Directional Driller (HDD) – Excavation & Pipeline Construction

Zohorecruit; Mabank (TX); On-site; USD 65,000 - 95,000; Full time

Job summary

The Staff Pad is partnering with a Mabank, TX-based excavation and pipeline contractor to hire an experienced Directional Driller (HDD). You will lead horizontal drilling for fiber optic and natural gas projects in Mabank, TX, overseeing setup, bore path, and pullback from start to finish.

The role requires operating HDD rigs, reviewing bore plans, maintaining line and grade, and coordinating with locators and ground crews while maintaining safety standards.

Qualifications

• 2+ years of horizontal directional drilling experience operating the rig.
• Experience boring for fiber optic conduit or natural gas mains.
• Ability to maintain line, depth, and grade on bore lengths.
• Working knowledge of drilling fluids and regional soil conditions.
• Ability to read prints, bore plans, and utility locate markings.
• Valid driver's license with no more than 2 minor violations on the MVR.
• Ability to pass a pre-employment drug screen and background check.

Responsibilities

• Set up, operate, and maintain HDD rigs.
• Review bore plans and locate marks before drilling begins.
• Drill pilot bores to the designed line, depth, and grade with continuous locator communication.
• Select and change downhole tooling based on soil conditions.
• Mix, monitor, and manage drilling fluids based on ground conditions.
• Complete bore logs, as-built records, and daily production reports.
• Direct and support the ground crew and ensure site safety.

Skills

Horizontal directional drilling

Rig operation

Read prints & bore plans

Driver's license

Drug screen & background check

Bilingual English & Spanish

Tools

Ditch Witch

Vermeer

American Augers

Job description

Directional Driller (HDD) – Excavation & Pipeline Construction

Mabank, United States | Posted on 10/05/2026

The Staff Pad has partnered with a full-serviceexcavation and pipeline construction company providing comprehensive solutionsfor pipeline and infrastructure projects in Mabank, TX and we are looking tohire an experienced and qualified Directional Driller (HDD) to lead horizontaldirectional drilling operations and support the successful installation ofunderground conduit and pipe.

The Directional Driller will operate horizontaldirectional drilling equipment, install underground conduit and pipe for fiberoptic and natural gas projects, and manage the bore from setup through pullback.

In this role, you will work closely with thelocator, maintain the designed bore path, depth, and grade, and ensure existingutilities are not damaged. Candidates with fiber optic or natural gasexperience are welcome to apply.

What You'll Do

Key Responsibilities

• Setup, operate, and maintain Ditch Witch, Vermeer, American Augers, orequivalent directional drilling rigs within the specified size or classrange
  
• Reviewbore plans, prints, and utility locates and walk the bore path beforedrilling begins
  
• Drillpilot bores to the designed line, depth, and grade while maintainingcontinuous communication with the locator
  
• Selectand change downhole tooling, including bits, housings, reamers, swivels,and pullback heads based on soil conditions
  
• Mix,monitor, and manage drilling fluids, including bentonite and additives,based on ground conditions
  
• Monitorand prevent inadvertent returns and frac-outs and execute containment andcleanup procedures when needed
  
• Reamand pull back conduit, duct bank, or polyethylene pipe to the specifiedsize
  
• Verifypotholing at all crossings and maintain required clearance from existingutilities
  
• Completebore logs, as-built records, and daily production reports
  
• Performdaily equipment inspections, greasing, fluid checks, and routine fieldmaintenance and report needed repairs
  
• Directand support the ground crew, including the locator, laborers, and vacuumexcavation operator
  
• Followall site safety requirements, including electrical strike procedures,grounding mats, traffic control, and gas detection where applicable
  

What We Are Looking For

Required Qualifications

• 2+years of horizontal directional drilling experience operating the rig
  
• Provenexperience boring for fiber optic conduit, natural gas main and service,or both
  
• Abilityto maintain line, depth, and grade on specified bore lengths and diameters
  
• Workingknowledge of drilling fluid mixing and regional soil conditions
  
• Abilityto read prints, bore plans, and utility locate markings
  
• Validdriver's license with no more than 2 minor violations on the motor vehiclerecord
  
• Abilityto pass a pre-employment drug screen and background check, including a10-panel non-DOT or 5-panel DOT drug screen and 10-year background check
  

Preferred Qualifications

• ClassA CDL with ability to haul the rig and support equipment, required orpreferred based on project needs
  
• Experiencewith specific rig makes and models
  
• OperatorQualification (OQ) for gas work, with covered tasks varying by gas company
  
• Experiencewith rock bores, wet bores, or long crossings under roadways, railroads,or water
  
• OSHA10 and Competent Person training preferred; additional training provided
  
• Manufacturer or equipment-specific training
  
• Experiencetraining and developing locators and ground crew
  
• BilingualEnglish and Spanish
  

Physical Demands and Work Environment

• Workoutdoors year-round in all weather conditions
  
• Lift,carry, push, or pull up to 50-75 pounds, including drill rod and tooling
  
• Sitand operate controls for extended periods and stand, bend, and kneel asneeded
  
• Workin and around active roadways, heavy equipment, and existing undergroundutilities
  
• Wearrequired personal protective equipment, including flame-resistant clothingwhere required
  

What You Can Expect

• CompetitiveCompensation
  
• Overtimepaid at Time and a half
  
• Life,dental, and vision insurance available the first of the month following 60days of employment
  
• After 1 year: 3 paid holidays, 1 week of vacation, and bereavement pay
  
• After 4 years: 2 weeks ofvacation
  

If youare an experienced Directional Driller ready to put your HDD expertise to workon challenging fiber optic and natural gas projects, we want to hear from you.Join a team where skilled operators are trusted to take ownership, work safely,and help deliver quality results from the first bore to final pullback.