Telecommunications Drill Operator
About The Position
The Drill Operator runs drill equipment to install conduit or piping and performs related utility construction work. The role requires working safely at all times, following company safety and operational procedures, attending scheduled safety meetings, and completing competent-person and OSHA training. The operator also serves as an onsite contact for crews, customers, inspectors, subcontractors, and vendors; supervises daily field operations according to job specifications and customer requirements; monitors changing site safety conditions; and ensures work complies with installation standards. The position involves operating and maintaining a variety of drilling and placement equipment, reading design drawings and construction documents, tracking and communicating production and material usage, entering production data into company software, and managing logistics and crew assignments. Travel of 25–50% is necessary. Work takes place outdoors in varied weather and may involve long, unpredictable hours, including weekends, exposure to dust, changing temperatures and periodic high noise, and frequent bending, squatting, kneeling and standing. The operator must be able to lift and carry materials weighing 50 to 100 pounds.
Requirements
- At least 2 years of experience locating for a directional drill.
- High school diploma or equivalent.
- Valid driver’s license appropriate to the vehicle being driven; a clean driver’s abstract is required. A valid Class Driver License or state-issued ID is also listed as required.
- Ability to operate a variety of equipment, including directional drills, locators, trucks, excavators, forklifts, dump trucks, minis, backhoes, and trenchers.
- Working knowledge of health, safety, and environmental protection practices and procedures for construction processes.
- Strong knowledge of construction documents and ability to read and understand design drawings.
- Ability to track and communicate daily production and materials and handle logistics and crew assignments.
- Clear communication and collaboration skills, including the ability to interpret stakeholders’ needs and identify solutions.
- Ability to work with little supervision and contribute to a safe, positive team environment.
- Successful completion of pre-employment drug and alcohol requirements.
- Precise hand-eye coordination.
- Good written and verbal communication skills.
- Ability to perform some maintenance of drill equipment and the mixing unit.
- Clarity of vision at 20 feet or more and 20 inches or less, and ability to judge distance and spatial relationships.
- Ability to identify and distinguish colors of utility flags and ground markings.
- Ability to lift and carry materials weighing 50 to 100 pounds and frequently bend, squat, kneel, and stand.
- Availability for 25–50% travel and potentially long, unpredictable work hours, including weekends.
Nice To Haves
- Previous experience as an HDD Rig Operator.
- Directional drilling experience of 2–5 years.
- CDL Class A license; CDL is preferred.
- OSHA 30 training.
- Combination of work experience and/or technical training in an industry-related trade certification or education program.
Responsibilities
- Operate drill equipment to install conduit and piping.
- Locate pre-existing utilities and apply knowledge of utility depths and placement.
- Set hand-holes, manholes, cabinets, and other utility infrastructure.
- Follow and maintain internal safety and operational procedures; attend scheduled safety meetings and required training.
- Restore soil, grass, asphalt, and concrete surfaces.
- Perform drilling in standard and high-risk areas.
- Perform routine service and maintenance on equipment, including drill equipment and the mixing unit.
- Serve as the onsite contact for company crews, customers, inspectors, subcontractors, and vendors performing field work.
- Supervise daily operations in accordance with job specifications and customer requirements while monitoring changing safety conditions and related issues.
- Ensure work complies with installation standards.
- Enter production data into company proprietary software and track and communicate daily production and materials.
- Read and understand design drawings and construction documents.
- Handle logistics and crew assignments.
- Wear required personal protective equipment and follow applicable safety policies and procedures.
- Perform other duties as required or assigned.
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Education Level
High school or GED
