Directional Drill Operator

CST Utilities; Columbus (OH); On-site; USD 52,000 - 78,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical insurance

Dental & Vision insurance

Life insurance

STD/LTD insurance

401k with company match

Boot allowance

Paid time off

Job summary

CST Utilities is seeking an HDD Operator to install underground utilities using horizontal directional drilling equipment. You will work with field crews to complete projects safely and efficiently, performing drilling, equipment maintenance, and site restoration.

Qualifications include 2+ years HDD experience, a valid Class A CDL, and willingness to travel. Join a team that prioritizes safety, professionalism, and reliable project execution.

Qualifications

• Minimum of two years of HDD experience.
• Experience locating drill heads and using locating systems.
• Valid Class A CDL is required.
• Experience in telecommunications or underground utility construction.
• Valid driver's license with insurable record.
• High school diploma or GED.
• Willingness to travel as required.
• Strong work ethic and team attitude.
• Must pass pre-employment drug screen and background check.

Responsibilities

• Safely operate horizontal directional drilling equipment to install underground utilities.
• Perform all phases of directional drilling operations in various soil conditions.
• Locate drill heads and monitor bore paths to prevent conflicts.
• Inspect and perform routine maintenance on drilling equipment.
• Ensure safety compliance with OSHA regulations.
• Load, unload, transport, and secure equipment and materials.
• Travel to project locations as required.

Skills

Drilling operations

Equipment maintenance

Safety compliance

Team orientation

Problem solving

Education

High school diploma or GED

Tools

Drilling equipment

Drill locating systems

Job description

Company Overview

CST Utilities Companies provides underground construction services (including excavation, drilling, etc.) for sites and projects related to water, sewer, natural gas, electric distribution, and telecommunications. The utilities infrastructure market is significant, with funding coming from Municipalities, Cooperatives, Fortune 500 Utility providers, and private equity-backed projects, all of which are addressing the substantial need for infrastructure growth and replacement. CST Utilities Companies, with financial support from private equity investors, is pursuing a growth strategy across the Midwest that includes investment in employee and operations excellence and acquisitions (two companies acquired thus far) to enhance employee satisfaction, operational capacity, and client support. The company primarily operates in the Midwest, with large offices in Ohio and Indiana. More information on the CST Utilities companies can be found at www.cstutilities.com, www.daystardrilling.com, and www.preciseboringofohio.com.

Position Summary

The Horizontal Directional Drill (HDD) Operator is responsible for safely operating horizontal directional drilling equipment to install underground utilities in accordance with project specifications. This position performs all aspects of drilling operations, drill locating, equipment maintenance, site restoration, and job site safety while working closely with field crews to complete projects efficiently and professionally.

Essential Duties And Responsibilities

• Safely operate horizontal directional drilling equipment to install underground utilities.
• Perform all phases of directional drilling operations in a variety of soil and ground conditions.
• Locate drill heads and monitor bore paths to ensure accurate installations and prevent utility conflicts.
• Conduct pre-trip and daily inspections of drilling equipment and maintain equipment in safe working conditions.
• Perform routine maintenance and minor repairs on drilling equipment and associated tooling.
• Monitor drilling operations to ensure work is completed safely, accurately, and efficiently.
• Inspect job sites for potential hazards and ensure compliance with all company safety policies and OSHA regulations.
• Load, unload, transport, and secure equipment, materials, and supplies to and from job sites.
• Perform excavation, digging, backfilling, material placement, and other underground utility construction activities as needed.
• Restore disturbed property to acceptable conditions following project completion.
• Maintain clean, organized, and professional job sites.
• Complete assigned work orders and service calls promptly.
• Follow instructions from supervisors and work effectively with crew members.
• Participate in on-the-job training and continually develop knowledge of equipment, procedures, and industry best practices.
• Travel to project locations as required.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

• Minimum of two (2) years of experience operating horizontal directional drilling equipment in a variety of ground conditions.
• Must have experience locating directional drills (drill tracking/locating) and be proficient with drill locating systems.
• Valid Class A Commercial Driver's License (CDL) is required.
• Experience in the telecommunications or underground utility construction industry is required.
• Valid driver's license with an insurable driving record.
• High school diploma or GED required.
• Working knowledge of construction equipment, drilling systems, hand tools, and mechanical equipment.
• Ability to troubleshoot drilling equipment and perform routine maintenance.
• Willingness to travel as required based on project needs.
• Strong work ethic with a positive, team-oriented attitude.
• Ability to follow directions while working independently with minimal supervision.
• Must successfully pass a pre-employment drug screen and background check.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to lift and carry up to 75 pounds.
• Ability to work outdoors in all weather conditions.
• Ability to stand, walk, bend, kneel, climb, and perform physically demanding work throughout the workday.
• Ability to safely operate heavy equipment and commercial vehicles.
• Ability to work overtime, weekends, and on-call schedules as business needs require.

Work Environment

• Must be able and willing to conduct strenuous and physically demanding tasks for long hours, work outdoors, and in inclement weather conditions.
• Must be able to lift and carry materials of all shapes and sizes, weighing 40 to 90 pounds.
• Must be able to maintain visual and audible contact with other crewmen and all moving or stationary persons/vehicles/objects to ensure safe coordination of movement.
• Must be able to operate or work around heavy equipment and machinery.
• Must be able to stoop, kneel, crouch, and crawl while performing work.
• Must be able to work while wearing safety boots, safety glasses, hard hats, and any applicable safety gear.

Benefits

• Excellent Pay!
• Medical insurance for employees at a small cost.
• Dental and Vision insurance at a minimal cost
• Free $25,000 life insurance policy
• STD and LTD insurance at a small cost
• 401k with company match
• A $225 work boot allowance after 180 days
• PTO after 90 days.

AAP/EEO Statement

It is the policy of CST Utilities LLC to provide equal employment opportunity (EEO) to all persons regardless of age, color, national origin, citizenship status, physical or mental disability, race, religion, creed, gender, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity and/or expression, genetic information, marital status, status about public assistance, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local law. In addition, CST Utilities LLC will provide reasonable accommodation for qualified individuals with disabilities.