Civil/Utility Field Operations Manager (U)

TST TACTICAL DEFENSE SOLUTIONS, INC.
DBA TIDEWATER DEVELOPMENT SERVICES CORPORATION (TDSC)

Our search is currently limited to qualified candidates living within the Hampton Roads commuting area.

SUMMARY:

The Civil/Utility Field Operations Manager directs daily field operations across multiple civil construction and underground utility projects. Reporting to the Civil Division Manager, this position leads Foremen and field crews, establishes field priorities, coordinates manpower and equipment, and is accountable for safe, efficient, quality production in accordance with project requirements.

The Field Operations Manager works closely with Project Managers and field supervision to plan work sequencing, anticipate obstacles, monitor production, and address field performance. The position maintains an active jobsite presence and ensures resources, information, and field documentation support project schedules and operational goals.

This position has direct responsibility for field execution and personnel leadership, while Project Managers retain responsibility for contract administration, owner billing, financial management, and contractual change order approvals. The Manager coordinates logistics and documentation with available support personnel without assuming a dedicated Coordinator is assigned.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS / MAJOR RESPONSIBILITIES:

- Lead daily Civil/Utility field operations across multiple active projects, including underground utilities, excavation, grading, storm drainage, water and sewer systems, concrete, roadwork, and site development.

- Direct Foremen and field crews, establish field priorities, communicate work expectations, and hold field leadership accountable for safety, workmanship, productivity, planning, and jobsite organization.

- Plan and allocate manpower, equipment, and other field resources across projects based on schedules, production goals, site conditions, and competing priorities.

- Coordinate construction sequencing and field execution with Project Managers and Foremen, and support preparation and execution of Two-Week Look-Ahead schedules.

- Maintain a regular presence at active jobsites to assess progress, support Foremen, verify operational needs, and resolve field issues promptly.

- Identify utility conflicts, material shortages, access restrictions, equipment problems, inspection requirements, and other obstacles before they interrupt production; coordinate timely solutions.

- Oversee equipment and fleet utilization, including preventive maintenance, repairs, rentals, equipment moves, downtime, and return-to-service planning.

- Ensure coordination of material deliveries, trucking, equipment rentals, testing, inspections, traffic control, utility shutdowns, and other field services with responsible personnel and vendors.

- Monitor installed quantities, crew output, planned production, and field efficiency; address inefficient practices and communicate potential cost and schedule impacts to Project Managers.

- Promote and enforce Company safety requirements, verify appropriate jobsite controls, stop unsafe work, and ensure identified corrective actions are addressed.

- Oversee field quality and verify that work is performed in accordance with approved drawings, specifications, permits, owner requirements, and Company standards.

- Ensure Foremen complete accurate, timely Daily Reports, production quantities, photographs, equipment hours, tickets, inspections, testing records, and other required field documentation.

- Review field documentation for completeness and follow up with responsible personnel to correct omissions and maintain reliable project records.

- Provide Project Managers with field measurements, installed quantities, percent-complete updates, photographs, and documentation needed for billing, forecasting, RFIs, change orders, and cost tracking.

- Communicate field changes, emerging risks, client concerns, schedule conflicts, and unresolved operational issues to the Civil Division Manager and appropriate Project Managers.

- Coordinate with vendors, suppliers, subcontractors, trucking companies, inspectors, testing agencies, and other service providers as needed for field execution.

- Coach and develop Foremen and other field leaders; participate in interviews, hiring recommendations, employee performance evaluations, and corrective action processes as assigned.

- Maintain clear accountability for open field issues, delegated action items, and follow-up through resolution.

- Use Procore and other Company systems for field communications, Daily Reports, photographs, schedules, production tracking, and related documentation.

- Coordinate logistics, administrative follow-up, and documentation with available support staff without assuming a dedicated Operations Coordinator is assigned.

- Foster a productive team culture aligned with Company values, operational expectations, and professional conduct.

- Perform other field operations management duties as assigned to support the Civil/Utility Division.

- Must reside within commuting distance of our main office in Virginia Beach, VA.

- This is an in-person, on-site position.

- NEED TO BE ABLE TO OBTAIN BASE ACCESS FOR ONGOING PROJECTS!

EDUCATION AND/OR EXPERIENCE:

- Demonstrated field leadership experience in civil construction, underground utilities, site development, or heavy civil construction required.

- Working knowledge of civil construction operations including excavation, underground utilities, grading, storm drainage, water and sewer systems, concrete, paving, trucking, and site development preferred.

- Experience directing multiple crews or projects and allocating manpower, equipment, and other field resources required.

- Ability to understand construction schedules, field sequencing, and the relationship between manpower, equipment, materials, and production.

- Ability to read and interpret construction plans, specifications, elevations, schedules, and field measurements required.

- Experience reviewing field production, daily reports, installed quantities, and project documentation required.

- Experience using Microsoft Office, including Excel, Word, and Outlook.

- Ability and willingness to learn and effectively utilize Procore and other Company software and technology.

- Valid Driver's License.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES:

- Excellent organizational and follow-through skills.

- Strong verbal and written communication skills.

- Ability to communicate effectively between field and office personnel.

- Ability to manage multiple requests, priorities, and outstanding items simultaneously.

- Strong attention to detail and documentation.

- Dependable, accountable, and responsive.

- Ability to proactively identify missing information and unresolved issues.

- Ability to recognize potential operational delays and communicate concerns before they impact field production.

- Strong problem-solving and coordination skills.

- Ability to work independently while understanding when issues need to be elevated to management.

- Ability to establish priorities in a fast-paced construction environment.

- Ability to maintain accurate and organized records.

- Professional communication and interpersonal skills.

- Ability to build productive working relationships with field personnel, Project Managers, vendors, suppliers, subcontractors, inspectors, and clients.

- Working knowledge of construction equipment, trucking, materials, and field logistics preferred.

- Ability to learn and effectively utilize current and future technology.

- Willingness to travel between active jobsites as required.

- Ability to work effectively in both office and active construction-site environments.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.

- Ability to lift 50-100 lbs. regularly and perform physically demanding tasks.

- Ability to walk active construction sites daily, including uneven terrain and excavations.

- Ability to stand, bend, kneel, climb, crouch, and traverse rough ground for extended periods.

- Ability to inspect trenches, structures, underground utility installations, and heavy equipment operations.

- Comfortable working outdoors in varying weather conditions.

- Ability to climb ladders and access elevated work areas if/when necessary.

- Overtime and extended work hours may occasionally be required to meet project schedules.

- Dexterity of hands and fingers.

SALARY:

- Range: $80,000 - $110,000/year (subject to Executive Management approval).

- Negotiable – depending on experience.

- Paid Weekly on Fridays (Mon thru Sun Work Week) w/ paystubs emailed.

BENEFITS:

- Health, Dental & Vision Insurance - Eligible after 30 Days, Enrolled on 1st of month - 50% of employee rate paid for employee for Health & Dental only.

- 401(k) – w/ employer match up to 3% of annual income after (1) year of employment.

- Paid Time Off (8 Days) – New Year, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving, & Christmas + 2 additional days, usually utilized at Christmas and Thanksgiving

- Earned Leave (Vacation/Sick) – 80 Total Hours Accrued Annually

Vacation (24 hours annually, accrued at 0.47 hours a week) – never expires, but caps at 24 hours.

- Sick (up to 56 hours annually, accrued at 1 hour of paid sick leave for every 30 hours worked) – never expires, but caps at 56 hours.

- Voluntary supplemental insurance options are available to employees at their own expense.

- Voluntary life insurance is available to employees at their own expense.

- Company Vehicle OR Vehicle Allowance, subject to Company approval and applicable vehicle, fuel, and travel policies.

EOE/M/F/Disability/Vet

DISCLAIMER:
This job description is intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by individuals assigned to this position. It is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties, responsibilities, or qualifications associated with the job. The employer reserves the right to modify, add, or remove duties and to assign other duties as necessary. Employment remains at-will unless otherwise specified in a written agreement.