Driller (Richmond, VA)

Drill Tech•Richmond, VA

21h•Onsite

About The Position

Drill-Tech is seeking an experienced Horizontal Directional Drill (HDD) Driller to operate HDD equipment on underground utility projects in Farmville, VA. Headquartered in Chester, Maryland, Drill-Tech performs HDD and underground utility work throughout the Mid-Atlantic region. This is a hands-on field position responsible for safely operating horizontal directional drilling equipment, completing bores according to project plans, and working closely with locators, foremen, equipment operators, and laborers. Previous HDD drilling experience is required. Candidates must have experience operating Vermeer, Ditch Witch, or similar directional drilling equipment.

Requirements

Minimum of 3 years of proven experience operating horizontal directional drilling equipment
Minimum of 7 years of experience working as part of an HDD crew
Experience operating Vermeer, Ditch Witch, or similar HDD equipment
Experience completing pilot bores, reaming, pullback, and pipe installation
Ability to read and understand prints, bore plans, and utility markings
Knowledge of drill tooling, reamers, drilling fluids, and changing ground conditions
Ability to safely maintain and troubleshoot HDD equipment
Valid driver's license
Ability to perform physically demanding work outdoors
Strong communication skills and commitment to safe operations

Nice To Haves

Experience operating Vermeer 23x30, 24x40, or similar HDD rigs
Experience operating larger HDD rigs, including 100,000-pound, 300,000-pound, or 500,000-pound class equipment
Experience completing large-diameter, long-distance, or rock bores
Experience with mud mixing, pumping, and recycling systems
Experience operating excavators, backhoes, skid steers, or loaders
OSHA 10 or OSHA 30 Certification
Class A CDL

Responsibilities

Operate horizontal directional drilling equipment safely and efficiently
Complete pilot bores, reaming, pullback, and pipe installation
Work closely with locators to maintain the planned bore path
Read and understand project plans, utility maps, bore profiles, and utility markings
Select appropriate drill heads, tooling, reamers, and drilling methods
Monitor drilling pressures, fluid returns, ground conditions, and equipment performance
Adjust drilling methods based on changing soil and ground conditions
Perform daily equipment inspections and routine maintenance
Troubleshoot mechanical, hydraulic, and drilling-related issues
Assist with equipment setup, breakdown, and jobsite organization
Communicate production progress and jobsite concerns to the foreman
Follow all company safety policies and procedures
Work closely with laborers, equipment operators, locators, and other crew members