Directional Drill Operator

Verità Telecommunications Corporation; Akron (OH); On-site; USD 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

401(k) with company match

Health plans (PPO/HMO/HSA)

Paid time off

Disability insurance

Life insurance

AD&D

Job summary

Verità Telecommunications Corporation in Ohio is seeking a Directional Drill Operator to run HDD equipment for underground telecom installs, including fiber conduit and cable. This field-based role supports fiber network expansion and requires careful bore path tracking and safety discipline.

You will read construction prints, locate utilities, monitor drill paths, and maintain daily logs while working with a drill crew. CDL preferred; CDL upon hire may be required.

Qualifications

• 2+ years of HDD operation experience in telecom or utilities.
• Experience installing fiber optic conduit and underground telecom infrastructure.
• Ability to read construction drawings and bore profiles.
• Knowledge of utility locating processes (811/Miss Dig).
• Strong safety awareness and OSHA compliance.

Responsibilities

• Operate HDD equipment (Vermeer, Ditch Witch, or equivalent).
• Perform underground bores for conduit, cable placement, and utilities.
• Read prints, bore plans, and locate utilities prior to drilling.
• Monitor bore path with tracking systems for depth and alignment.
• Conduct pre-trip and post-trip inspections and routine maintenance.
• Coordinate with crew to ensure safe job execution.
• Maintain daily production logs and clean up job sites.

Skills

Directional drilling

Blueprint reading

OSHA safety

Utilities locating

Driver's license

Job description

The Directional Drill Operator is responsible for operating horizontal directional drilling (HDD) equipment to install underground telecommunications infrastructure, including fiber optic conduit and cable. This role supports fiber network expansion projects and works closely with the drill crew to ensure safe, accurate, and efficient bore paths.

Financial Wellbeing

• Competitive pay with ongoing performance review and annual merit increase
• 401(k) with company match
• Choice of various PPO, HMO, and HSA accompanied plans

Family & Lifestyle

Planning for the Unexpected

• Short and long-term disability, life insurance Paid for by the company
• Accidental death & dismemberment Paid for by the company
• Voluntary life insurance, accident, and critical illness

The Directional Drill Operator is responsible for operating horizontal directional drilling (HDD) equipment to install underground telecommunications infrastructure, including fiber optic conduit and cable. This role supports fiber network expansion projects and works closely with the drill crew to ensure safe, accurate, and efficient bore paths.

Team Verita Benefits!

Financial Wellbeing

• Competitive pay with ongoing performance review and annual merit increase
• 401(k) with company match

Health & Wellness

• Choice of various PPO, HMO, and HSA accompanied plans

Family & Lifestyle

• Paid Time Off, Paid Holidays, Bereavement Leave

Planning for the Unexpected

• Short and long-term disability, life insurance Paid for by the company
• Accidental death & dismemberment Paid for by the company
• Voluntary life insurance, accident, and critical illness

Key Responsibilities

• Operate directional drilling equipment (Vermeer, Ditch Witch, or similar HDD machines).
• Perform underground bores for fiber optic conduit, cable placement, and utility installation.
• Read and interpret construction prints, bore plans, and utility locates.
• Locate and pothole existing utilities prior to drilling.
• Monitor drill path using tracking systems to maintain proper depth and alignment.
• Conduct pre-trip and post-trip inspections on drilling equipment.
• Perform routine maintenance and minor repairs on drill rigs and support equipment.
• Coordinate with locator, laborers, and foreman to ensure safe job execution.
• Ensure compliance with OSHA regulations and company safety standards.
• Maintain daily production logs and job documentation.
• Restore job sites and ensure proper cleanup after completion.

Qualifications

• 2+ years of experience operating directional drilling equipment in telecom or utility construction.
• Experience installing fiber optic conduit and underground telecommunications infrastructure.
• Ability to read and interpret construction drawings and bore profiles.
• Knowledge of utility locating processes (811/Miss Dig).
• Strong understanding of underground safety practices.
• Valid driver’s license required.
• Valid CDL preferred; ability and willingness to obtain a CDL upon hire required.

Preferred Experience

• Experience in FTTH (Fiber to the Home) builds.
• Rock drilling experience.
• Operating vacuum excavators.
• Working in urban and residential environments.

Skills & Competencies

• Strong mechanical aptitude.
• Ability to work in outdoor environments in varying weather conditions.
• Detail-oriented and safety-focused.
• Strong teamwork and communication skills.
• Ability to work long hours and overtime as needed.

Work Environment

• Field-based position.
• Exposure to outdoor weather conditions.
• Physically demanding (lifting, bending, standing for extended periods).