Horizontal Directional Drill (HDD) Operator
About The Position
The HDD Operator safely and efficiently operates horizontal directional drilling equipment to install underground conduit, cables, and other utility infrastructure supporting electric distribution and transmission systems. The role ensures work meets project specifications, safety regulations, and industry standards while minimizing effects on the environment and surrounding infrastructure. The operator works with a drill crew and locators, interprets construction plans and utility locate information, sets up and maintains drilling and tracking systems, monitors bore paths, and documents project and equipment activities. The work may take place in confined underground spaces or outdoors in varied terrain and potentially extreme weather. It involves heavy equipment, physical activity, travel, and the possibility of weekend, holiday, on-call, irregular-hour, and emergency-response work. The position reports directly to the Foreman.
Requirements
- High school diploma or equivalent.
- At least 2 years of experience operating HDD equipment in utility or construction environments.
- Valid Class A commercial driver's license (CDL), or ability to obtain one.
- Familiarity with underground utility construction standards and practices.
- Proficiency operating HDD rigs, tracking systems, and locating equipment.
- Ability to interpret and follow engineering drawings, work plans, and safety standards.
- Strong understanding of underground utility safety and right-of-way protocols.
- Ability to work in varied weather conditions and terrain.
- Excellent communication and teamwork skills.
- Ability to maintain a neat, well-groomed, and professional appearance.
- Fluency in English, as worksite safety instructions are written and spoken in English.
- Pass required pre-employment, random, post-accident, and reasonable-suspicion drug screens.
- Provide valid U.S. work authorization documents for E-Verify.
- Satisfactory pre-employment background check results.
- Valid driver's license with a clean driving record.
- Pass a pre-employment medical fit-for-duty test and hold or obtain a DOT medical card.
- Ability to wear required personal protective equipment (PPE).
- Ability to complete a COVID-19 risk assessment after receiving an offer of employment.
- Ability to meet physical demands that include prolonged or repeated lifting, including overhead lifting up to 50 pounds; standing; climbing; kneeling; reaching; feeling; crouching; crawling; and frequently walking and using the hands.
- Ability to work safely within the red zone of heavy equipment while maintaining quick and accurate hand-eye coordination and constant alertness.
Nice To Haves
- Electrical utility experience.
Responsibilities
- Operate HDD equipment and associated support machinery to install conduit, cable, and other underground infrastructure.
- Read and interpret construction plans, job specifications, and utility locates to ensure accurate bore paths.
- Set up, calibrate, and maintain HDD equipment, mud systems, and tracking systems.
- Direct and coordinate with the drill crew and locators to maintain safe and efficient work zones.
- Monitor drilling operations and make adjustments as needed to maintain line and grade.
- Conduct pre-trip and post-trip inspections of drilling rigs and support equipment.
- Identify and avoid existing underground utilities using locate information and potholing.
- Follow company, federal, state, and local safety guidelines and environmental regulations.
- Complete required project documentation, daily logs, and equipment maintenance records.
- Assist with site restoration and cleanup after project completion.
- Perform other duties as assigned.
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Education Level
High school or GED
