Manager of UG Construction

Utilities One; Jersey City (NJ); On-site; USD 110,000 - 170,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health Insurance

Life Insurance

401k Plan

PTO/Paid Holidays

Job summary

Utilities One in Jersey City, NJ seeks a Manager of Underground Construction to lead in-house drilling operations, ensure safety, quality, and on-time delivery across the region. This role requires 5+ years in underground drilling, strong leadership, field training, and the ability to travel up to 80% with a company vehicle provided.

You will collaborate with Regional Directors, Project Managers, and Foremen to optimize resources, drive continuous improvement, and uphold a safety-first culture

Qualifications

• 5+ years in underground drilling or excavation with leadership duties.
• Strong knowledge of HDD, potholing, restoration and safety practices.
• Experience training and mentoring field crews.

Responsibilities

• Daily Oversight: supervise underground drilling operations for safety, quality, and timelines.
• Training & Onboarding: lead on-site training for crews on best practices and safety.
• Safety Compliance: enforce safety standards with site inspections and toolbox talks.
• Quality Control: review logs and restoration practices to meet client requirements.
• Resource Coordination: allocate crews, equipment, and materials to schedules.
• Problem Resolution: address field issues with Operations and PMs to avoid delays.
• Documentation & Reporting: keep records and report to leadership.
• Communication: align with Directors, Foremen, and Managers on priorities.

Skills

Underground drilling

Leadership

Training & coaching

Safety standards

Reading drawings/maps

Project coordination

Communication

Travel flexibility

CDL beneficial

Job description

Manager of UG Construction

Department: Operations

Employment Type: Full Time

Location: United States - Jersey City, NJ

Reporting To: Ryan Dorsey and Denis Mezheretskov

Description

At Utilities One, we are driven by innovation, operational excellence, and a commitment to building the future of critical infrastructure. As a trusted turnkey solutions provider across telecom, power, water, renewable energy, and data center sectors, we deliver high-quality services that connect and empower communities. In addition to our core operations, we offer specialized consulting services that help our clients design, optimize, and execute complex infrastructure projects with confidence and precision. We believe our greatest strength is our people — a team of dedicated professionals who bring expertise, collaboration, and integrity to everything they do. Join us and become part of a growing organization where your contributions make a meaningful impact.

We are seeking a highly motivated Manager of Underground Construction to oversee our in-house underground drilling operations across the region. This role is responsible for ensuring the safe, efficient, and high-quality execution of underground construction projects while leading and supporting field crews. Key responsibilities include conducting field inspections, providing hands-on training and coaching, coordinating resources, monitoring productivity, ensuring compliance with company and regulatory safety standards, and driving continuous improvement in operational performance. The successful candidate will work closely with project teams and leadership to achieve project objectives while fostering a strong culture of safety, quality, and accountability.

The position requires extensive travel—at least 80% of the time—within the region where the individual is assigned. A company vehicle and travel expenses will be provided.

Key Responsibilities

• Daily Oversight: Supervise and inspect underground drilling operations to ensure compliance with safety protocols, quality standards, project specifications, and production goals;
• Training & Onboarding: Lead on-site training and onboarding for new and existing in-house crews, focusing on best practices, proper equipment operation, and safety procedures;
• Safety Compliance: Enforce company safety standards and regulatory requirements by conducting routine job site inspections, safety audits, and toolbox talks;
• Quality Control: Review bore logs, restoration practices, potholing, and fiber/copper path integrity to ensure all work meets client requirements and company quality standards;
• Resource Coordination: Coordinate with Regional Directors, Project Managers, and Foremen to ensure crews, equipment, and materials are effectively allocated to support project schedules;
• Problem Resolution: Serve as the primary point of contact for field-level issues or delays, working closely with Operations and Project Management teams to resolve challenges and maintain project timelines;
• Documentation & Reporting: Maintain accurate records of inspections, crew performance, training activities, and field observations. Prepare and submit reports to Regional Directors and department leadership;
• Communication: Collaborate with Regional Directors, Foremen, and Project Managers to align on project objectives, operational priorities, crew performance, and continuous improvement initiatives.

Skills, Knowledge and Expertise

• 5+ years of experience in underground drilling or underground construction operations, with progressive leadership responsibilities;
• Strong knowledge of HDD, potholing, utility locating, restoration practices, and industry safety standards;
• Proven experience leading, training, coaching, and mentoring underground construction crews;
• Ability to read and interpret construction drawings, utility maps, permits, and job site plans;
• Strong leadership, communication, organizational, and problem-solving skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities;
• Experience coordinating field operations, personnel, equipment, and resources to ensure projects are completed safely, on time, and to quality standards;
• Willingness to travel regularly across multiple states; OSHA 10/30, Competent Person, NCCER, or other relevant industry certifications are preferred;
• Valid driver's license required; CDL is a plus.

Benefits

• Health Insurance plans (health, dental, vision);
• Whole Life Insurance;
• 401k Plan;
• PTO/Paid Holidays;
• A supportive, safety-first company culture;
• Career Advancement Opportunities;
• The chance to make a real impact within a rapidly growing construction organization.