Tunnelling & Drilling Supervisor

The opportunity

We’re looking for an experienced Tunnelling & Drilling Supervisor who knows the world of micro tunnelling, HDD and trenchless construction, and knows what it takes to get complex underground works delivered properly.

This is not a general Civil Supervisor role.

You’ll be leading specialist drilling operations, crews and subcontractors across major civil infrastructure projects, from launch and reception shafts through to pilot drilling, reaming, pipe preparation and pullback. You’ll need the experience to see problems coming, work alongside Engineers and Surveyors, and make practical decisions that keep the job moving without compromising safety or quality.

If trenchless construction is your specialty, we want to hear from you.

What you’ll do

• Supervise micro tunnelling, pipe jacking and HDD activities
• Lead crews and coordinate specialist drilling subcontractors
• Oversee launch and reception shafts, deep excavations and temporary works
• Manage HDD pilot drilling, reaming, pipe preparation and pullbacks
• Monitor line, level, production, quality and site performance
• Coordinate plant, equipment, materials and resources across active work fronts
• Work closely with Engineers, Surveyors and project teams to resolve technical challenges
• Lead planning, pre-starts, risk assessments and day-to-day site activities
• Identify constructability issues early and find practical solutions in the field
• Set the standard for safe delivery across complex trenchless operations

What we offer

• Work on major, technically challenging civil infrastructure projects
• A specialist role where your trenchless construction experience is genuinely valued
• The autonomy to take ownership of your work fronts and make decisions onsite
• Variety across micro tunnelling, HDD, deep excavation and underground infrastructure
• Suite of Downer benefits, including health and wellness initiatives
• Long-term career opportunities within a major infrastructure business

What we’re looking for

• Extensive hands-on micro tunnelling and/or HDD experience is essential
• Strong supervisory experience within civil construction
• Experience delivering large-scale or Tier 1 infrastructure projects
• Strong understanding of trenchless methodology, drilling operations and varying ground conditions
• Experience across pipe jacking, shafts, deep excavations and temporary works
• Confidence managing specialist subcontractors, crews and multiple work fronts
• Knowledge of water networks, LOTO and flow control highly regarded
• Strong planning, safety and quality management capability
• A practical leader who understands that what looks straightforward on a drawing can be very different underground

About the team

Downer's Energy & Utilities business unit is an integrated trans-Tasman team, providing services and solutions that connect communities to essential networks and infrastructure. We design, build, operate and maintain today's critical assets and networks, delivering complete services across the water, electricity, telecommunications, industrial and power generation sectors. Our expertise spans in-house technical smarts, specialist engineering, integrated OEM partners, and dedicated crews of qualified tradespeople.

All offers of employment are subject to satisfying the project minimum requirements, a pre-employment medical and evidence of your right to work in Australia.

How to apply

Click "Apply" to start your application. We look forward to hearing from you!

Downer Group is an employer that acknowledges and embraces the importance of our people's diverse experiences, talents, and cultures. As an inclusive employer, we welcome applications from everyone.

Please note: All applications and offers of employment are subject to satisfactory pre-employment checks, including a pre-employment medical and verification of your right to work in Australia.