HDD training or experience; a commercial driver’s license as required.
Reliable transportation to and from assigned work locations.
Experience operating construction or underground utility equipment; proficiency with assigned equipment may be required.
Knowledge of underground utility construction, utility locates, equipment inspections, and preventive maintenance.
A valid driver’s license, an acceptable driving record, and the ability to remain insurable under the company’s vehicle insurance policy.
Class A commercial driver’s license and applicable endorsements, as required by the assignment; ability to obtain them within three months of hire may be considered.
Ability to meet applicable Department of Transportation and Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration requirements, including required drug and alcohol testing.
Successful completion of pre-employment and periodic motor vehicle record reviews.
Ability to complete required training and equipment-specific qualifications or certifications.
Ability to travel and work overtime, weekends, or irregular schedules as needed.
Ability to frequently stand, walk, bend, kneel, squat, crouch, climb, and work on uneven terrain; work in trenches, confined spaces, or at heights when the assignment requires.
Ability to frequently lift, carry, push, and pull materials or equipment weighing up to 50 pounds and occasionally up to 75 pounds; use assistance or mechanical means for heavier loads.
Ability to operate heavy equipment, trucks, trailers, and powered machinery for extended periods.
Visual, auditory, and physical ability to safely operate equipment, communicate with the crew, and identify hazards.
Ability to work outdoors in varying weather and site conditions, including heat, cold, rain, snow, wind, mud, dust, noise, traffic, vibration, moving equipment, and active underground utilities.
Ability to safely wear and use required personal protective equipment, including hard hats, safety glasses, hearing protection, gloves, high-visibility apparel, and safety-toe boots.
Responsibilities
Safely operate assigned heavy equipment, vehicles, trailers, and support machinery, including directional drills, hydro excavation units, mini excavators, skid loaders, and dump trucks, when trained and authorized.
Perform underground utility installation, excavation, daylighting, potholing, trenching, boring, pullback, and material-handling activities based on project needs.
Review utility locates, plans, bore profiles, and site conditions to identify hazards, protect existing utilities, and maintain installation accuracy.
Promptly report equipment defects, unsafe conditions, incidents, near misses, property damage, and repair needs.
Assist with jobsite setup, traffic control, excavation support, cleanup, grading, backfilling, seeding, concrete work, and other restoration activities.
Follow Occupational Safety and Health Administration requirements, company safety policies, damage-prevention practices, and personal protective equipment requirements.
Communicate job progress, changing conditions, delays, hazards, and equipment concerns to the Foreman and crew.
Work with employees, supervisors, inspectors, utility owners, and customers to complete quality work safely and efficiently.
Assist with training less-experienced employees when directed and qualified.
Maintain a professional appearance and represent the company positively.
Perform other duties reasonably related to the position as assigned.
Set up and operate the drill, follow bore plans, coordinate with the locator, and complete pullback.
Desired Qualifications
A high school diploma or equivalent is preferred.
Experience operating construction or underground utility equipment is preferred.
Knowledge of underground utility construction, utility locates, equipment inspections, and preventive maintenance is preferred.
Job Summary The Directional Drill Equipment Operator safely operates assigned heavy equipment and support vehicles to install, expose, and support underground utility infrastructure. Depending on project and crew needs, assigned equipment may include horizontal directional drills, hydro excavation units, mini excavators, skid loaders, dump trucks, trailers, and related machinery. The Directional Drill Operator works with the Foreman and field crew to complete work safely, efficiently, accurately, and with minimal impact to existing utilities and surrounding property. The equipment operator will et up and operate drill, follow bore plans, coordinate with locator, complete pullback.
Assignment flexibility: The primary equipment, vehicle, and specific work methods assigned to this position may vary by project, location, qualifications, and business need. Employees are expected to perform the core duties below but may not operate every listed type of equipment.
Key Responsibilities
Safely operate assigned heavy equipment, vehicles, trailers, and support machinery, including directional drills, hydrovac units, mini excavators, skid loaders, and dump trucks, when trained and authorized.
Perform underground utility installation, excavation, daylighting, potholing, trenching, boring, pullback, and material-handling activities based on project needs.
Review utility locates, plans, bore profiles, and site conditions to identify hazards, protect existing utilities, and maintain installation accuracy.
Promptly report equipment defects, unsafe conditions, incidents, near misses, property damage, and repair needs.
Assist with jobsite setup, traffic control, excavation support, cleanup, grading, backfilling, seeding, concrete work, and other restoration activities.
Follow OSHA requirements, company safety policies, damage-prevention practices, and PPE requirements.
Communicate job progress, changing conditions, delays, hazards, and equipment concerns to the Foreman and crew.
Work collaboratively with employees, supervisors, inspectors, utility owners, and customers to complete quality work safely and efficiently.
Assist with training less-experienced employees when directed and qualified.
Maintain a professional appearance and represent the company positively.
Perform other duties reasonably related to the position as assigned.
Core Skills & Competencies
Set up and operate drill, follow bore plans, coordinate with locator, complete pullback
Safe equipment operation and underground utility awareness
Mechanical aptitude and basic troubleshooting
Ability to read utility locates, plans, and work instructions
Attention to detail, quality, and sound judgment
Communication, teamwork, accountability, and time management
Professionalism and customer service
Minimum Qualifications
HDD training/experience; CDL as required
High school diploma or equivalent preferred.
Reliable transportation to and from assigned work locations.
Experience operating construction or underground utility equipment preferred; proficiency with assigned equipment may be required.
Knowledge of underground utility construction, utility locates, equipment inspections, and preventive maintenance preferred.
Valid driver’s license, acceptable driving record, and ability to remain insurable under the company’s vehicle insurance policy.
Class A CDL and applicable endorsements required based on assignment; ability to obtain within three months of hire may be considered.
Ability to meet applicable DOT and FMCSA requirements, including required drug and alcohol testing.
Successful completion of pre-employment and periodic MVR reviews.
Ability to complete required training and equipment-specific qualifications or certifications.
Ability to travel and work overtime, weekends, or irregular schedules as needed.
Physical Requirements & Work Environment
Frequently stand, walk, bend, kneel, squat, crouch, climb, and work on uneven terrain; work in trenches, confined spaces, or at heights when the assignment requires.
Frequently lift, carry, push, and pull materials or equipment weighing up to 50 pounds and occasionally up to 75 pounds; use assistance or mechanical means for heavier loads.
Operate heavy equipment, trucks, trailers, and powered machinery for extended periods.
Possess the visual, auditory, and physical ability necessary to safely operate equipment, communicate with the crew, and identify hazards.
Work outdoors in varying weather and site conditions, including heat, cold, rain, snow, wind, mud, dust, noise, traffic, vibration, moving equipment, and active underground utilities.
Safely wear and use required PPE, including hard hats, safety glasses, hearing protection, gloves, high-visibility apparel, and safety-toe boots.