Superintendent

Harris & Co Executive Search; Tennessee; On-site; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

Harris & Co Executive Search is seeking an experienced Heavy Civil / Earthwork / Underground Utilities Superintendent based in Tennessee, with project sites across the state. You will lead daily field operations, manage multiple crews, and coordinate with project managers, owners, inspectors, and subcontractors to deliver projects on schedule and within budget.

The ideal candidate has extensive hands-on experience in mass grading, site development, underground utilities, storm drainage, sanitary

Qualifications

• Experience leading heavy civil construction sites across Tennessee.
• Proven ability to manage crews, subcontractors, and equipment safely and efficiently.
• Strong scheduling, production tracking, and cost-control skills.

Responsibilities

• Direct daily field operations for heavy civil and underground utility projects.
• Oversee earthwork, mass grading, and site development activities.
• Supervise installation of water mains, sanitary sewer, and storm drainage.

Skills

Field Operations

Project Execution

Leadership

Scheduling

Earthwork

Underground Utilities

Mass Grading

Safety Compliance

Communication

Job description

We are Hiring for a Tennessee based Superintendent.

Top ENR Ranked contractor.

Job Description

Heavy Civil / Earthwork / Underground Utilities Superintendent

Location: Tennessee (Project Sites Throughout the State)

Position Type: Full-Time

Department: Field Operations

Reports To: General Superintendent / Operations Manager

Compensation: Competitive Salary, Based on Experience

Position Summary

We are seeking an experienced, highly motivated Heavy Civil / Earthwork / Underground Utilities Superintendent to lead and oversee daily field operations on heavy civil construction projects throughout Tennessee.

The ideal candidate will have extensive hands-on experience managing mass grading, site development, excavation, underground utilities, storm drainage, sanitary sewer, waterline installation, and related heavy civil construction activities.

This position requires a strong field leader who can effectively manage crews, equipment, subcontractors, production schedules, jobsite safety, and quality control while ensuring projects are completed safely, efficiently, on schedule, and within budget.

The Superintendent must be capable of independently managing multiple crews and coordinating all aspects of field construction while maintaining strong communication with project managers, owners, inspectors, engineers, and subcontractors.

Key Responsibilities

Field Operations & Project Execution

• Direct and supervise daily field operations for heavy civil, earthmoving, site development, and underground utility projects.
• Oversee mass excavation, clearing and grubbing, stripping, cut/fill operations, embankment construction, fine grading, and soil stabilization.
• Manage installation of underground utilities, including sanitary sewer, storm drainage, water distribution systems, structures, and associated infrastructure.
• Coordinate multiple crews, foremen, operators, laborers, subcontractors, and equipment resources.
• Develop and execute daily and weekly work plans to achieve project milestones and production goals.
• Coordinate construction sequencing to maximize efficiency and minimize downtime.
• Identify potential construction conflicts, site conditions, and scheduling challenges before they impact production.
• Ensure work is performed according to approved plans, specifications, contract requirements, and applicable regulations.

Earthwork & Site Development

• Oversee large-scale earthmoving operations, including excavation, hauling, placement, moisture conditioning, compaction, and final grading.
• Demonstrate a thorough understanding of soil conditions, compaction requirements, subgrade preparation, and erosion control.
• Manage equipment fleets, including excavators, dozers, scrapers, articulated trucks, loaders, motor graders, and compactors.
• Coordinate GPS machine control systems and survey/layout activities.
• Monitor earthwork quantities, production rates, haul distances, equipment utilization, and jobsite efficiency.
• Work with project management to optimize earthwork operations and minimize unnecessary material handling.

Underground Utilities

• Supervise installation of water mains, sanitary sewer systems, storm drainage, culverts, manholes, catch basins, and related structures.
• Understand utility installation requirements, including trench excavation, bedding, pipe laying, backfilling, compaction, and testing.
• Coordinate utility crossings, tie-ins, shutdowns, and connections to existing infrastructure.
• Ensure proper trench safety, excavation protection, shoring, sloping, and access procedures.
• Coordinate inspections, pressure testing, leakage testing, and other required utility acceptance procedures.
• Maintain compliance with project specifications, local utility authority requirements, and applicable Tennessee regulations.

Leadership & Workforce Management

• Lead, mentor, and hold accountable field foremen, equipment operators, pipe crews, and laborers.
• Establish clear daily production expectations and communicate priorities to all crews.
• Coordinate manpower requirements and recommend staffing adjustments based on project demands.
• Promote a culture of teamwork, accountability, productivity, and professionalism.
• Resolve field-level conflicts and maintain positive working relationships with employees, subcontractors, and project stakeholders.
• Participate in employee evaluations, training, and workforce development.

Scheduling, Production & Cost Control

• Develop short-term look-ahead schedules and coordinate daily construction activities with the project manager.
• Track daily quantities installed, earthwork volumes, labor hours, and equipment productivity.
• Monitor jobsite performance against estimated production rates and project budgets.
• Identify cost-saving opportunities through improved construction methods, equipment utilization, and crew efficiency.
• Coordinate material deliveries, equipment mobilization, and subcontractor scheduling.
• Maintain accurate daily reports, including manpower, equipment, production quantities, delays, and site conditions.
• Communicate potential change orders, differing site conditions, and schedule impacts promptly to project management.