SEM (Sequential Excavation Method) Construction Manager

Maynard Civil Engineering Recruitment; Washington (District of Columbia); On-site; USD 140,000 - 190,000; Full time

Job summary

Maynard Civil Engineering Recruitment is seeking a SEM Construction Manager to lead tunnel excavation and initial support works using Sequential Excavation Method. You will coordinate safety, quality, productivity, and compliance with design requirements while managing complex interfaces with subcontractors.

You will supervise SEM tunnelling activities, monitor ground behaviour, review logs and ITPs, and lead daily briefings.

Qualifications

• Leadership in SEM tunnelling
• Strong safety and QA focus
• Experience coordinating complex interfaces
• Technical expertise in soft-ground/rock tunnelling

Responsibilities

• SEM Excavation & Support planning and supervision.
• Oversee installation of initial support systems (shotcrete, lattice girders, bolts).
• Monitor ground behaviour, instrumentation data and adapt excavation sequences.
• Lead safety leadership including risk assessments and safe working methods.
• Coordinate with designers, inspectors and Owner’s representative during holds/witness points.
• Manage SEM crews, subcontractors, plant and specialist equipment.

Job description

The SEM Construction Manager will lead and coordinate the delivery of tunnel excavation and initial support works using the Sequential Excavation Method, ensuring safety, quality, productivity, and compliance with design requirements. The role requires strong leadership, technical expertise in soft-ground/rock tunnelling, and the ability to manage complex interfaces, subcontractors, and monitoring/verification activities.

Key Responsibilities

• SEM Excavation & Support
• Plan, manage, and supervise all daily SEM tunnelling activities including top heading, bench, invert, and drift excavations.
• Ensure correct implementation of designed excavation sequences, support classes, and face-stabilization methods.
• Oversee installation of initial support systems (shotcrete, lattice girders, bolts, spiles, canopy tubes, waterproofing transitions, etc.).
• Control advance rates and ensure compliance with ground-support design criteria.
• Monitoring & Observational Management
• Implement the project’s geotechnical and structural monitoring regime.
• Review convergence data, instrumentation results, and face mapping to adjust excavation/support as required.
• Engage with geotechnical engineers to optimize excavation sequences and manage ground behaviour.
• Safety Leadership
• Ensure full compliance with H&S legislation, project safety plans, and underground working regulations.
• Lead daily tunnel briefings, risk assessments, and dynamic hazard identification.
• Enforce safe working methods for drilling, shotcreting, mucking out, ventilation, and confined-space operations.
• Quality Assurance
• Verify that excavation, ground treatment, support installation, and records meet design drawings, specifications, and QA procedures.
• Oversee face logs, monitoring logs, ITPs, and as-built documentation.
• Coordinate with designers, inspectors, and the Owner’s representative during holds/witness points.
• Resource & Contractor Management
• Manage SEM crews, subcontractors, plant, and specialist equipment.
• Coordinate shift rotations and ensure adequate resources for continuous tunnelling operations.
• Liaise closely with procurement for materials (shotcrete, rebar, lattice arches, consumables).
• Interface & Coordination
• Work closely with the TBM, civils, M&E, waterproofing, and structural fit-out teams to align sequencing and access.
• Coordinate with environmental, surveying, and temporary works teams.
• Attend and lead progress meetings and prepare daily/weekly reports.
• Cost & Schedule Control
• Monitor productivity and equipment utilisation to achieve planned outputs.
• Assist in developing look-ahead schedules and construction forecasts.
• Identify risks, constraints, and opportunities to maintain programme and budget.