Traveling Horizontal Directional Drill Operator

About the role

We are seeking an experienced Traveling Horizontal Directional Drill (HDD) Operator to join our underground utility team. This position requires operating directional boring rigs for fiber, conduit, and utility installations across various job sites throughout Oregon. The ideal candidate brings strong equipment operating skills, a safety-first mindset, and the flexibility to travel statewide.

What You'll Do

• Equipment Operation: Set up, calibrate, and operate directional drill rigs (e.g., Vermeer, Ditch Witch) to perform precise underground bores for utility installations.
• CDL Driving & Transport: Drive Class A vehicles (flatbeds, semi-trucks, trailer combinations) to haul drill rigs, mud vacuum systems, pipe, and heavy machinery safely to job sites across Oregon.
• Site Preparation & Safety: Perform pre-bore inspections, verify 811 utility locates, and oversee potholing to visually expose underground utilities prior to drilling.
• Fluids & Equipment Care: Mix and monitor drilling fluids (bentonite/polymers) appropriate for local soil conditions. Perform daily preventative maintenance (greasing, fluid checks, minor field repairs).
• Crew Coordination: Work closely with the locator/tracker, field laborers, and site foremen to maintain line and grade while ensuring compliance with safety standards and traffic control plans.
• Travel & Site Readiness: Travel extensively to active project sites across Oregon, remaining on-site for the duration of scheduled regional jobs.
• Other duties as assigned

What You'll Need

• Licensing: Valid Class A CDL with a clean driving record (Tanker endorsement preferred for water/mud haulers).
• Experience: Minimum of 1–3+ years of hands-on experience operating HDD drill rigs in utility construction.
• Statewide Travel: Ability and willingness to travel extensively throughout Oregon, including overnight stays as project schedules require.
• Technical Knowledge: Understanding of ground conditions, mud mixing ratios, and reading utility prints/blueprints.
• Physical Demands: Ability to lift up to 50–70 lbs, work in varied outdoor weather conditions, and perform manual labor as needed (digging, rigging equipment).
• Screening: Must pass a pre-employment DOT physical, drug screen, and background check (Safety-Sensitive Position).

Benefits

• Weekly Paychecks
• Paid Time Off, Parental Leave, and Holidays
• Insurance (including medical, prescription drug, dental, vision, disability, life insurance)
• 401(k) w/ Company Match
• Stock Purchase Plan
• Education Reimbursement
• Legal Insurance
• Discounts on gym memberships, pet insurance, and much more!