Horizontal Directional Drill Operator

Augusta Tower Technologies•Grand Rapids, MI

2d•$26 - $33

About The Position

Augusta Tower Technologies, Inc. is hiring an experienced Directional Drill Operator to run horizontal directional drilling equipment for underground telecom work. This is a hands-on travelling job where you’ll be out in the field every day, running the drill and making sure the work gets done safely and right the first time. We’re looking for someone who knows Vermeer drills, understands underground utilities, and can keep things moving even when the day gets tough. You’ll be responsible for: Operating and maintaining directional drills and support equipment Reading prints and locates, setting up shots, and keeping a safe bore path Completing work to spec and keeping a clean, safe job site Taking care of the equipment and watching out for your team If you take pride in your work, stay cool under pressure, and know how to get production without cutting corners, you’ll fit right in here. What We Offer Good Pay: $26–$33/hr, depending on experience Full Benefits: Medical, dental, vision, and 401(k) with company match Travel Perks: $60 daily per diem and company-paid hotel rooms Training & Growth: Paid training, certification renewals, and real chances to move up Steady Work: We’re a growing company with a full schedule and long-term contracts About Us: At Augusta Tower, we work hard, look out for each other, and take pride in leaving every job site better than we found it. If you know how to run a drill and want to be part of a solid crew that gets things done, we’d like to talk to you. Drilling & Equipment Operation Safely operate horizontal directional drills (Vermeer) to install conduit, cable, and utilities underground Work closely with the Locator to guide drilling depths, monitor progress, and avoid damage to existing utilities Operate and oversee additional heavy equipment such as trenchers, mini excavators, cable plows, and dump trucks Perform daily inspections and routine maintenance on drilling equipment, mixing units, and other jobsite machinery Troubleshoot and resolve equipment or drilling issues in the field Verify installation accuracy against project specifications, blueprints, and maps Administrative Duties Develop and communicate daily work plans, bore shots, and project timelines with the crew and management Maintain accurate jobsite documentation, including locate tickets, safety logs, and daily reports Train and mentor crew members to ensure safe and productive operations Conduct job site assessments and verify all utilities are located and marked before work begins Construction & Safety Duties Assist with potholing, remediation, setting handholes, pulling fiber, and related construction tasks Install conduit into existing electrical and telecommunications systems when required Enforce safety protocols and ensure compliance with OSHA, DOT, and company standards Set up and dismantle barricades, signage, and traffic control measures to maintain safe work zones Respond to outages, emergencies, or service disruptions as needed (occasional after-hours work may be required)

Requirements

Minimum of 3–5 years of directional drilling experience (telecommunications or utilities)
Proven ability to work with crews in the field, strong leadership, and communication skills
Experience with Vermeer horizontal directional drills required
Strong understanding of underground utility construction methods, equipment, and safety standards
Ability to pass background and drug screening
Ability to read and interpret blueprints, job specifications, and utility maps
Mechanical aptitude, with the ability to perform basic equipment troubleshooting and repairs
Valid Class A CDL preferred ; candidates without a CDL may obtain one at company expense. A clean driving record is required
OSHA 10 Certification preferred (or ability to obtain upon hire)
Ability to lift up to 75 lbs., work outdoors in varying weather conditions, and travel as required

Responsibilities

Operating and maintaining directional drills and support equipment
Reading prints and locates, setting up shots, and keeping a safe bore path
Completing work to spec and keeping a clean, safe job site
Taking care of the equipment and watching out for your team
Safely operate horizontal directional drills (Vermeer) to install conduit, cable, and utilities underground
Work closely with the Locator to guide drilling depths, monitor progress, and avoid damage to existing utilities
Operate and oversee additional heavy equipment such as trenchers, mini excavators, cable plows, and dump trucks
Perform daily inspections and routine maintenance on drilling equipment, mixing units, and other jobsite machinery
Troubleshoot and resolve equipment or drilling issues in the field
Verify installation accuracy against project specifications, blueprints, and maps
Develop and communicate daily work plans, bore shots, and project timelines with the crew and management
Maintain accurate jobsite documentation, including locate tickets, safety logs, and daily reports
Train and mentor crew members to ensure safe and productive operations
Conduct job site assessments and verify all utilities are located and marked before work begins
Assist with potholing, remediation, setting handholes, pulling fiber, and related construction tasks
Install conduit into existing electrical and telecommunications systems when required
Enforce safety protocols and ensure compliance with OSHA, DOT, and company standards
Set up and dismantle barricades, signage, and traffic control measures to maintain safe work zones
Respond to outages, emergencies, or service disruptions as needed (occasional after-hours work may be required)