Utility Scale UG Trenching Division Manager

R-2 Contractors

$180K — $250K *
Real Estate & Construction
8 - 10 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • Minimum 10 years of heavy civil or underground utility construction experience, specifically in utility-scale power, renewable energy, and large underground infrastructure projects.
  • Proven experience leading multiple trenching crews and managing large-scale underground utility construction operations.
  • Strong knowledge of high-production trenching techniques and standards including safety practices and material installation.
  • Demonstrated experience operating Tesmec and Vermeer trenchers along with relevant support equipment.
  • Strong financial and business acumen with experience managing both operational budgets and project performance.
  • Ability to build and lead high-performing teams, demonstrating excellent leadership, organizational, and communication skills.

Responsibilities

  • Provide strategic leadership for trenching operations across multiple projects.
  • Build and mentor a high-performing team of Superintendents and field leaders.
  • Lead all aspects of trenching and underground conduit installation operations.
  • Plan and coordinate resources, ensuring efficient project execution.
  • Ensure compliance with safety and quality standards during installations.
  • Develop strong relationships with stakeholders and customers for project success.
  • Drive continuous improvement initiatives within the division.

Benefits

  • Paid Time Off (PTO)
  • Comprehensive Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance available for the entire family
  • 401(k) with a 3% company match
  • 5-Year Employment Appreciation Bonus
Full Job Description
Position: Utility-Scale Trenching Division Manager
Location: Gilbert, AZ or Prineville, OR

Travel Requirements:
  • Approximately 25% travel each month to project sites nationwide is required
  • Additional travel may be required to support critical project meetings, customer meetings, leadership meetings, safety initiatives, quality audits, compliance activities, or other business needs
Salary: $180k - $250k DOE

Key Responsibilities:
  • Provide strategic leadership for all trenching operations across multiple utility-scale construction projects
  • Build, mentor, and develop a high-performing team of Superintendents, Foremen, Equipment Operators, and field leaders
  • Lead all aspects of high-production trenching and underground conduit installation, including single-pass mechanical laying, cable lay box operations, bedding placement, warning mesh installation, backfilling, and restoration
  • Ensure manpower, trenching equipment, materials, subcontractors, and resources are properly planned and coordinated to support project execution
  • Coordinate trenching resources, support equipment, production sequencing, and underground installation activities to maximize efficiency
  • Ensure trenches and conduit installations are completed safely, accurately, and in accordance with project specifications
  • Partner closely with Project Managers, Operations Leadership, Estimating, and executive leadership to ensure successful project delivery
  • Drive operational consistency through planning, communication, accountability, and execution
  • Monitor production, productivity, equipment utilization, quality, and overall operational performance
  • Support project planning, scheduling, forecasting, budgeting, and resource management
  • Develop future leaders through coaching, mentorship, performance management, and succession planning
  • Build and maintain strong relationships with customers, General Contractors, subcontractors, suppliers, and project stakeholders
  • Identify opportunities to improve productivity, efficiency, safety, quality, and operational performance throughout the division
  • Champion continuous improvement initiatives while reinforcing company processes and best practices
  • Promote a culture where safety is always the highest priority
  • Lead by example while living and reinforcing the R-2 Core Values every day
Requirements:
  • Minimum 10 years of heavy civil or underground utility construction experience, including utility-scale power, renewable energy, transmission, substation, or large underground infrastructure projects
  • Proven experience leading multiple trenching crews, Superintendents, and large-scale underground utility construction operations
  • Strong knowledge of high-production trenching, single-pass mechanical laying, underground conduit installation, trench safety, bedding placement, warning mesh installation, backfilling, and restoration practices
  • Demonstrated experience operating and managing Tesmec trenchers, Vermeer trenchers, rock saws, cable lay box systems, and associated support equipment
  • Working knowledge of GPS grade control, trench alignment, production planning, operational scheduling, and resource allocation
  • Strong financial and business acumen with experience managing operational budgets and project performance
  • Proven ability to build, lead, and develop high-performing teams
  • Excellent leadership, organizational, communication, and problem-solving skills
  • Ability to build strong working relationships with customers, project teams, and executive leadership
  • Demonstrated commitment to safety, accountability, operational excellence, and quality workmanship
  • Ability to travel as required to support projects, customers, and company operations
  • 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 Trenching Division Manager:
  • Builds a division where employees are engaged, developed, and proud to work
  • Consistently delivers safe, productive, and high-quality trenching and underground conduit installation
  • Develops strong Superintendents, Foremen, Equipment Operators, and future leaders
  • Earns the trust and confidence of customers through reliable execution and exceptional performance
  • Successfully leads high-production single-pass mechanical laying operations that improve safety, quality, and productivity
  • Plans proactively, communicates effectively, and resolves challenges before they impact production
  • Continuously strengthens the division through improved people, systems, processes, and operational performance
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 make decisions and grow
  • Hold themselves and others accountable to the highest standards
  • Protect and strengthen the culture that makes R-2 different
  • Leave the division 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)
  • Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance (company funded plans available for the entire family)
  • 401(k) with 3% company match
  • 5-Year Employment Appreciation Bonus

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