Underground Contractor Jobs in Michigan (NOW HIRING)

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R-2 Contractors is seeking an experienced and motivated Utility-Scale Underground Trenching Superintendent to lead field operations performing high-production trenching and underground conduit installation on utility-scale power, renewable energy, transmission, and substation projects throughout the United States. This field leadership role is responsible for safely planning, coordinating, and overseeing all aspects of underground trenching operations while delivering exceptional quality, developing field leaders, and ensuring projects are completed safely, efficiently, and on schedule.
Working closely with Project Managers and Operations Leadership, the Underground Trenching Superintendent oversees day-to-day field operations, including production planning, crew leadership, high-production trenching, single-pass mechanical laying, cable lay box operations, underground conduit installation, backfilling, restoration, quality control, scheduling, equipment utilization, and customer coordination. Success in this role is measured by the ability to build high-performing teams, consistently deliver quality work, maintain a safe jobsite, and exemplify the R-2 standard of excellence.
Position: Utility-Scale UG Trenching Superintendent
Location: Nationwide Project sites
Travel Requirements:
• This is a field-based position requiring 100% travel to active project sites throughout the United States
• Candidates must be willing to travel extensively and work extended schedules as required to support project demands
Salary: $140-200k
Key Responsibilities:
• Lead all field operations for utility-scale underground trenching and conduit installation projects
• Plan and coordinate manpower, trenching equipment, materials, subcontractors, and production schedules
• Supervise Foremen, equipment operators, craft personnel, subcontractors, and field teams to ensure safe and productive project execution
• Oversee high-production trenching, single-pass mechanical laying, cable lay box operations, underground conduit installation, bedding placement, warning mesh installation, backfilling, restoration, and quality control activities
• Ensure underground infrastructure is installed safely, accurately, and in accordance with project specifications and quality standards
• Read and interpret project drawings, specifications, trench profiles, utility layouts, and construction documents
• Coordinate daily activities with Project Managers, customers, inspectors, survey crews, subcontractors, suppliers, and utility representatives
• Monitor production, manpower, equipment utilization, budgets, schedules, and overall project performance
• Oversee the efficient utilization of trenchers, rock saws, cable lay box systems, excavators, loaders, and support equipment
• Identify field challenges early and proactively implement solutions to minimize impacts to safety, quality, and production
• Develop Foremen and future Superintendents through coaching, mentorship, accountability, and leadership by example
• Maintain complete project documentation, daily reports, production tracking, quality records, and inspection documentation
• Foster a culture centered on safety, accountability, teamwork, and continuous improvement
• Lead by example while living and reinforcing the R-2 Core Values every day
Requirements:
• Minimum 10 years of underground utility, trenching, heavy civil, or utility-scale construction experience
• Minimum 5 years of experience leading underground trenching operations as a
Superintendent or Senior Superintendent
• Extensive knowledge of high-production trenching, underground conduit installation, single-pass mechanical laying, trench safety, bedding placement, warning mesh installation, backfilling, restoration, and utility-scale underground construction
• Experience managing Tesmec trenchers, Vermeer trenchers, rock saws, cable lay box systems, excavators, loaders, GPS grade control systems, and associated support equipment
• Strong understanding of production planning, operational scheduling, equipment utilization, quality control, and project execution
• Ability to read and interpret project drawings, utility layouts, trench profiles, specifications, and construction documents
• Proven ability to lead multiple crews while maintaining productivity, quality, and safety
• Excellent leadership, organizational, communication, and problem-solving skills
• Ability to build strong working relationships with Project Managers, customers, inspectors, subcontractors, suppliers, and field personnel
• Demonstrated commitment to safety, accountability, quality workmanship, and operational excellence
• Willingness to travel nationwide and work extended hours as project schedules require
• Valid driver's license with an acceptable driving record
• Ability to successfully complete pre-employment drug screening and background check
What Success Looks Like:
The successful Utility-Scale Underground Trenching Superintendent:
• Builds high-performing field teams that consistently work safely and efficiently
• Delivers underground trenching and conduit installation projects that meet or exceed project specifications, production goals, and quality expectations
• Successfully leads high-production single-pass mechanical laying operations that improve safety, productivity, and project performance
• Develops strong Foremen and future Superintendents
• Earns the trust and confidence of customers, inspectors, and project leadership through reliable execution
• Plans ahead, communicates proactively, and resolves challenges before they impact production
• Strengthens R-2 through continuous improvement in safety, quality, productivity, and leadership development
Our Leadership Philosophy:
At R-2 Contractors, technical expertise may open the door-but leadership is defined by how you develop people, build teams, and live our Core Values.
Our leaders are expected to:
• Lead with integrity, humility, professionalism, and accountability
• Put the safety and success of their people first
• Coach, mentor, and develop future leaders
• Build trust through consistent execution and open communication
• Foster teamwork while empowering others to grow
• Hold themselves and others accountable to the highest standards
• Protect and strengthen the culture that makes R-2 different
• Leave their team stronger than they found it
The R-2 Core Values
PRIDE - We take ownership of our work, our people, our equipment, and our reputation. Every project reflects the pride we have in our craft.
• Do What's Right
• Put Your Name On It
• Never Accept Mediocrity
• I Am R-2
• Grow or Die
GRIT - We embrace challenges, solve problems, overcome adversity, and never allow obstacles to define our success.
• Dig Deep and Grind It Out
• Give It Your All
• Do What It Takes
• Dedication
OWN IT! - We don't make excuses or point fingers. We own the outcome, communicate early, solve problems, and continually improve ourselves and our teams.
• Do What You Say
• Be Accountable
• If You Ain't First, You're Last
• Accept Criticism
• Own Your Position
Benefits:
• Paid Time Off (PTO)/Paid Holidays
• Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance (company funded plans available for the entire family)
• 401(k) with 3% company match
• 5-Year Employment Appreciation Bonus
Ready to Join Our Team?
If you're ready to lead utility-scale concrete crews, develop exceptional field personnel, and help build some of the nation's most critical power infrastructure projects, we'd love to hear from you.
At R-2 Contractors, we don't simply place concrete-we build infrastructure, develop leaders, strengthen teams, and create a culture that refuses to settle for anything less than excellence.
Apply today and help us build what's next.
R-2 Contractors is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or protected veteran status.
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