Horizontal Directional Driller

Tradestaff New Zealand; Auckland; On-site; NZD 48,000 - 58,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

PPE provided

Weekly pay

Job summary

Tradestaff New Zealand is seeking an experienced Horizontal Directional Driller (HDD Operator) for North West Auckland civil and underground projects. Immediate start with a pay rate of NZD 35–42 per hour and weekly pay.

You will set up and operate HDD rigs, complete pilot bores, track and steer the drill head, and manage drilling fluids under varying ground conditions. NZ driving licence preferred; WTR endorsements desirable.

Qualifications

• Proven hands-on experience operating Horizontal Directional Drilling rigs.
• Strong knowledge of pilot drilling, tracking, reaming, and product pullback.
• Experience working safely around live and existing underground utilities.
• Ability to understand bore profiles and adapt drilling techniques to ground conditions.
• Strong focus on accuracy, equipment care, and safe operating practices.

Responsibilities

• Set up and operate HDD rigs for trenchless underground installations.
• Complete pilot bores to specified alignments, depths, grades, and bore profiles.
• Track and steer the drill head accurately throughout each bore.
• Carry out pre-reaming, back-reaming, and product pullback operations.
• Select suitable tooling and manage drilling fluids for changing ground conditions.
• Interpret bore plans, utility drawings, and underground service information.

Skills

HDD rigs

Pilot drilling

Tracking

Utilities safety

Bore profiles

NZ driving licence

Civil tickets

Job description

Horizontal Directional Driller (HDD Operator)

Tradestaff is looking for an experienced Horizontal Directional Driller (HDD Operator) to join civil and underground infrastructure projects in North West Auckland. Bring your trenchless drilling expertise to a crew where accuracy, machine control, and safe execution matter.

Location: North West Auckland, Auckland

Start date: Immediate start

Pay rate: $35–$42 per hour + weekly pay

What You'll Be Doing

• Set up and operate HDD rigs for trenchless underground installations
• Complete pilot bores to specified alignments, depths, grades, and bore profiles
• Track and steer the drill head accurately throughout each bore
• Carry out pre-reaming, back-reaming, and product pullback operations
• Select suitable tooling and manage drilling fluids for changing ground conditions
• Interpret bore plans, utility drawings, and underground service information
• Complete pre-start checks and coordinate with locators, spotters, and ground crews

What We're Looking For

• Proven hands‑on experience operating Horizontal Directional Drilling rigs
• Strong knowledge of pilot drilling, tracking, reaming, and product pullback
• Experience working safely around live and existing underground utilities
• Ability to understand bore profiles and adapt drilling techniques to ground conditions
• Strong focus on accuracy, equipment care, and safe operating practices
• Full NZ driver licence preferred, with WTR endorsements highly desirable
• Class 2 or Class 4 licence and relevant civil tickets are advantageous

What's in It for You?

• Potential for long-term work
• Exposure to varied civil and underground infrastructure projects
• Work alongside experienced drilling and civil crews
• Opportunity to further develop specialist trenchless construction skills
• Hands‑on involvement with modern drilling equipment and techniques
• PPE provided where required
• Support from the Tradestaff team throughout your assignment