Ames Construction has been building America for more than 60 years, and our people are the reason we continue to succeed.
We are a full-service, heavy civil and industrial contractor building critical infrastructure, including highways, bridges, mines, dams, rail, and more. Our teams take on challenging projects that keep communities safe, supply chains moving, and the country connected.
At Ames, we are Fueled by Family. That means we look out for one another, take pride in our work, and build strong relationships rooted in trust and respect.
Guided by our core values of People, Team, Our Bond, Persistence, and Vision, we do what we say we will do, push through challenges, and deliver work we’re proud of.
When you join Ames, you’re joining a company built for long-term success, where skilled people, strong teams, and disciplined execution come together to build careers and a better future.
* Please Note: This position is a travel position that will require an assignment to an active construction project for an extended period throughout the Central Region. Projects may be in Iowa, South Dakota, North Dakota, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Illinois and West Virginia. *
The Utility/Underground Pipe Superintendent is responsible for planning, directing, and overseeing all field operations related to underground utility construction on heavy civil and highway projects. This role provides leadership for foremen, pipe crews, operators, and subcontractors involved in the installation of storm sewer, sanitary sewer, water main, and associated utility systems. The Superintendent ensures work is completed safely, efficiently, on schedule, within budget, and in compliance with project plans, specifications, and quality standards. This position serves as a key liaison between field operations, project management, clients, and other stakeholders while fostering a strong safety culture and developing high-performing teams.
Key Duties and Responsibilities:
- Champion a safety-first culture and ensure all safety policies, procedures, and best practices are followed at all times.
- Lead, manage, and develop utility foremen, pipe crews, operators, and field personnel to build high-performing teams.
- Plan and coordinate all underground utility construction activities, including storm sewer, sanitary sewer, water main, structures, and related infrastructure.
- Oversee daily field operations to ensure work is performed safely, efficiently, and in accordance with project schedules.
- Coordinate manpower, equipment, subcontractors, materials, and deliveries to maximize productivity and minimize delays.
- Conduct pre-task planning meetings and ensure daily safety meetings are completed with field personnel.
- Monitor trench safety, excavation operations, utility locating requirements, dewatering activities, and shoring systems to ensure compliance with OSHA requirements and company standards.
- Collaborate with Project Managers, Project Engineers, Surveyors, Safety Professionals, subcontractors, owners, and other trades to maintain project progress and resolve issues.
- Develop and execute work plans, including manpower forecasting, scheduling, equipment utilization, and material procurement strategies.
- Monitor project production, quantities, budgets, and cost performance and implement corrective actions as necessary.
- Track and report daily production quantities, labor hours, equipment utilization, and material usage.
- Proactively identify and resolve scheduling conflicts, constructability concerns, utility conflicts, resource shortages, and project risks.
- Inspect ongoing and completed work to ensure compliance with plans, specifications, quality standards, and client expectations.
- Maintain accurate project documentation, including daily reports, timecards, production tracking, safety documentation, and project logs.
- Recruit, train, mentor, and develop field personnel to strengthen workforce capabilities and succession planning efforts.
- Foster a positive team environment while promoting the values, culture, and standards of Ames Construction.
- Perform additional duties as assigned.
Qualifications:
- Minimum of 10 years of underground utility, heavy civil, or highway construction experience.
- Minimum of 5 years of experience in a Foreman, General Foreman, Superintendent, or comparable field leadership role.
- Extensive knowledge of underground utility construction, including storm sewer, sanitary sewer, water main, excavation, trenching, grading, and utility installation methods.
- Comprehensive understanding of OSHA regulations, trench safety requirements, utility locating procedures, and excavation best practices.
- Strong knowledge of construction means and methods, project sequencing, scheduling, and cost control principles.
- Proven ability to lead and manage multiple crews, subcontractors, and field personnel across large-scale projects.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
- Strong attention to detail with the ability to identify and resolve discrepancies.
- Positive, team-oriented attitude with strong leadership and motivational abilities.
- Effective time-management skills with the ability to multitask and prioritize in a fast-paced environment.
- Valid Driver's License required.
Travel Requirements:
- This position requires assignment to active construction projects for extended periods throughout the Central Region. Projects may be in Iowa, South Dakota, North Dakota, Ohio, Pennsylvania, and West Virginia.
- Must be willing and able to temporarily relocate to project areas and work away from home location for prolonged durations.
- Flexibility is required, as project assignments, durations, and locations may change based on workload and project demands.
Working Conditions:
- Work is primarily performed on active construction job sites, including highways, roadways, and heavy civil infrastructure projects.
- Regular exposure to outdoor weather conditions, including heat, cold, rain, wind, and dust.
- Position requires walking, standing, climbing, bending, and lifting up to 50lbs in a construction environment.
- May require extended work hours, early mornings, nights, weekends, and occasional holidays to meet project schedules.
- Frequent interaction with heavy equipment, moving machinery, traffic, and construction hazards; strict adherence to safety protocols is required.
- Use of personal protective equipment (PPE) is mandatory at all job sites.
Total Rewards:
- People are the most important asset at Ames Construction.
- Hourly Wage: $36.00-$58.00, which varies for many factors including Union Contracts, experience, knowledge and skills.
- Health & Welfare: Provided through Local Union Health Fund — medical, dental, vision, Rx
- Retirement: Pension Fund and Annuity Fund employer contributions per CBA
- Project-Based Pay: overtime, shift differential, per diem/subsistence, travel eligible
- Ames-Sponsored Benefits: Mental Health Benefits, Virtual Physical Therapy Benefits
Ames Construction 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 status as a protected veteran.
