Directional Drill Operator

If being a part of a world-class organization that operates in some of the most advanced technological environments around the world sounds like a dream job, Network Connex might be the right fit for you! You’ll be part of a team working together to solve customer problems every day, with compensation and benefits that are an investment in your career, financial future, and overall well-being. In addition to competitive base pay, Network Connex offers a comprehensive benefits package designed to support your physical, mental, and financial health you can begin participating in our programs on the first of the month following your start date. Join our Vanguard 401(k) plan, with immediate vesting and a generous company match to help you build long-term financial security. Our team also enjoys 10 paid company holidays, a generous PTO accrual schedule, and access to discounts on useful products and services. Network Connex is seeking an experienced Directional Drill Operator to operate horizontal directional drilling equipment for underground fiber optic, telecommunications, and utility construction projects.

The ideal candidate has hands-on experience operating Ditch Witch AT series drills and dirt drills, along with a strong understanding of HDD operations, bore planning, drilling conditions, tooling, drilling fluids, and safe equipment operation.

This is a hands-on field position requiring an experienced operator who can safely and efficiently complete bores while working closely with the HDD Locator and drill crew.

Key Responsibilities

• Operate Ditch Witch AT series drills, dirt drills, and other HDD equipment to complete underground fiber installations
• Safely operate HDD equipment according to manufacturer specifications and company procedures
• Perform horizontal directional drilling for fiber optic cable, conduit, telecommunications infrastructure, and other underground utilities
• Work closely with the HDD Locator to maintain the planned bore path, depth, and alignment
• Review and understand bore plans, construction drawings, utility locates, and project specifications
• Assist with bore planning and determine appropriate drilling procedures based on soil conditions, bore length, depth, and jobsite conditions
• Monitor drilling conditions and adjust drilling operations as necessary
• Operate drilling equipment efficiently while maintaining production and bore quality
• Select and utilize appropriate drill heads, tooling, reamers, swivels, hole openers, and other drilling components
• Assist with drilling fluid and mud management, including mixing and monitoring drilling fluids
• Monitor drilling pressures, torque, pullback, and other equipment operating conditions
• Perform pre-operational inspections and identify equipment maintenance or safety concerns
• Assist with equipment setup, tooling changes, product pullback, and demobilization
• Safely expose existing utilities through potholing and other approved methods before and during drilling operations
• Maintain proper communication with the Locator, Foreman, and crew throughout the drilling process
• Follow approved bore plans and immediately communicate changes or potential problems
• Maintain accurate bore logs, production records, and required daily documentation
• Operate equipment safely around existing utilities, roadways, pedestrians, and other construction activities
• Follow all company, OSHA, customer, and jobsite safety requirements
• Ability to work effectively with a Locator, Foreman, and construction crew

Benefits

• Competitive compensation, paid weekly
• Medical, Dental, Vision, LTD/STD
• 10 Paid Holidays
• Paid time off – Accrued, two weeks
• 401(k) with company match
• Overtime opportunities
• Growth opportunities

Network Connex believes all persons are entitled to equal employment opportunities and does not discriminate against employees or job applicants because of race, color, gender, affectional or sexual orientation, domestic partnership status, ancestry, religion, national origin, citizenship status, marital status, disability, veteran status, age or any other protected group status. Upon acceptance of an offer, all candidates will be required to pass a background check and drug screening. EEOC-Minority/Female/Disability/Veteran Network Connex believes all persons are entitled to equal employment opportunities and does not discriminate against employees or job applicants because of race, color, gender, affectional or sexual orientation, domestic partnership status, ancestry, religion, national origin, citizenship status, marital status, disability, veteran status, age or any other protected group status. Upon acceptance of an offer, all candidates will be required to pass a background check and drug screening. We may use artificial intelligence (AI) tools to support parts of the hiring process, such as reviewing applications, analyzing resumes, or assessing responses and identifying potential inconsistencies or verification signals in application materials based on available information. These tools assist our recruitment team but do not replace human judgment. Final hiring decisions are ultimately made by humans. If you would like more information about how your data is processed, please contact us.