Tunnel Superintendent – Microtunneling & Trenchless Construction King Recruiting Services

KingRecruitingServices; Portland (OR); Hybrid; USD 110,000 - 170,000; Full time

Job summary

KingRecruitingServices seeks an experienced Tunnel Superintendent to lead field operations for microtunneling, trenchless, and underground infrastructure projects in Portland. You will oversee MTBM setups, tunneling systems, shafts, and equipment, ensuring safe, efficient progress and adherence to project plans.

The ideal candidate has 7+ years in tunneling, strong leadership, and hands-on experience with MTBM operations, pipe jacking, and related equipment, coordinating diverse field teams and

Qualifications

• 7+ years of tunneling or underground construction experience.
• Experience supervising tunneling crews and field operations.
• Strong knowledge of tunneling means and methods.

Responsibilities

• Lead and supervise daily field operations for microtunneling, tunneling, and trenchless construction projects.
• Supervise Tunnel Technicians, operators, mechanics, laborers, and other field personnel.
• Coordinate MTBM setup, launch, operation, retrieval, maintenance, and demobilization.
• Monitor production rates, crew productivity, equipment utilization, and project progress.
• Identify and resolve field issues impacting safety, schedule, or profitability.

Skills

Leadership

Safety leadership

Troubleshooting

Project coordination

Communication

Tools

MTBM operations

Pipe jacking

Guidance & survey systems

Slurry separation systems

Cranes & hoisting equipment

Job description

Location: Portland, OR

Tunnel Superintendent – Microtunneling & Trenchless Construction

Position Summary

We are seeking an experienced Tunnel Superintendent to lead field operations for complex microtunneling, trenchless, underground utility, and tunnel construction projects.

The ideal candidate will have extensive hands‑on experience with Microtunnel Boring Machines (MTBMs), pipe jacking, tunneling systems, shafts, underground construction, and specialized tunneling equipment.

This is a field leadership position responsible for supervising tunneling crews, coordinating equipment and resources, maintaining production, and ensuring work is completed safely, efficiently, and according to project plans and specifications.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and supervise daily field operations for microtunneling, tunneling, and trenchless construction projects.
• Supervise Tunnel Technicians, operators, mechanics, laborers, and other field personnel.
• Coordinate and oversee MTBM setup, launch, operation, retrieval, maintenance, and demobilization.
• Supervise proper operation and maintenance of tunneling boring machines and associated systems.
• Oversee construction activities involving:
  • Microtunneling
  • Pipe Jacking
  • Tunnel Boring
  • Launch & Receiving Shafts
  • Deep Excavations
  • Trenchless Pipeline Installation
  • Large-Diameter Underground Utilities
• Coordinate shaft construction, tunneling operations, pipe installation, spoil removal, and supporting underground activities.
• Monitor line and grade throughout tunneling operations to ensure work meets project requirements.
• Coordinate tunneling operations with survey, engineering, project management, and field teams.
• Supervise maintenance personnel performing repairs, preventative maintenance, and refurbishment of microtunneling and related equipment.
• Troubleshoot equipment and production issues to minimize downtime and maintain tunneling progress.
• Assist with determining tunneling equipment requirements, means and methods, and project-specific equipment configurations.
• Coordinate mobilization, assembly, shipping, installation, and demobilization of tunneling equipment.
• Identify equipment that must be rented or purchased when project requirements exceed existing fleet capabilities.
• Maintain appropriate materials, spare parts, tooling, pipe, and equipment inventories to support continuous production.
• Develop daily work plans and coordinate manpower, equipment, materials, and subcontractors.
• Monitor production rates, crew productivity, equipment utilization, and project progress.
• Prepare and maintain daily reports, production records, manpower reports, and payroll documentation.
• Work closely with Project Managers, Tunnel Engineers, General Superintendents, and project leadership to maintain schedule and budget.
• Identify and resolve field issues that could impact safety, production, schedule, quality, or profitability.
• Assist with evaluating, hiring, training, and developing Tunnel Technicians and maintenance personnel.
• Maintain strong communication between field crews, project management, engineering, and equipment personnel.

Preferred Project Experience

Candidates with experience in the following areas are highly preferred:

• Microtunneling
• Microtunnel Boring Machines (MTBM)
• Pipe Jacking
• Utility Tunnels
• Tunnel Boring Machines
• Trenchless Construction
• Jack & Bore
• Auger Boring
• Launch & Receiving Shafts
• Deep Shafts & Excavations
• Large-Diameter Sewer Pipelines
• Water & Wastewater Pipelines
• Underground Utilities
• Deep Sewer Construction
• Heavy Civil Infrastructure
• Groundwater / Dewatering Operations
• Shoring & Excavation Support

Tunneling Equipment Knowledge

The ideal candidate should have hands‑on knowledge of tunneling systems and supporting equipment, including:

• Microtunnel Boring Machines
• Jacking Systems
• Guidance & Survey Systems
• Slurry Separation Systems
• Slurry Pumps & Circulation Systems
• Hydraulic Systems
• Excavation & Spoil Removal Systems
• Ventilation SystemsDewatering Equipment
• Cranes & Hoisting Equipment
• Shaft Equipment
• Pipe Handling & Jacking Equipment

Safety & Field Leadership

• Ensure all tunneling and underground work complies with applicable safety requirements, project specifications, codes, and standards.
• Enforce company and project-specific health, safety, and environmental requirements.
• Conduct or participate in daily safety meetings, pre-task planning, and Job Hazard Analyses.
• Monitor confined-space, excavation, shaft, lifting, and underground construction activities.
• Identify unsafe conditions and ensure corrective actions are implemented immediately.
• Promote a strong safety culture while maintaining production and quality expectations.
• Ensure crews understand daily work plans, potential hazards, and production goals.

Required Qualifications

• 7+ years of tunneling or underground construction experience.
• Strong microtunneling experience highly preferred.
• Previous experience as a Tunnel Superintendent, Tunnel Foreman, General Superintendent, Tunnel Supervisor, or similar field leadership position.
• Demonstrated experience supervising tunneling and underground construction crews.
• Strong knowledge of tunneling means and methods.
• Experience with MTBM operations and supporting tunneling systems preferred.
• Understanding of pipe jacking, shaft construction, underground utilities, and trenchless installation methods.
• Proven ability to manage manpower, equipment, materials, and production.
• Strong understanding of construction plans, specifications, line and grade, and field documentation.
• Demonstrated history of maintaining project productivity and profitability.
• Strong troubleshooting and problem-solving abilities.
• Excellent leadership and communication skills.
• Ability to effectively lead diverse field teams.
• Basic computer skills for reporting, communication, and project documentation.

Ideal Candidate

We are looking for a hands‑on tunneling professional who understands the work from the ground down.

The successful candidate should be comfortable leading crews underground, troubleshooting an MTBM or slurry system, coordinating shaft and pipe‑jacking operations, evaluating production rates, working with engineers on line and grade, and making field decisions that protect the project’s safety, schedule, quality, and profitability.

This role requires someone who understands both tunneling equipment and field production and can keep complex underground operations moving efficiently.

Physical & Work Requirements

• Ability to work in active heavy civil, tunneling, and underground construction environments.
• Ability to stand and walk for extended periods.
• Ability to climb ladders, scaffolding, shafts, and other construction access systems.
• Ability to stoop, kneel, crouch, and crawl as required.
• Ability to lift and carry materials or equipment weighing up to approximately 50 pounds.
• Must be comfortable working around heavy equipment and active construction operations.
• Ability to work indoors, outdoors, underground, and in varying weather conditions.
• PPE including hard hat, hearing protection, eye protection, and other project‑specific safety equipment is required.
• Travel and extended project assignments may be required.

Why Join Us?

This is an opportunity to take a leadership role on technically challenging microtunneling, pipe jacking, utility tunnel, and underground infrastructure projects.

You’ll have direct responsibility for tunneling crews, specialized equipment, production, field execution, safety, and project performance while working alongside experienced heavy civil construction and tunneling professionals.