Horizontal Directional Drill (HDD) Operator

Who We Are:
Pacific Network Solutions is a leading provider of telecommunications solutions, committed to delivering reliable cutting-edge services to our clients. We pride ourselves on our innovation and commitment to customer satisfaction. Our company remains just as dedicated to our clients as we do our greatest assets: our employees. We embrace change and the opportunity it brings through organic growth after recruitment, development, reward, and retention of our outstanding workforce.

Who We're Looking For:

The Horizontal Directional Drill (HDD) Operator is responsible for safely and efficiently operating directional drilling equipment to install underground telecommunications and utility infrastructure. This position performs HDD setup and operation, bore tracking, equipment inspections, utility protection, documentation, and general underground construction activities.

The ideal candidate has strong HDD experience, mechanical aptitude, knowledge of underground utility construction, and a demonstrated commitment to safety, quality, productivity, and teamwork.

What We Offer:

• Company Paid Medical, Dental, Vision and Life Insurance for employees.
• 401(k) plan including company match of up to 4%.
• Paid time off.
• Holiday Pay.
• Employee Referral Program.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES

• Safely set up & operate HDD equipment, including Ditch Witch, Vermeer, or similar drill rigs.
• Complete directional bores according to project plans, bore profiles, specifications, & field conditions.
• Review project plans, utility locates, bore paths, & site conditions before drilling.
• Use electronic locating equipment to monitor drill-head depth, pitch, direction, and location.
• Coordinate with locators, supervisors, & crew members throughout drilling operations.
• Identify & protect existing underground utilities & follow required potholing, daylighting, & excavation procedures.
• Operate & maintain drilling fluid/mud mixing systems & select appropriate tooling for field conditions.
• Perform daily equipment inspections, routine maintenance, & basic troubleshooting.
• Complete bore logs, equipment inspections, production records, & required daily documentation.
• Immediately communicate utility conflicts, equipment issues, unsafe conditions, or changes affecting the planned bore.
• Assist with excavation, material handling, restoration, cleanup, & other underground construction duties as required.
• Maintain a clean, organized, safe, & productive jobsite.
• Follow all company safety policies, OSHA requirements, customer requirements, & applicable regulations.
• Any and all other duties assigned. Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive list of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice.

COMPETENCIES

• Safe HDD equipment operation
• Electronic locating and bore tracking
• Underground utility protection
• Equipment maintenance and troubleshooting
• Drilling fluid and tooling knowledge
• Attention to detail and accuracy
• Problem-solving and sound field judgment
• Communication and teamwork
• Reliability and time management

SAFETY

• All employees must wear the appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE).
• Comply with federal, state, and local laws, as well as Company safety policy, enforce safe work practices, and proactively identifies and remedies worksite hazards.

DEMANDS AND WORK ENVIRONMENT

• This position operates at professional construction sites, requiring the ability to communicate verbally with others on site, in person and over the telephone, ability to read printed materials, signs and directions, stamina to maintain attention despite interruptions, ability to lift, climb with, push, pull, carry, handle or feel objects, supplies, tools, machinery and/or controls weighing up to 75 pounds and reach with hands and arms; climb stairs, ladders and/ or towers; balance, bend, stoop, kneel, crouch, crawl, lift overhead, traverse around sites, in the air, or otherwise position one's self around the required work and safety requirements to navigating and perform activities on various construction sites in a safe manner.
• Will be required to work on project sites and operate vehicles, trailers, machinery, equipment, and other tools within local, state, and federal safety guidelines.
• This safety sensitive position operates in a professional field environment. The position requires working outside, frequently for extended periods of time in all weather, including extreme hot and cold temperatures, wind, rain, dust, noise, vibrations and other changing conditions.
• While working, the employee might be exposed to various chemicals, vapors, pollutants, virus or other air-borne pathogens, gases, uneven surfaces, loud noises, moving vehicles or machines and dust/debris.

EXPECTED POSITION HOURS

• This is a full-time position. Overtime may be required as job duties demand, and with prior approval.
• Must be able to work weekends, overnight, out of the market or away from home and willingness to travel overnight as work demands.

Minimum Requirements

Education and Work Experience

• A high school diploma or GED is preferred.

• Minimum of two (2) to five (5) years of HDD operating experience or equivalent demonstrated experience.

• Experience operating Ditch Witch, Vermeer, or comparable HDD equipment.

• Experience with electronic locating and bore-tracking systems.

• Skills and Abilities

• Knowledge of underground utility installation, excavation, and safe drilling practices.

• Ability to read construction plans, utility maps, and bore profiles.

• Knowledge of drilling fluid systems and basic equipment maintenance.

• Strong mechanical aptitude and troubleshooting skills.

• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.

• Knowledgeable with AT&T, Verizon, T-Mobile standards a plus.

  Certifications, Licenses, and other Requirements

• Minimum age of 21 years old.

• Mandatory possession of a current valid Driver’s License; CDL is advantageous.

• Clear Motor Vehicle Record (MVR). Ability to be covered by company auto Insurance.

• Successful completion and clearance of a pre-employment drug screen, DOT physical, and background check.

Pay Range: $30.00 - $36.00

AAP/EEO STATEMENT

Pacific Network Solutions is an equal employment opportunity employer.

Disclaimer: This job description is not an all-inclusive list of all responsibilities associated with the job and is subject to change.