Manager of UG Construction

Utilities One; Philadelphia (Philadelphia County); On-site; USD 95,000 - 135,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health Insurance plans

401k Plan

PTO/Paid Holidays

Career Advancement Opportunities

Safety-first culture

Job summary

Utilities One is seeking a Manager of Underground Construction to oversee in-house underground drilling operations across the region. The role requires leading field crews, ensuring safety, quality, and on-time delivery, and coordinating resources with project teams.

The candidate will travel extensively (80%+), conduct on-site training, and maintain rigorous documentation while upholding safety standards and client requirements.

Qualifications

• 5+ years in underground drilling or construction with leadership duties.
• Knowledge of HDD, potholing, restoration, and safety standards.
• Experience training and coaching field crews.
• Ability to read construction drawings and maps.
• Willingness to travel across multiple states; safety certifications preferred.

Responsibilities

• Oversee underground drilling operations for safety, quality, and timeliness.
• Lead on-site training and onboarding for crews.
• Enforce safety standards and conduct site inspections.
• Review bore logs and restoration practices to meet client specs.
• Coordinate crews, equipment, and materials with project schedules.
• Resolve field issues with Operations and PM teams to maintain timelines.
• Maintain records and reports on inspections and performance.
• Collaborate with directors and foremen on priorities and improvements.

Skills

Underground drilling

Leadership

Safety management

Project coordination

Reading drawings/maps

Travel readiness

Communication

Problem solving

Job description

Manager of UG Construction

Department: Operations

Employment Type: Full Time

Location: United States - Philadelphia, PA

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.