Tunnel Superintendent

Position Summary

The Tunnel Superintendent reports to the Tunnel General Manager and is responsible for supervising daily tunneling operations, including excavation, ground support, waterproofing, and final lining, ensuring all work is executed safely, efficiently, and in accordance with design specifications and the project schedule.

Key Responsibilities

• Supervise and coordinate all field activities related to tunnel excavation, initial support, waterproofing, and final lining.
• Manage daily construction operations for TBM, SEM, or conventional tunneling methods, ensuring alignment with project requirements.
• Direct crews and subcontractors in tasks such as mucking, ventilation setup, ring installation, shotcrete application, rock bolting, and membrane installation.
• Maintain accurate daily reports, shift logs, and quantity tracking; input progress data into project management systems.
• Interface with survey, quality control, and engineering teams to verify work alignment, tolerances, and compliance with design drawings.
• Support resolution of constructability issues, field clashes, or deviations from the design.
• Coordinate shift handovers, workforce allocation planning, and schedule coordination with other project areas.
• Ensure timely installation and backfilling of instrumentation as required by the monitoring program.
• Collaborate with the Tunnel Construction Manager and Tunnel General Manager to address productivity goals, staffing needs, and corrective actions.
• Oversee tunnel safety systems including ventilation, gas detection, and emergency egress routes.
• Provide direct supervision of the excavation and support of mined tunnel excavations.
• Be physically present in the tunnel during each shift to lead tunneling activities.
• Responsible for executing mined tunnel excavation, installation of initial support systems, shotcrete application, and grouting operations to ensure safety, quality, and timely completion.
• Implement remedial or contingency measures promptly when ground loss, water inflow, or instability occurs or is anticipated.
• Ensure compliance with the Tunnel Work Plan and initiate actions when ground movement Threshold Limit Values (TLVs) are approached or exceeded, and when ground loss or instability or water inflow occurs or appears likely to occur.
• Maintain thorough record keeping of tunneling activities and field conditions.
• Supervise TBM excavation, segmental lining installation, and annulus grouting, and monitor instrumentation data.
• Be physically present during each TBM operating shift and oversee all related activities in real time.
• Coordinate with engineering teams to evaluate instrumentation data and ensure timely implementation of remedial measures if needed.

Education and Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in civil engineering, mining engineering, or construction management is preferred, or equivalent field experience.
• Minimum of 15 years of progressive experience in tunnel construction, with at least 10 years in a superintendent or senior supervisory role.
• Minimum of 10 years of experience in mined tunnel construction using shotcrete and/or rock bolt support in similar ground conditions.
• Minimum of 10 years of experience executing pressurized-face TBM tunnels in variable rock, soil, or mixed-face conditions with segmental lining.
• Must hold all licenses and permits required by local agencies or applicable authorities.
• In-depth understanding of underground construction sequencing, cycle times, and productivity tracking.
• Demonstrated leadership in managing large field crews in high-risk, confined underground environments.
• OSHA 30 or equivalent construction safety certification is required.
• Ability to read and interpret complex tunnel design drawings, specifications, and submittals.
• Familiarity with quality assurance processes, inspection protocols, and environmental compliance.