Horizontal Directional Drilling (HDD) Construction Manager

At-a-Glance
We are seeking an experienced Horizontal Directional Drilling (HDD) Construction Manager to oversee the planning, execution, and delivery of complex underground utility installation projects. This role is responsible for managing HDD operations for electric, gas, telecommunications, water, and other utility infrastructure projects, ensuring work is completed safely, efficiently, on schedule, and in compliance with all project specifications and regulatory requirements.

Based out of our Garden City, NY office, this position requires significant field involvement across Long Island and the surrounding region, providing leadership for HDD crews, subcontractors, and project stakeholders throughout all phases of construction.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide overall construction management and field oversight for Horizontal Directional Drilling projects from pre-construction through closeout.
• Manage daily HDD construction activities, including drilling operations, bore planning, pullback operations, and utility installations.
• Conduct regular site visits to monitor production, safety, quality, and compliance with project plans and specifications.
• Coordinate with project managers, engineers, utility owners, municipalities, and subcontractors to ensure project objectives are achieved.
• Review bore designs, geotechnical reports, utility conflicts, and construction methodologies to identify risks and develop solutions.
• Oversee drilling fluid management, potholing activities, utility locating, and environmental compliance requirements.
• Ensure adherence to OSHA regulations, company safety standards, and client-specific safety programs.
• Review and validate contractor invoices, production reports, change orders, and supporting documentation.
• Monitor project schedules, budgets, and resource allocation to maintain project performance.
• Prepare and present project status reports, risk assessments, and progress updates to management and clients.
• Resolve field issues and unforeseen conditions while minimizing impacts to schedule and cost.
• Support quality assurance and quality control efforts, ensuring all installations meet required standards and specifications.

Required Qualifications

• 10+ years of construction management experience in utility infrastructure, underground construction, or Horizontal Directional Drilling operations.
• Demonstrated experience managing HDD projects involving electric transmission/distribution, gas distribution, telecommunications, fiber optic, water, or pipeline installations.
• Strong understanding of HDD construction methods, bore planning, rig operations, drilling fluids, reaming, pullback procedures, and utility crossings.
• Proven ability to manage multiple active projects and field crews simultaneously.
• Experience reviewing construction contracts, project specifications, schedules, and change orders.
• Strong knowledge of underground utility construction practices, permitting requirements, and restoration standards.
• Experience with project budgeting, cost tracking, invoice review, and contractor performance evaluation.
• Excellent leadership, communication, and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to travel throughout Long Island and work from the Garden City office as needed.
• Valid driver's license with a clean driving record.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with large-diameter HDD installations and complex utility crossings.
• Previous work with major utility companies, municipalities, transportation agencies, or public infrastructure projects.
• Knowledge of New York State and local permitting requirements.
• OSHA 30 certification or equivalent construction safety training.
• Familiarity with GPS utility locating systems, trenchless technology software, and construction management platforms.
• Bachelor's degree in Construction Management, Civil Engineering, or a related field preferred.