Cavern Superintendent - Underground Construction

About the role

The Cavern Superintendent is a full-time field supervisor reporting to the Cavern General Manager. The role oversees daily underground operations for excavation, support, waterproofing and structural work in large caverns such as station boxes, crossovers and ventilation shafts. It is a hands-on leadership position focused on safety, productivity and quality in challenging subsurface environments.

Key responsibilities

• Supervise day-to-day underground activities for excavation, initial support, waterproofing and structural concrete installation.
• Coordinate excavation sequences and ensure rock bolts, lattice girders, shotcrete and other supports are installed as designed.
• Oversee subcontractors and enforce site safety protocols, including daily toolbox talks, hazard assessments and inspections.
• Monitor production rates, daily progress and manpower, and adjust work plans and resources.
• Work with engineers, geotechnical staff and surveyors to interpret ground conditions and adjust excavation or support strategies.
• Assist with ground stabilization and grouting, supervise waterproofing membranes, formwork, rebar and cast-in-place concrete.
• Monitor instrumentation data, maintain field documentation (daily reports, timesheets, shift logs, material tracking) and support quality assurance.
• Take part in shift handovers, coordinate logistics in confined spaces and resolve field conflicts and constructability issues.

Required profile

• Bachelor's degree in civil engineering, mining engineering or construction management preferred, or equivalent field experience.
• Minimum 15 years of underground construction experience, including at least 10 years in cavern or large-span excavation.
• Experience managing crews in complex underground environments and leading them in confined, hazardous conditions.
• OSHA 30 or equivalent safety training required.
• Willingness to work extended hours, rotating shifts, weekends and holidays, with occasional office work.

Required skills

• Knowledge of heading-and-bench and full-face excavation methods, initial support systems and structural concrete.
• Familiarity with ground support, waterproofing systems and final lining techniques.
• Reading and interpreting underground construction drawings and specifications.
• Strong leadership, communication and problem-solving skills.