Underground Construction Manager

Centerline; Trenton (NJ); On-site; USD 85,000 - 120,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Comprehensive insurance benefits (medical, dental, vision)

401(k) plan

Generous PTO

Referral bonuses

Job summary

A leading infrastructure company is seeking an experienced Construction Manager to oversee multiple directional drilling and underground utility projects in New Jersey. The role involves planning, coordinating, and supervising construction activities to meet safety, budget, and quality standards. The ideal candidate will have over 5 years of experience in managing HDD projects and strong leadership skills. Competitive benefits include medical, dental, vision insurance, and a 401(k) plan. Join us in building a better network.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of experience managing underground utility or HDD construction projects.
• Proven ability to manage multiple projects and teams.
• Valid driver’s license and reliable transportation.

Responsibilities

• Oversee field operations for directional drilling and utility installation projects.
• Develop and maintain construction schedules.
• Supervise field crews and subcontractors to ensure quality and safety.

Skills

Leadership

Technical expertise in horizontal directional drilling

Project management

Communication skills

Organizational skills

Tools

MS Office (Excel, Word, Outlook)

Project management tools

Job description

We are seeking an experienced and highly organized Construction Manager to oversee multiple directional drilling and underground utility projects across New Jersey and surrounding regions. The Construction Manager will be responsible for planning, coordinating, and supervising all field construction activities to ensure projects are completed safely, on schedule, within budget, and to quality standards. This role requires strong leadership, technical expertise in horizontal directional drilling (HDD) and underground construction, and the ability to manage multiple crews, subcontractors, and stakeholders across concurrent projects.

Responsibilities

• Manage day-to-day field operations for directional drilling and utility installation projects, ensuring safe and efficient execution.
• Develop and maintain construction schedules, manpower plans, and resource allocations.
• Supervise field crews, subcontractors, and inspectors to ensure quality, safety, and productivity standards are met.
• Review engineering plans, permits, and customer specifications to confirm compliance and resolve conflicts.
• Conduct site walks, pre-construction meetings, and project progress inspections.
• Track quantities, production rates, and job costs to ensure accurate billing and financial performance.
• Coordinate with project management, engineering, and procurement teams on material orders, logistics, and change orders.
• Ensure all work adheres to OSHA standards, environmental regulations, and company safety policies.
• Maintain strong communication with clients, municipalities, and utility owners regarding schedules, progress, and field conditions.
• Prepare and submit daily/weekly reports, redlines, and as-built documentation.
• Support project closeout by overseeing punch lists, restoration, and final acceptance.
• Travel regularly to active job sites across NJ, PA, and surrounding areas as needed.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of experience managing underground utility or HDD construction projects (fiber, conduit, or telecom preferred).
• Strong understanding of horizontal directional drilling, trenchless construction, and right-of-way regulations.
• Proven ability to lead field teams and manage multiple simultaneous projects.
• Working knowledge of construction scheduling, budgeting, and cost control.
• Ability to read and interpret plans, permits, and utility records.
• Excellent organizational and communication skills.
• Proficiency with project management tools and MS Office (Excel, Word, Outlook).
• Valid driver’s license and reliable transportation.
• OSHA 30 certification preferred.

Work Environment

• Primarily field-based role with daily travel to active construction sites throughout New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and surrounding areas.
• Must be comfortable around heavy equipment and active drilling/construction operations. Outdoor work in varying weather conditions.
• The work environment is performed outside and involves exposure to a range of adverse conditions, such as extreme heat and cold, wet conditions, airborne dust, and excessively loud noises.
• Occasional overnight travel may be required.

AAP/EEO Statement

Centerline is an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.

Who We Are

At Centerline, we design, build, and maintain industry-leading critical infrastructure across North America. Our technicians, engineers, and professional staff bring unmatched expertise to each job, working as a team to deliver consistent, exceptional results. That’s why Fortune 500 clients choose Centerline again and again for a wide range of projects.

With demand for connectivity at an all-time high, Centerline’s opportunities for growth are limitless — and so are yours. We’re committed to fostering your professional advancement and supporting your career journey.

We look for team members who demonstrate our core values: Safety, Teamwork, Accountability, and Reliability. Our values are key to our team’s success and driving everyone to reach their full potential. As a member of our winning team, you’ll receive comprehensive insurance benefits — medical, dental, and vision — plus a 401(k) plan, referral bonuses, and generous PTO.

Join us today. Together, we’re building a better network.