HDD Driller – Class 1

HDD Driller – Class 1

Location: Nisku, AB
Wage: $38.00–$46.00 per hour, based on experience and capability
Job Type: Full-time, Permanent
Schedule: Monday–Friday, with overtime and occasional weekends as required

Experienced HDD Driller – Class 1

Utilidril is looking for an experienced Horizontal Directional Drilling (HDD) Driller with a Class 1 licence to join our team in Nisku, Alberta.

This is a skilled field position for an experienced HDD operator who understands underground utility construction, can safely and efficiently operate directional drilling equipment, and is comfortable taking responsibility for the drilling operation from setup through completion.

Our crews work on telecommunications, utility and civil construction projects throughout Alberta and British Columbia.

The successful candidate will work closely with locators, labourers, equipment operators and supervisors to safely complete directional drilling installations while protecting existing underground infrastructure.

Out-of-town work is a regular requirement of this position.

What You'll Do

• Safely operate horizontal directional drilling equipment
• Complete pilot bores, reaming and product pullback operations
• Work closely with the HDD Locator to maintain the planned bore path
• Read and follow bore plans, utility locates, drawings and site instructions
• Set up drilling equipment and determine appropriate drilling locations
• Select appropriate drill heads, tooling, reamers and drilling components
• Monitor drilling pressures, fluid returns and ground conditions
• Adjust drilling methods based on soil conditions and site requirements
• Mix and manage drilling fluids as required
• Perform rod handling and tooling changes
• Complete bore entry and exit pit setup
• Assist with conduit and product installation
• Coordinate with hydrovac and excavation crews for utility daylighting
• Maintain safe clearances from existing underground utilities
• Follow ground disturbance and safe excavation procedures
• Assist with locating and verifying existing utilities before drilling
• Complete daily inspections of HDD equipment, tooling and support vehicles
• Identify and report mechanical or equipment concerns
• Perform routine maintenance and keep drilling equipment clean and organized
• Drive Class 1 vehicles and transport drilling equipment, trailers and materials
• Load, secure and unload equipment and materials safely
• Complete pre-trip and post-trip inspections
• Maintain required driver logs and transportation documentation
• Complete FLHAs, field tickets and required safety documentation
• Maintain clean and organized work sites, vehicles and equipment
• Assist with site setup, traffic control and general construction activities when required
• Work with the crew to complete projects safely, efficiently and to a high standard

What We're Looking ForRequired

• Previous experience operating HDD equipment in underground utility construction
• Experience operating Vermeer and/or Ditch Witch HDD equipment
• Valid Class 1 driver's licence
• Clean and acceptable driver's abstract
• Ability to successfully complete a criminal background check
• Strong understanding of horizontal directional drilling methods and equipment
• Experience drilling around existing underground utilities
• Ability to read and understand utility locates and bore plans
• Experience with pilot bores, reaming and product pullback
• Strong understanding of HDD tooling, drill rods and drilling fluids
• Knowledge of ground conditions and how they affect drilling operations
• Strong understanding of safe excavation and ground disturbance practices
• Ability to safely transport and secure drilling equipment
• Experience towing equipment trailers
• Ability to complete vehicle and equipment inspections
• Ability to perform physically demanding outdoor work
• Willingness to travel and work out of town
• Willingness to work overtime and occasional weekends
• Dependable, safety-conscious and reliable work habits
• Ability to work independently while also working effectively with locators and field crews

Safety Certifications Required

• Energy Safety Canada H2S Alive
• Intermediate First Aid / CPR
• Energy Safety Canada Fall Protection
• Global Ground Disturbance

Assets

• Energy Safety Canada Confined Space Entry / Monitor
• Experience with DigiTrak Falcon F5 and/or Subsite guidance systems
• Experience drilling for telecommunications or fibre-optic infrastructure
• Experience with larger-diameter utility installations
• Previous HDD locating experience
• Experience operating excavators, backhoes, skid steers or other construction equipment
• Experience with hydrovac operations
• Experience working throughout Alberta and British Columbia

What We Offer

• Overtime pay
• Permanent, full-time employment
• Dental coverage
• Extended health care
• Vision care
• Opportunities for career growth and increased responsibility
• Safety-focused work environment
• Variety of telecommunications, utility and civil construction projects
• Opportunity to work with an experienced underground construction team

The Right Fit

We're looking for an experienced HDD driller who can take ownership of the drilling operation and make good decisions in the field.

The right candidate understands that successful directional drilling is about more than pushing rods. You need to understand ground conditions, drilling fluids, tooling, bore geometry, existing utilities and what the locator is telling you throughout the bore.

You should know when a bore is progressing properly, recognize when conditions are changing and be willing to stop and reassess rather than forcing the drill through a problem.

We're also looking for someone who takes care of equipment. Daily inspections, proper maintenance, clean tooling and identifying mechanical concerns before they become failures are important parts of the position.

Your Class 1 licence will be used. You should be comfortable transporting drilling equipment, towing trailers, securing loads and moving equipment and materials between job sites.

This is a hands-on construction role. When you're not actively operating the drill, you should be prepared to assist the rest of the crew with equipment setup, tooling, product installation and other reasonable tasks required to complete the job safely and efficiently.

If you're an experienced HDD driller with a Class 1 licence and you're looking for steady work with an established and growing company, we'd like to hear from you.

Job Types: Full-time, Permanent

Pay: $38.00-$46.00 per hour

Benefits:

• Dental care
• Extended health care
• Vision care

Work Location: In person