Directional Drill Equipment Operator

Team Kline; Des Moines (IA); On-site; USD 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Team Kline is seeking a Directional Drill Equipment Operator in Des Moines, IA to safely operate HDD drills, hydrovac units, and related machinery. You will work with Foreman and crew to install and support underground utilities, ensuring safety and accuracy.

Experience with underground utility construction and a valid CDL is preferred; willingness to travel and work overtime may be required, with strong emphasis on safety and quality.

Qualifications

• HDD training or experience; CDL as required.
• High school diploma or equivalent preferred.
• Reliable transportation to assigned locations.
• Experience operating construction or underground utility equipment preferred.

Responsibilities

• Safely operate heavy equipment, trailers, and support machinery.
• Perform underground installation, daylighting, potholing, trenching, and pullback.
• Review locates, bore profiles, and site conditions to ensure accuracy.
• Complete inspections, preventive maintenance, and basic troubleshooting.
• Report defects, unsafe conditions, incidents, near misses, and repairs promptly.
• Assist with jobsite setup, traffic control, excavation support, and cleanup.
• Follow OSHA requirements and PPE rules.
• Communicate progress and concerns to the Foreman and crew.

Skills

Safe equipment operation

Mechanical aptitude

Reading utility locates/plans

Communication & teamwork

Attention to detail

Time management

Customer service

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

HDD training/experience

CDL (Class A) as required

Job description

Job Summary

The Directional Drill Equipment Operator safely operates assigned heavy equipment and support vehicles to install, expose, and support underground utility infrastructure. Depending on project and crew needs, assigned equipment may include horizontal directional drills, hydro excavation units, mini excavators, skid loaders, dump trucks, trailers, and related machinery. The Directional Drill Operator works with the Foreman and field crew to complete work safely, efficiently, accurately, and with minimal impact to existing utilities and surrounding property. The equipment operator will et up and operate drill, follow bore plans, coordinate with locator, complete pullback.

Assignment flexibility: The primary equipment, vehicle, and specific work methods assigned to this position may vary by project, location, qualifications, and business need. Employees are expected to perform the core duties below but may not operate every listed type of equipment.

Key Responsibilities

• Safely operate assigned heavy equipment, vehicles, trailers, and support machinery, including directional drills, hydrovac units, mini excavators, skid loaders, and dump trucks, when trained and authorized.
• Perform underground utility installation, excavation, daylighting, potholing, trenching, boring, pullback, and material-handling activities based on project needs.
• Review utility locates, plans, bore profiles, and site conditions to identify hazards, protect existing utilities, and maintain installation accuracy.
• Complete required equipment inspections, preventive maintenance, cleaning, basic troubleshooting, and documentation.
• Promptly report equipment defects, unsafe conditions, incidents, near misses, property damage, and repair needs.
• Assist with jobsite setup, traffic control, excavation support, cleanup, grading, backfilling, seeding, concrete work, and other restoration activities.
• Follow OSHA requirements, company safety policies, damage-prevention practices, and PPE requirements.
• Communicate job progress, changing conditions, delays, hazards, and equipment concerns to the Foreman and crew.
• Work collaboratively with employees, supervisors, inspectors, utility owners, and customers to complete quality work safely and efficiently.
• Assist with training less-experienced employees when directed and qualified.
• Maintain a professional appearance and represent the company positively.
• Perform other duties reasonably related to the position as assigned.

Core Skills & Competencies

• Set up and operate drill, follow bore plans, coordinate with locator, complete pullback
• Safe equipment operation and underground utility awareness
• Mechanical aptitude and basic troubleshooting
• Ability to read utility locates, plans, and work instructions
• Attention to detail, quality, and sound judgment
• Communication, teamwork, accountability, and time management
• Professionalism and customer service

Minimum Qualifications

• HDD training/experience; CDL as required
• High school diploma or equivalent preferred.
• Reliable transportation to and from assigned work locations.
• Experience operating construction or underground utility equipment preferred; proficiency with assigned equipment may be required.
• Knowledge of underground utility construction, utility locates, equipment inspections, and preventive maintenance preferred.
• Valid driver’s license, acceptable driving record, and ability to remain insurable under the company’s vehicle insurance policy.
• Class A CDL and applicable endorsements required based on assignment; ability to obtain within three months of hire may be considered.
• Ability to meet applicable DOT and FMCSA requirements, including required drug and alcohol testing.
• Successful completion of pre-employment and periodic MVR reviews.
• Ability to complete required training and equipment-specific qualifications or certifications.
• Ability to travel and work overtime, weekends, or irregular schedules as needed.

Physical Requirements & Work Environment

• Frequently stand, walk, bend, kneel, squat, crouch, climb, and work on uneven terrain; work in trenches, confined spaces, or at heights when the assignment requires.
• Frequently lift, carry, push, and pull materials or equipment weighing up to 50 pounds and occasionally up to 75 pounds; use assistance or mechanical means for heavier loads.
• Operate heavy equipment, trucks, trailers, and powered machinery for extended periods.
• Possess the visual, auditory, and physical ability necessary to safely operate equipment, communicate with the crew, and identify hazards.
• Work outdoors in varying weather and site conditions, including heat, cold, rain, snow, wind, mud, dust, noise, traffic, vibration, moving equipment, and active underground utilities.
• Safely wear and use required PPE, including hard hats, safety glasses, hearing protection, gloves, high-visibility apparel, and safety-toe boots.