HDD Operator - CDL

About the Role

The Directional Drilling Operator is responsible for setup and completion of drilling variable sized underground holes and pulling back required conduit. This role works with the Outside Plant Supervisor, the Locator, and Laborers to complete job requirements from start to finish on outside plant projects, including digging boring pits, directional boring, pulling back conduit, splicing conduit sections, pulling fiber through conduit, setting hand holes, backfilling and seeding, core drilling, potholing, building penetrations, and close-out documentation.

Responsibilities

• Operate Horizontal Directional Drill
• Assist in potholing and remediation
• Assist with setting hand holes and completing tie-ins
• Drive equipment to job site
• Confirm bore path with locator/lead
• Set up equipment including the drill, water tanks, and grounding the machine
• Drill following the predetermined path to the exit pit
• Communicate with locator/lead via radio to confirm drill head location
• Assist with the install of proper pulling gear and hook up product
• Reverse process to install product
• Oversee laborers and/or crew members’ work and monitor time usage
• Conduct post-job quality checks
• Maintain vehicle/equipment: clean, check fluid levels, perform visual inspections, pre-trip/post-trip inspections, required paperwork, and maintenance including winterizing
• Communicate with Supervisor daily to submit required paperwork (e.g., bore log, vehicle maintenance reports)
• Follow job specifications and company policies
• Comply with safety procedures while driving and at the job site
• Strive for optimal production while working safely and performing quality work

Requirements

• Ability to perform heavy manual labor for extended periods, often under adverse climatic conditions
• Ability to lift up to 80 lbs. multiple times during a work shift
• Ability to climb, dig, work in tight spaces, on uneven surfaces, walking, stooping, and kneeling
• Ability to understand and follow specific oral and written instructions
• Ability to work well independently and as part of a team
• Ability to pass motor vehicle and criminal background checks and comply with drug-free workplace policy
• English usage sufficient to keep records, place orders, and prepare simple narrative reports
• Willingness and ability to learn additional skills
• 1+ years of demonstrated Horizontal Directional Drilling experience
• Strong knowledge of underground utilities
• Working knowledge of DOT regulations (Vehicle and Operator Qualifications)
• Understanding of client and company work specifications
• Ability to comply with the “Operator’s Manual” for equipment
• Ability to read, comprehend, and follow all quality/safety policies and procedures
• Self-motivated, safety, quality, and production-minded
• Ability to work in all types of weather
• Knowledge of underground potholing preferred

Additional Requirements

• Possession of, or ability to obtain, a valid State of Residence Driver’s License within two weeks of employment
• Must pass criminal and Motor Vehicle Record (MVR) background checks and a pre-employment drug screen