Civil Pipe Superintendent

At McAlvain, we are looking for specific attributes that fit our culture. Candidates are required to have certain inherent character traits for all positions within the organization. Our primary focus is centered around the traits of the PERSON. Secondary to that are the technical requirements of the job. Understanding the position being applied for is important but if the attributes below do not match your character, McAlvain will not be the right employer for you. The right kind of person is vital to us because we are constantly challenging ourselves to elevate our potential.

Humble, Resilient, Honest, Driven, Team Player, Emotionally Intelligent, Passionate, Dependable, Flexible and Accountable

Position Summary

McAlvain Construction is seeking a highly skilled and specialized Civil Pipe Superintendent to join our dynamic team. This role will be dedicated to the expert oversight and successful execution of all underground utility installation and repair projects, including wet utilities (water, sewer, storm drain). The Civil Utility Pipe Superintendent will ensure that all utility work is completed safely, efficiently, to specification, and in strict compliance with all local, state, and federal regulations.

Key Responsibilities

• Utility Project Leadership & Management:
  • Direct and oversee all on-site underground utility construction activities, including excavation, pipe laying, trenching, backfilling, compaction, manhole/vault installation, and connection points.
  •  Coordinate with Civil Site Superintendent on all scope work to establish and maintain efficiency and safety.
  • Specialize in the installation of various pipe materials (e.g., PVC, ductile iron, HDPE, concrete) for water, sewer (gravity and force mains), storm drain, and other utility systems.
  • Develop, maintain, and manage detailed utility installation schedules, ensuring critical path activities are met and anticipating potential challenges specific to underground work (e.g., dewatering, shoring, existing utilities).
  • Coordinate and supervise all field pipe personnel and vendors to ensure efficient workflow and adherence to project plans and utility specifications.
  • Proactively identify and resolve potential issues, conflicts, and challenges on site related to utility installations, collaborating with the Project Manager, Site Superintendent, engineers, utility providers, and other stakeholders.
  • Lead the planning and execution of all necessary tie-ins and testing procedures for utility systems.
  • Maintain familiarity with owner contract terms and potential risks specific to utility work.
  • Ensure efficient, timely, and high-quality utility project close-out procedures, including as-builts.
• Safety & Compliance:

• •  Cultivate a proactive safety culture with a strong emphasis on trenching and excavation safety, confined space entry, utility locates (811), and safe operating procedures around live utilities.
  • Administer and enforce McAlvain's comprehensive safety program, ensuring compliance with corporate safety plans, policy, OSHA regulations (especially Subpart P - Excavations), and project-specific safety measures for utility work.
  • Conduct regular safety meetings, trainings, and audits specific to trenching, shoring, and pipe installation activities.
  • Ensure all necessary permits and inspections for utility work are obtained and managed efficiently.

• Quality Assurance & Technical Expertise:

• •  Implement and monitor rigorous quality control procedures to ensure all utility work conforms to design, specifications, relevant codes, and company standards.
  • Oversee pipe alignment, grade, compaction, and joint integrity to ensure long-term system performance.
  • Conduct and document pre-installation meetings for critical utility components.
  • Ensure proper testing (pressure testing, air testing, deflection testing, CCTV inspection) and necessary chlorination of installed utilities is performed and documented.
  • Verify the accuracy of utility locates and manage potential conflicts and proper separation with existing underground infrastructure.

• Communication & Collaboration:
  •  Maintain clear, consistent, and effective communication with project managers, superintendents, field and office staff, subcontractors, clients, design professionals, and local utility authorities
  • Conduct regular site meetings to discuss progress, challenges, and upcoming tasks specific to utility installations.
  • Document project progress daily through detailed logs, photographic documentation, and consistent construction reporting, paying close attention to utility depths, locations, and installations.
  • Foster strong relationships with subcontractors, vendors, and utility companies.
• Financial & Resource Management:
  • Monitor project budget and costs related to utility work, making responsible fiscal decisions in conjunction with the Project Manager.
  • Manage specialized equipment (e.g., excavators, trenchers, shoring systems) and material logistics, ensuring timely delivery and optimal utilization for utility tasks.
  •  Ensure accurate daily documentation of work orders/tickets and understand subcontractor scopes of work to avoid unnecessary change orders, particularly with unforeseen utility conditions.
    
  • Track productivity to ensure daily goals are met or exceeded for utility crews.
    
    

Qualifications

• Minimum of 8-10 years of progressive experience as a Superintendent or Lead Foreman specializing in civil pipe construction (wet utilities).
• Proven track record of successfully managing and delivering complex underground utility projects on time and within budget.
• Demonstrated expertise in reading and interpreting blueprints, utility plans, specifications, and construction documents.
• Strong knowledge of excavation, trenching, shoring, dewatering, pipe laying techniques, bedding, compaction, and backfill procedures.
• Comprehensive understanding of OSHA regulations related to excavations (29 CFR 1926 Subpart P), confined space entry, and safe operating procedures around underground utilities.
• Familiarity with local utility standards and specifications in Idaho or similar Western U.S. regions.
• Excellent leadership, communication (written and verbal), and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to analyze problems, make sound decisions, and effectively manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.
• Proficiency with construction management software (e.g., Procore, Viewpoint Vista), Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, Word, Outlook), and scheduling software.
• Valid driver's license and ability to travel to project sites as required.
• OSHA 30 certification and Competent Person for Excavations certification highly preferred.
• Experience with GPS (Trimble) grading/modeling for utility layout is a plus.

What McAlvain Offers:

• Competitive wages and comprehensive benefits package.
• 100% individual medical coverage.
• 401K match.
• Paid time off (PTO).
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP).
• Maternity/Paternity Leave.
• Opportunity to work on diverse and challenging projects with a reputable, growing company.
• A collaborative, family-oriented culture that values integrity, innovation, and excellence.
• Commitment to continuous learning and professional development.

If you are a highly specialized and experienced Civil Utility Pipe Superintendent looking to join a growing team and make a significant impact with a leading Idaho-based construction firm, we

Additional Job Information

Interested applicants must submit their resume for consideration using our applicant tracking system. Due to the high volume of applications received, only candidates selected for interviews will be contacted. Candidates must be legally authorized to work in the United States. Unsolicited resumes from search firms or employment agencies, or similar, will not be paid a fee and become the property of Big-D Construction. #LI-Onsite