Directional Drill Operator Superintendent - CA

Glass Roots Construction, LLC; Samoa (CA); On-site; USD 125,000 - 165,000; Full time

Job summary

Glass Roots Construction (GRC) is seeking an experienced Directional Drill Operator Superintendent to lead our self-performed HDD program. Start in the drill seat, train operators, then lead multiple drill crews across projects to achieve 60–70% in-house work.

You will oversee safety, equipment readiness, and bore planning while coordinating with Construction Managers and Senior Director of Construction. Exempt, plus overtime as needed.

Qualifications

• 15+ years of hands-on HDD experience.
• Proficient bore planning and tooling selection.
• Ability to train operators and locators.

Responsibilities

• Hands-On Drilling & Field Leadership: Operate a drill rig while overseeing daily drilling; transition to leading multiple crews while staying ready to return to the controls when needed.
• Operator Training & Development: Develop operators and locators through hands-on training, competency assessments, and progression plans until they can run a rig independently.
• Production & Improvement: Set daily and weekly drilling goals, coordinate priorities with Construction Managers and General Foremen, and standardize drilling practices across projects.
• Technical Drilling Expertise: Lead bore planning; guide tooling and drilling-fluid selection; troubleshoot difficult ground conditions, steering issues, and failed pullbacks.
• Equipment & Tooling Readiness: Ensure rigs, locators, mud systems, and tooling are inspected, maintained, and on site before work begins; recommend equipment purchases.

Skills

HDD operation

Training crews

Bore planning

Locating systems

Safety compliance

OSHA 30

CDL

Driver's license

Tools

Drill rigs

Locating equipment

Mud systems

Job description

Directional Drill Operator Superintendent - CA

Who We Are

Glass Roots Construction (GRC) is a first-class fiber optic utility construction firm founded by career telecom and construction professionals. We leverage the latest technologies and up-to-date construction practices to design and build high-performance networks that deliver fast, reliable connectivity for businesses, schools, and healthcare.

The Opportunity

Glass Roots Construction (GRC) is seeking an experienced, hands-on Directional Drill Operator Superintendent to build and lead our self-performed horizontal directional drilling (HDD) program. You will start in the drill seat, operating a rig while training the operators who will take it over, then step into leading multiple drill crews as those operators qualify. This role is central to GRC’s goal of performing 60–70% of its construction work in-house.

Responsibilities

• Hands-On Drilling & Field Leadership: Operate a drill rig while overseeing daily drilling; transition to leading multiple crews while staying ready to return to the controls when needed.
• Operator Training & Development: Develop operators and locators through hands-on training, competency assessments, and progression plans until they can run a rig independently.
• Production & Improvement: Set daily and weekly drilling goals, coordinate priorities with Construction Managers and General Foremen, and standardize drilling practices across projects.
• Technical Drilling Expertise: Lead bore planning; guide tooling and drilling-fluid selection; troubleshoot difficult ground conditions, steering issues, and failed pullbacks.
• Equipment & Tooling Readiness: Ensure rigs, locators, mud systems, and tooling are inspected, maintained, and on site before work begins; recommend equipment purchases.
• Safety & Utility Protection: Verify locates, potholing, and crossing clearances; enforce safe work practices and exercise stop-work authority. Production never takes priority over safety.
• Quality, Cost & Reporting: Verify bore depth, alignment, and separation; track footage, downtime, and cost per linear foot; report results to the Senior Director of Construction.

Required Qualifications

• 15+ years of hands-on experience operating horizontal directional drilling equipment.
• Strong knowledge of bore planning, steering and locating systems, tooling, and drilling fluids.
• Demonstrated ability to train operators and locators to work independently.
• Thorough understanding of underground utilities, the 811 locate process, and potholing.
• Proven ability to direct, coach, and hold crews accountable while working alongside them.
• Working knowledge of OSHA requirements, including excavation safety. OSHA 30 certified.
• A valid driver’s license is required.

Directional Drill SuperIntendent Physical Requirements:

• Lift 50 lbs individually and up to 75 lbs in team lifts
• Work in dust and silica environments with mandatory respirator fit clearance
• Navigate active drill sites on foot over varied terrain

Driving & Travel Requirements

• This position requires a valid driver's license to operate company vehicles, transport equipment, and manage daily travel between client locations and field operational sites throughout the region.

Preferred Qualifications

• Class A Commercial Driver’s License (CDL).
• Experience building a self-performed drilling program or leading multiple drill crews.
• Experience in underground fiber or telecommunications construction.

Additional Information

Hourly Range: $125,000 - $165,000 Salary, based on experience

Schedule: Day Shift, Monday - Friday & Night Shift, Sunday - Thursday

Travel Requirements: Required daily between job sites within the assigned market

Role Openings: 1

Target Start Date: 2-3 weeks from offer

Exempt Status: This position is classified as Exempt under the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) and is eligible for overtime compensation in accordance with applicable federal, state, and local laws.

Interview Process

• Final Interview
• Conditional offer upon successful completion of background check, occupational health screening, and drug test.

Equal Opportunity Employer

Glass Roots Construction (GRC) is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are committed to creating a diverse environment and are proud to be an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, or veteran status.

AI Transparency & Opt-Out Notice

Glass Roots Construction uses automated decision tools and AI to help screen and evaluate candidates based strictly on job-related qualifications, experience, and skills. We perform annual independent audits to ensure non-discrimination.

You have the right to request an accommodation, opt out of automated screening, or request a human-only review/appeal of any decision. To exercise these rights, email us at [e-mail] .

In compliance with state and local laws, application records and assessment logs are securely retained for a minimum of 4 years.

Reasonable Accommodation

Glass Roots Construction (GRC) provides reasonable accommodations to individuals with disabilities. If you require accommodation to participate in the hiring process or to perform the essential functions of this job, please contact us at [e-mail].

We love building our team directly! At this time, we are only considering direct applications from candidates. We respectfully ask recruiting agencies not to reach out.

The pay range for this role is:

125,000 - 165,000 USD per year (Samoa, CA)