Underground Construction Manager

About the role

We are seeking an experienced and highly organized Construction Manager to oversee multiple directional drilling and underground utility projects across New Jersey and surrounding regions.

Responsibilities

• Manage day-to-day field operations for directional drilling and utility installation projects, ensuring safe and efficient execution.
• Develop and maintain construction schedules, manpower plans, and resource allocations.
• Supervise field crews, subcontractors, and inspectors to ensure quality, safety, and productivity standards are met.
• Review engineering plans, permits, and customer specifications to confirm compliance and resolve conflicts.
• Conduct site walks, pre-construction meetings, and project progress inspections.
• Track quantities, production rates, and job costs to ensure accurate billing and financial performance.
• Cook up with project management, engineering, and procurement teams on material orders, logistics, and change orders.
• Ensure all work adheres to OSHA standards, environmental regulations, and company safety policies.
• Maintain strong communication with clients, municipalities, and utility owners regarding schedules, progress, and field conditions.
• Prepare and submit daily/weekly reports, redlines, and as-built documentation.
• Support project closeout by overseeing punch lists, restoration, and final acceptance.
• Travel regularly to active job sites across NJ, PA, and surrounding areas as needed.

Requirements

• 5+ years of experience managing underground utility or HDD construction projects (fiber, conduit, or telecom preferred).
• Strong understanding of horizontal directional drilling, trenchless construction, and right-of-way regulations.
• Proven ability to lead field teams and manage multiple simultaneous projects.
• Working knowledge of construction scheduling, budgeting, and cost control.
• Able to read and interpret plans, permits, and utility records.
• Excellent organizational and communication skills.
• Proficiency with project management tools and MS Office (Excel, Word, Outlook).
• Valid driver’s license and reliable transportation.
• OSHA 30 certification preferred.

Qualifications

• Must be comfortable around heavy equipment and active drilling/construction operations.
• Outdoor work in varying weather conditions.
• Exposure to a range of adverse conditions, such as extreme heat and cold, wet conditions, airborne dust, and excessively loud noises.
• Occasional overnight travel may be required.

Skills

• Leadership
• Technical expertise in horizontal directional drilling and underground construction
• Project management
• Construction scheduling
• Cost control
• Communication
• MS Office proficiency

Benefits

Work Environment Primarily field-based role with daily travel to active construction sites throughout New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and surrounding areas.

Must be comfortable around heavy equipment and active drilling/construction operations. Outdoor work in varying weather conditions. Exposure to a range of adverse conditions, such as extreme heat and cold, wet conditions, airborne dust, and excessively loud noises. Occasional overnight travel may be required.

Pay

Negotiable based on experience and qualifications.

Schedule

Mainly field-based role with daily travel to active construction sites throughout New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and surrounding areas.