Directional Drill Operator Superintendent - CA

Glass Roots Construction, LLC•Samoa, CA

27d•$125,000 - $165,000•Onsite

About The Position

Glass Roots Construction (GRC) is seeking an experienced, hands-on Directional Drill Operator Superintendent to build and lead our self-performed horizontal directional drilling (HDD) program. This role is central to GRC’s goal of performing 60–70% of its construction work in-house. The position involves operating a drill rig while training operators, and then transitioning to leading multiple drill crews as operators become qualified. The Superintendent will also be responsible for bore planning, guiding tooling and drilling-fluid selection, troubleshooting, ensuring equipment readiness, and maintaining safety and quality standards.

Requirements

15+ years of hands-on experience operating horizontal directional drilling equipment.
Strong knowledge of bore planning, steering and locating systems, tooling, and drilling fluids.
Demonstrated ability to train operators and locators to work independently.
Thorough understanding of underground utilities, the 811 locate process, and potholing.
Proven ability to direct, coach, and hold crews accountable while working alongside them.
Working knowledge of OSHA requirements, including excavation safety. OSHA 30 certified.
A valid driver’s license is required.
Lift 50 lbs individually and up to 75 lbs in team lifts
Work in dust and silica environments with mandatory respirator fit clearance
Navigate active drill sites on foot over varied terrain
This position requires a valid driver's license to operate company vehicles, transport equipment, and manage daily travel between client locations and field operational sites throughout the region.

Nice To Haves

Class A Commercial Driver’s License (CDL).
Experience building a self-performed drilling program or leading multiple drill crews.
Experience in underground fiber or telecommunications construction.

Responsibilities

Operate a drill rig while overseeing daily drilling; transition to leading multiple crews while staying ready to return to the controls when needed.
Develop operators and locators through hands-on training, competency assessments, and progression plans until they can run a rig independently.
Set daily and weekly drilling goals, coordinate priorities with Construction Managers and General Foremen, and standardize drilling practices across projects.
Lead bore planning; guide tooling and drilling-fluid selection; troubleshoot difficult ground conditions, steering issues, and failed pullbacks.
Ensure rigs, locators, mud systems, and tooling are inspected, maintained, and on site before work begins; recommend equipment purchases.
Verify locates, potholing, and crossing clearances; enforce safe work practices and exercise stop-work authority. Production never takes priority over safety.
Verify bore depth, alignment, and separation; track footage, downtime, and cost per linear foot; report results to the Senior Director of Construction.