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Tunnel Laborer Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

Hampton Roads Connector Partners

Laborer

Norfolk, VA

$15.50 - $19.25/hr

The twin 45' diameter 1.5-mile tunnels will be bored by TBM, creating the second largest TBM tunnel opening for a TBM in North America. The project is expected to continue to the end of 2027. Key ...

Hampton Roads Connector Partners

Skilled Laborer

Norfolk, VA · On-site

$16.25 - $21.25/hr

The twin 45' diameter 1.5-mile tunnels will be bored by TBM, creating the second largest TBM tunnel opening for a TBM in North America. The project is expected to continue to the end of 2027. Key ...

Hampton Roads Connector Partners

Foreman

Norfolk, VA · On-site

Perform various carpentry tasks involving physical labor on highway, road, tunnel, bridge and concrete structures construction. * Ensures compliance of production staff with all company policies and ...

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Tunnel Laborer information

What is a tunnel laborer?

Tunnel Laborers are construction workers who perform manual labor in the excavation, support, and maintenance of tunnels. Their tasks often include digging, drilling, removing debris, installing tunnel supports, and assisting skilled tradespeople like electricians and welders. They work in challenging underground conditions, often requiring specialized safety equipment and training to manage risks such as confined spaces and poor ventilation. Tunnel Laborers play a crucial role in infrastructure projects like subways, sewers, and roadways that require tunneling.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a tunnel laborer?

To thrive as a Tunnel Laborer, you need physical stamina, familiarity with construction practices, and often a high school diploma or equivalent. Experience with tools like jackhammers, drills, and tunnel boring machinery, as well as certifications in OSHA safety standards, are typically required. Strong teamwork, attention to detail, and the ability to follow safety protocols make someone stand out in this position. These skills and qualifications are crucial to ensure safety, efficiency, and quality work in the demanding and hazardous environment of tunnel construction.

What are some common challenges faced by tunnel laborers on construction sites, and how are they addressed?

Tunnel laborers often work in confined, underground spaces where ventilation, lighting, and communication can be challenging. They must remain vigilant for safety hazards such as falling debris, water ingress, or equipment malfunctions. To address these challenges, employers typically provide comprehensive safety training, enforce strict use of personal protective equipment, and implement regular safety briefings. Teamwork and clear communication are essential, as laborers frequently collaborate with engineers, equipment operators, and safety supervisors to ensure the smooth and safe progress of tunneling operations.

What is the difference between Tunnel Laborer vs Miner?

AspectTunnel LaborerMiner
CredentialsHigh school diploma or equivalent, OSHA safety trainingHigh school diploma or equivalent, specialized mining certifications
Work EnvironmentUnderground tunnels, construction sitesUnderground mines, shafts
Industry UsageConstruction, infrastructure projectsMining industry, resource extraction

While both Tunnel Laborers and Miners work underground, Tunnel Laborers typically assist in construction and maintenance of tunnels, focusing on support tasks. Miners are involved in extracting minerals or resources from the earth. Both roles require safety training and work in confined underground spaces, but Miners usually need additional certifications related to mining safety and operations.

What are popular job titles related to Tunnel Laborer jobs in Virginia?

For Tunnel Laborer jobs in Virginia, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Tunnel Laborer jobs in Virginia look for?

The top searched job categories for Tunnel Laborer jobs in Virginia are:

What cities in Virginia are hiring for Tunnel Laborer jobs?

Cities in Virginia with the most Tunnel Laborer job openings:

Tunnel Laborer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Tunnel Laborer job openings in Virginia as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% As Needed, 86% Full Time, 7% Part Time, 1% Temporary, 3% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 98% Physical, and 2% Remote job distribution.

23870 - Facilities Specialist Supervisor Bridge Tunnel

Virginia Department of Transportation

Hampton, VA • On-site

$69K - $113K/yr

Full-time

Posted 5 days ago

Virginia Department Of Transportation rating

7.3

Company rating: 7.3 out of 10

Based on 19 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

595th of 856 rated public administrative organizations

Job description


Direct and supervise the daily operation of the shift crew including traffic monitoring and facility maintenance. Supervise the maintenance and repair of all electrical or mechanical equipment associated with tunnels and movable bridges.
How you will contribute:
  • Emergency Operations: Ensure all employees are properly trained to carry out emergency response duties. Ensure required Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) and any other equipment is available for staff during emergencies. Oversee training, coordination, and implementation of emergency action plans. Conduct all emergency operations in compliance with FEMA and FHWA regulations. Performs other duties as assigned.
  • Equipment: Supervises the equipment resources and business activities. Monitor equipment preventive maintenance program. Ensure that the work units have needed equipment, or use alternative means to secure assets needed to complete work.
  • Maintenance for Tunnels and Movable Bridges: Perform maintenance and supervision to crews to ensure that the Tunnels and Movable Bridges are maintained and cleaned. Ensure equipment is performing accordingly with the preventive maintenance schedules in a productive and effective manner. Review the material condition of the tunnels and bridges equipment and communicating the need for repairs. Supervise the manpower levels using the outsourcing method to address needs beyond resource capabilities.
  • Maintenance in Tunnel Facilities: Direct the shift crew to ensure that the buildings and grounds are maintained, cleaned, mowed and well lit. Ensure that tunnel equipment is exercised in accordance with the preventive maintenance schedules. Review the material condition of the facility and equipment and communicates the need for repairs.
  • Patrol and Operate Tunnel Emergency Equipment: Monitor traffic movement within tunnel using CCTV and routine drive through inspections. Operate the wrecker or crash cushions in response to vehicle breakdowns or accidents. Set up traffic control and notifies the TOC and Virginia State Police as required. Perform pre-trip inspection of vehicles. Communicate effectively with the public and co-workers. Lead by example and projects a positive image of the agency in actions and behaviors according to VDOT values.
  • Physical Labor: Operates Tunnel Traffic Control and Towing Equipment - Performs tasks according to guidelines and instructions. Meets assigned schedules. Operates and maintains all tunnel traffic control and related equipment.
  • Technical Proficiency: Technically proficient in the area of electrical or mechanical maintenance to make sound decisions. Solves work related problems and responds to internal and external customer complaints and concerns. Providing technical guidance to staff and others on maintenance issues, policies, standards, and governing regulations. Handling multiple assignments at the same time. Ensuring work unit's preventative maintenance programs are adhered to. Demonstrating good interpersonal skills when dealing with coworkers, subordinates and customers. Working independently as well as with team. Understanding the constant reprioritizing necessary for the challenging 24 hours per day and for a 7 days a week environment, balances departmental goals with the agencies overall best interests. Diagnosing and troubleshooting electrical or mechanical malfunctions.

    • What will make you successful:
  • Ability to coach and instruct others in diagnostic and repair techniques and in the operation of equipment.
  • Ability to communicate effectively orally and in writing.
  • Ability to identify equipment malfunctions.
  • Ability to independently perform major repairs and maintenance on a variety of electrical or mechanical equipment.
  • Ability to keep accurate records and make verbal and written reports.
  • Ability to perform heavy manual labor.
  • Ability to read and comprehend service and equipment repair manuals, gauges, testing devices. Blueprints, electrical or mechanical reports, schematics or diagrams.
  • Ability to work in confined spaces.
  • Knowledge of all phases of electrical mechanical equipment, low or high voltage electrical circuits, electrical switchgear, knowledge of electrical materials and methods, and National Electric Codes.
  • Knowledge of control circuits and troubleshooting controls for pumps, motors, and various other electrical or mechanical systems used in an industrial environment.
  • Knowledge of supervisory principles.
  • Knowledge of the principles of basic maintenance in related trades such as painting, mowing, snow removal, custodial and facility maintenance.
  • Skill in the operation of heavy trucks and wrecker.
  • Skill in the use of computers and software applications.
  • Skill in the use of hand and power tools and advanced electronic and computerized diagnostic equipment.
  • Skill in the use of hand tools.
  • Skilled in diagnosing and troubleshooting electrical or mechanical malfunctions.
  • Skilled in use of tools and instruments used to install electrical or mechanical equipment.

    • Minimum Qualifications:
  • Ability to maintain accurate records and reports.
  • Ability to obtain valid CDL and DOT medical card within 6 months of employment and maintain thereafter. Must comply with DOT and VDOT policies and standards when operating CDL equipment.
  • Ability to perform heavy manual labor.
  • Ability to perform major repairs and maintenance on a variety of electrical or mechanical equipment.
  • Ability to read and comprehend service and repair manuals, gauges, testing devices, blueprints, schematics or diagrams.
  • Knowledge of control circuits, troubleshooting controls for pumps, motors, and various other electrical or mechanical systems used in an industrial environment.
  • Knowledge of the diagnosis, repair, maintenance of electrical equipment, hydraulics, and National Electrical Code.
  • Safety shoes required.
  • Skill in the use of computers, hand and power tools and advanced electronic and computerized diagnostic equipment.
  • Skill in use of tools, instruments used to install electrical or mechanical equipment and diagnosing or troubleshooting malfunctions.

    • Additional Considerations:
  • A combination of training, experience, or education in Electronics, Engineering, Hydraulics or related field desired.
  • ASE certifications
  • Experience in industrial, mechanical, hydraulic, or electrical trade.
  • Experience supervising and directing the repairing and maintaining mechanical or electrical components of movable bridges and, or tunnel machinery.

    • Click below to learn more about the Competency Model associated with this Position:
    Competency Model
    Physical Requirements
    Physical Requirements
    VDOT employees must abide by VDOTs Code of Ethics and the Commonwealths Standards of Conduct.
    VDOT Code of Ethics
    Standards of Conduct
    Qualifications
    Physical Requirements
    Physical Requirements
    About Us
    VDOT utilizes a market based pay program, which has been approved by DHRM. Therefore, advertised rates of pay may or may not align with the Commonwealth pay bands.
    In support of the Commonwealth's commitment to inclusion, we are encouraging individuals with disabilities to apply through the Commonwealth Alternative Hiring Process. To be considered for this opportunity, applicants will need to provide their Certificate of Disability (COD) provided by a Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor within the Department for Aging & Rehabilitative Services (DARS), or the Department for the Blind & Vision Impaired (DBVI). Veterans are encouraged to answer Veteran status questions and submit their disability documentation, if applicable, to DARS/DBVI to get their Certificate of Disability. If you need to get a Certificate of Disability, use this link: Career Pathways for Individuals with Disabilities, or call DARS at 800-552-5019, or DBVI at 800-622-2155.
    Each agency within the Commonwealth of Virginia is dedicated to recruiting, supporting, and maintaining a competent and diverse work force. Equal Opportunity Employer.
    Please be aware all VDOT positions require pre-employment screenings. These screenings may include the following:
    • Fingerprint based Criminal History Background Check
    • DMV Record Check
    • Work History Verification
    • References
    • Pre-employment physical
    • Drug screen

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