Tunnel Superintendent – Microtunneling & Trenchless Construction

Tunnel Superintendent – Microtunneling & Trenchless Construction

Salary: $160,000 - $190,000 per year

Location: Portland, OR

Posted: September 06 2026

Relocation Assistance: Not Available

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

• 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.

Candidates with experience in the following areas are highly preferred:

• Pipe Jacking
• Utility Tunnels
• Tunnel Boring Machines
• Jack & Bore
• Underground Utilities
• Deep Sewer Construction
• Groundwater / Dewatering Operations
• Shoring & Excavation Support

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
• Excavatio…