Underground Construction Superintendent (Operations)
Company
CDL Utilities is a leading provider of excavation and underground installation, aerial installation, coax and fiber optic cabling and splicing, and maintenance services for utility service providers furnishing telecommunications (primary focus), electric, gas, and water systems. For over two decades, we have built a reputation for quality, service, and safety.
Overview
CDL Utilities is seeking an experienced Underground Construction Superintendent to oversee day-to-day underground telecom construction operations throughout Texas.
This position is responsible for leading field operations, managing underground construction crews, coordinating daily and weekly schedules, and ensuring projects are completed safely, efficiently, and to the highest quality standards. The Underground Construction Superintendent serves as the operational leader in the field, driving production while resolving challenges and keeping construction activities moving forward.
The ideal candidate is an experienced underground construction professional who thrives in a fast-paced environment, demonstrates strong leadership, and possesses excellent critical thinking and problem-solving skills. This is a hands-on leadership role focused on construction operations—not project management.
Key Responsibilities
Construction Operations
- Oversee daily underground telecommunications construction activities across multiple active job sites.
- Coordinate and direct underground construction crews to meet production goals and project schedules.
- Monitor daily production and adjust work plans based on field conditions and operational priorities.
- Ensure construction activities are completed safely, efficiently, and in accordance with customer specifications.
- Identify and resolve field challenges before they impact productivity or project timelines.
- Coordinate manpower, equipment, and materials to maximize efficiency.
- Work closely with company leadership to communicate operational needs and project status.
Crew Leadership & Supervision
- Lead and support Foremen and underground construction crews.
- Assign daily work responsibilities and establish production expectations.
- Hold crews accountable for safety, quality, productivity, and professionalism.
- Provide coaching, mentoring, and field support to develop crew performance.
- Conduct daily job briefings and safety meetings.
- Foster a culture of accountability, teamwork, and continuous improvement.
Scheduling & Coordination
- Develop and manage daily and weekly construction schedules.
- Coordinate crew assignments based on project priorities and customer deadlines.
- Communicate scheduling changes and operational updates to crews and leadership.
- Coordinate utility locates, permitting requirements, and restoration activities as needed.
- Ensure crews, equipment, and materials are positioned for successful project execution.
Field Problem Solving
- Evaluate field conditions and identify constructability issues before they affect production.
- Analyze problems and develop practical, cost-effective solutions.
- Read and interpret engineering drawings, utility maps, and construction prints.
- Coordinate with inspectors, municipalities, utility representatives, subcontractors, and internal teams when necessary.
- Escalate significant issues while independently resolving day-to-day operational challenges.
Safety & Quality
- Enforce OSHA regulations and CDL Utilities' safety policies.
- Ensure utility mark-outs are completed prior to excavation activities.
- Verify proper traffic control and PPE compliance on all job sites.
- Perform routine quality inspections to ensure work meets company and customer standards.
- Correct deficiencies promptly and maintain a strong safety-first culture.
Reporting & Communication
- Track daily production and operational progress.
- Submit accurate field reports and construction updates.
- Communicate delays, damages, field conflicts, or operational concerns to leadership.
- Maintain organized documentation of construction activities.
- Participate in operational planning meetings and provide field recommendations.
Qualifications
Required
- Minimum of 7 years of underground telecommunications construction experience.
- Minimum of 3 years of experience supervising construction crews or field operations.
- Strong knowledge of underground utility construction, conduit installation, fiber optic infrastructure, handholes, vault installation, HDD operations, utility locating requirements, and restoration practices.
- Experience scheduling multiple crews across active construction projects.
- Strong leadership, communication, and team management skills.
- Excellent critical thinking, decision-making, and problem-solving abilities.
- Ability to read and interpret engineering drawings, utility maps, and construction plans.
- Strong organizational and time management skills.
- Proficiency with Microsoft Outlook, Word, and Excel.
- Valid Driver's License.
- Authorized to work in the United States.
Preferred
- Experience managing telecommunications construction projects throughout Texas.
- Knowledge of HFC and FTTH construction.
- Commercial Driver's License (CDL).
- Bilingual (English/Spanish).
Physical Requirements
- Ability to work outdoors in varying weather conditions.
- Ability to regularly visit active construction sites.
- Ability to walk uneven terrain and construction sites.
- Ability to occasionally lift and carry up to 50 pounds.
- Ability to travel extensively throughout Texas.
Travel
- Travel throughout Texas is required.
- Overnight travel as needed based on project demands.
Job Type
Full-time
Benefits
- 401(k)
- Dental Insurance
- Flexible Spending Account (FSA)
- Health Insurance
- Health Savings Account (HSA)
- Paid Time Off
- Vision Insurance
Application Questions
- Do you have at least seven (7) years of underground telecommunications construction experience?
- Do you have experience supervising multiple underground construction crews?
- Have you been responsible for scheduling crews and coordinating daily field operations?
- Do you have experience reading construction drawings and utility prints?
- This position requires travel throughout Texas and regular field work. Please confirm your understanding.
Preferred Experience
- Underground Telecommunications Construction: 7 years (Required)
- Construction Leadership / Crew Supervision: 3 years (Required)
- Underground Utility Construction: 5 years (Preferred)
- HDD Operations: 2 years (Preferred)
License/Certification
- Driver's License (Required)
- CDL (Preferred)
Language
- English & Spanish (Preferred)
Work Location
In person – Texas Region
Pay: $65,000.00 - $80,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- 401(k)
- 401(k) matching
- Dental insurance
- Employee assistance program
- Flexible spending account
- Health insurance
- Health savings account
- Paid time off
- Vision insurance
Application Question(s):
- How many years of experience do you have directly supervising underground construction crews or field operations?
- Which types of underground telecommunications construction have you personally supervised?
Ability to Commute:
- Fort Worth, TX 76109 (Required)
Work Location: In person
