Horizontal Directional Drill (HDD) Operator

Summary

The HDD Operator is responsible for safely and efficiently operating horizontal directional drilling equipment to install underground conduit, cables, and other utility infrastructure to support electric distribution and transmission systems. This role ensures work is completed according to project specifications, safety regulations, and industry standards while minimizing impact to the environment and surrounding infrastructure.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Operate horizontal directional drilling (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 drill crew and locators to maintain safe and efficient work zones.

• Monitor drilling operations and adjust as necessary to maintain line and grade.

• Conduct pre- and post-trip inspections of drilling rigs and support equipment.

• Identify and avoid existing underground utilities through proper use of locate information and potholing.

• Adhere to all 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 upon project completion.

• Performs other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

Education & Experience

• High school diploma or equivalent required.
• Minimum 2 years of experience operating HDD equipment in utility or construction environments (electrical utility experience preferred).
• Valid Class A commercial driver’s license (CDL) or ability to obtain.
• Familiarity with underground utility construction standards and practices.

Skills & Abilities

• Proficient in operation of 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 various weather conditions and terrain.
• Excellent communication and teamwork skills.
• Maintain a neat, well-groomed, and professional appearance.

Core Competencies

Attention to detail, conflict resolution, team building, mentoring and coaching, business acumen, ethical decision- making and leadership, global and cultural awareness, critical and creative thinking, time management, self-control, ability to adapt to constantly changing circumstances while maintaining a professional demeanor and corporate perspective, results oriented.

Working conditions/Physical Requirements/Travel

Working Conditions

• Work sites are underground in confined space or outdoors in potentially extreme weather conditions.
• All worksite safety instructions are written and spoken in English; must be fluent in English.
• Work includes prolonged and repeated: lifting (including overhead, up to 50lbs); standing; climbing; kneeling; reaching and feeling; crouching and crawling.
• Work is performed within the “red zone” of heavy equipment.
• Working safely requires quick/accurate hand-eye coordination and the ability to work in a constant state of alertness and safe manner.

Requirements

• Pass pre-employment, random, post-accident, and reasonable suspicion drug screens.
• Provide valid US work authorization documents for E-Verify.
• Satisfactory results of pre-employment background check results.
• A valid driver’s license with a clean driving record is required.
• Pre-employment medical fit-for-duty test; hold/obtain DOT medical card.
• Ability to wear Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) as dictated by position.
• With the health and safety of our employees, customers, and the communities we serve in mind, all candidates who receive an offer of employment will be required to complete a COVID-19 risk assessment; your responses will help us determine an employment start date.
• This position may require weekend and/or holiday work.
• Travel required. Ability to work on-call, irregular hours, and emergency response.

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. The employee Is frequently required to stand; walk; use hands to finger; handle; and fee; and reach with hands and arms.

Additional Duties

The above statements are typically assigned to employees in this position. They are not to be construed as an exhaustive list of their duties and responsibilities. The Company reserves the right to assign or reassign duties and responsibilities to the job at any time.

Direct Reports/Reporting Structure

This position reports directly to the Foreman.