-in-place concrete for final lining and cavern structures.
• Monitor and interpret instrumentation data and respond to deviations from expected values.
• Maintain accurate field documentation including daily reports, timesheets, shift logs, and material tracking.
• Communicate with the Cavern General Manager regarding field progress, issues, delays, or design concerns.
• Support quality assurance efforts through field inspections and oversight of material testing and workmanship.
• Participate in shift handovers and provide clear guidance for 24/7 operations.
• Coordinate logistics in confined underground environments, including muck handling, ventilation, utilities, and material deliveries.
• Identify and help resolve field conflicts, constructability issues, or discrepancies between design and field conditions.
• Ensure that all fieldwork complies with environmental and regulatory requirements.
• Perform other related duties as directed by the Cavern General Manager.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in civil engineering, mining engineering, construction management preferred, or equivalent field experience.
• Minimum of 15 years of experience in underground construction, with at least 10 years in cavern or large-span excavation.
• Strong leadership and coordination skills with experience managing crews in complex underground environments.
• Strong technical knowledge of cavern excavation methods (e.g., heading-and-bench, full face), initial support systems, and structural concrete.
• Familiarity with ground support installation, waterproofing systems, and final lining techniques.
• Proficiency in reading and interpreting underground construction drawings and specifications.
• OSHA 30 or equivalent safety training required.
• Experience in deep excavation and mined cavern environments with variable geology.
• Ability to lead crews in confined and hazardous underground conditions.
• Strong communication skills and ability to coordinate with multidisciplinary field teams.
• Problem-solving mindset with the ability to respond to changing site conditions.
• Must be highly organized and capable of maintaining accurate field records.
• Willingness to work extended hours, rotating shifts, weekends, and holidays as required.
• Commitment to safety and environmental compliance in high-risk work zones.

Physical Demands

• Work is primarily performed at active construction sites, including underground and surface environments.
• Must be able to stand, walk, and climb for extended periods; navigate uneven ground, scaffolding, and ladders; and work around heavy equipment.
• Exposure to noise, dust, vibration, confined spaces, and varying weather conditions is common.
• Requires regular use of personal protective equipment (PPE), including hard hats, safety boots, high-visibility clothing, and eye/ear protection.
• Ability to perform site inspections, monitor field activities, and respond quickly to safety or operational issues in physically demanding conditions.
• Flexibility to work extended hours, nights, weekends, and rotating shifts as project demands require.
• Occasional office-based work is required for reviewing documents, preparing reports, and coordinating with project management teams.