Directional Drill Operator

CST Utilities; Columbus (OH); On-site; USD 52,000 - 84,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Excellent pay

Medical insurance

HSA/FSA options

Dental and vision insurance at minimal

Life insurance policy

Short-term and long-term disability

401(k)

Work boot allowance

PTO after 90 days

Year-round work

Paid holidays

Paid maternity/paternity leave

Company-paid training

Job summary

CST Utilities is seeking a seasoned Horizontal Directional Drill (HDD) Operator to safely install underground utilities across projects in the Columbus area. You will operate HDD equipment, locate drill heads, perform pre-trip inspections, and collaborate with field crews to keep projects on schedule.

Requires a CDL Class A, at least 2 years of HDD experience, ability to travel to project sites, and a strong commitment to safety. The position offers excellent pay and comprehensive benefits.

Qualifications

• - Minimum of two years of HDD experience in varying ground conditions.
• - Experience locating drills (drill tracking/locating) with drill locating systems.
• - Valid Class A CDL is required.
• - Experience in telecommunications or underground utility construction.
• - Willingness to travel as needed.
• - Strong safety record and ability to work outdoors.

Responsibilities

• Safely operate HDD equipment to install underground utilities.
• Perform all phases of directional drilling across soil/ground conditions.
• Locate drill heads and monitor bore paths for accuracy.
• Conduct pre-trip inspections and maintain equipment.
• Load, unload, transport, and secure equipment.
• Restore disturbed property post-project and maintain site cleanliness.
• Follow supervisor instructions and train with crew.

Skills

HDD operation

Drill locating

CDL Class A

OSHA safety

Team collaboration

Education

High school diploma or GED

CDL training

Tools

Drill locating systems

Job description

About this position

Directional Drill Operator
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
• HSA/FSA options
• Dental and vision insurance at a minimal cost
• Free $25,000 life insurance policy
• Short-term and long-term disability insurance at a small cost
• 401(k)
• $225 work boot allowance after 180 days
• PTO after 90 days
• Year-round work
• Paid holidays
• Paid maternity and paternity leave
• Company-paid training and career development
• Safety-first culture

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.