HDD Operator

Peak Utility Services Group•Hope, AR

About The Position

The Directional Drilling Operator is primarily responsible for setting up and completing underground drilling holes of varying sizes and pulling back the required conduit. The operator works with the Outside Plant Supervisor, locator, and laborers to complete outside plant projects from start to finish. Tasks may include digging boring pits, directional boring, pulling back and splicing conduit, pulling fiber through conduit, setting hand holes, backfilling and seeding, core drilling and potholing, building penetrations, and completing close-out pictures and redlines. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions. The role requires safe operation and care of drilling equipment and vehicles, communication with the locator and supervisor, adherence to job specifications and company policies, and quality checks before and after work. Operators may oversee laborers or crew members and must complete required inspections, maintenance, and paperwork.

Requirements

At least 1 year of demonstrated horizontal directional drilling experience.
Strong knowledge of underground utilities.
Working knowledge of DOT vehicle and operator qualification regulations.
Understanding of client and company work specifications.
Ability to comply with the operator’s manual for equipment.
Ability to read, comprehend, and follow quality and safety policies and procedures.
Self-motivated, with a focus on safety, quality, and production.
Ability to work in all types of weather.
Possession of, or ability to obtain, a valid driver’s license from the state of residence within two weeks of employment.
Ability to pass criminal and motor vehicle record background checks and a pre-employment drug screen.
Ability to perform heavy manual labor for extended periods, often in adverse weather conditions.
Ability to lift up to 80 pounds multiple times during a work shift.
Ability to climb, dig, work in tight spaces and on uneven surfaces, and walk, stoop, and kneel.
Ability to understand and follow specific oral and written instructions.
Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
English usage sufficient to keep records, place orders, and prepare simple narrative reports.
Willingness and ability to learn additional skills.

Nice To Haves

Knowledge of underground potholing.

Responsibilities

Operate a horizontal directional drill.
Assist with potholing and remediation.
Assist with setting hand holes and completing tie-ins.
Drive equipment to job sites.
Confirm the bore path with the locator or lead.
Set up equipment, including the drill and water tanks, and ground the machine.
Drill along the predetermined path to the exit pit.
Communicate with the locator or lead by radio to confirm the drill head’s location.
Assist with installing the appropriate pulling gear and connecting the product, then reverse the process to install the product.
Oversee laborers’ or crew members’ work and monitor time usage.
Conduct post-job quality checks.
Clean equipment, check fluid levels, visually inspect vehicles and equipment, complete required pre-trip and post-trip inspections and paperwork, perform needed maintenance, and winterize equipment.
Communicate with the supervisor daily and submit required paperwork, such as bore logs and vehicle maintenance reports.
Follow job specifications and company policies.
Comply with safety procedures while driving and at job sites.
Work toward optimal production while maintaining safety and quality.