Directional Driller (HDD) – Excavation & Pipeline Construction

thestaffpad; Mabank (TX); On-site; USD 70,000 - 100,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Life insurance

Dental insurance

Vision insurance

Paid holidays

Vacation time

Job summary

The Staff Pad is seeking an experienced Directional Driller to lead horizontal directional drilling operations in Mabank, TX. You will operate HDD rigs, review bore plans, and maintain line, depth, and grade while protecting existing utilities.

Responsibilities include tool selection, drilling fluids management, bore logs, and coordinating with the locator and crew. A valid license and pre-employment screenings are required, with emphasis on safety and quality results.

Qualifications

• 2+ years of horizontal directional drilling experience.
• Proven experience boring for fiber optic conduit, natural gas main and service, or both.
• Ability to maintain line, depth, and grade on specified bore lengths and diameters.
• Working knowledge of drilling fluid mixing 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 motor vehicle record.
• Ability to pass a pre-employment drug screen and background check, including a 10-panel non-DOT or 5-panel DOT drug screen and 10-year background check.

Responsibilities

• Set up, operate, and maintain directional drilling rigs.
• Review bore plans, prints, and utility locates; walk bore path before drilling.
• Drill pilot bores to designed line, depth, and grade; maintain communication with locator.
• Select and change downhole tooling based on soil conditions.
• Mix, monitor, and manage drilling fluids; monitor for returns and frac-outs.
• Ream and pull back conduit and ducts to specified size.
• Verify potholing and maintain clearance from utilities.
• Complete bore logs, as-built records, and daily production reports.
• Perform daily equipment inspections and report needed repairs.
• Direct and support ground crew (locator, laborers, vacuum operator).
• Follow safety requirements including gas detection where applicable.

Skills

Horizontal directional drilling

Fiber optic conduit boring

Maintain line depth grade

Drilling fluids knowledge

Read prints and utility locates

Valid driver's license

Drug screen & background check

Job description

The Staff Pad has partnered with a full-service excavation and pipeline construction company providing comprehensive solutions for pipeline and infrastructure projects in Mabank, TX and we are looking to hire an experienced and qualified Directional Driller (HDD) to lead horizontal directional drilling operations and support the successful installation of underground conduit and pipe. The Directional Driller will operate horizontal directional drilling equipment, install underground conduit and pipe for fiber optic and natural gas projects, and manage the bore from setup through pullback. In this role, you will work closely with the locator, maintain the designed bore path, depth, and grade, and ensure existing utilities are not damaged. Candidates with fiber optic or natural gas experience are welcome to apply.

What You'll Do Key Responsibilities

• Set up, operate, and maintain Ditch Witch, Vermeer, American Augers, or equivalent directional drilling rigs within the specified size or class range
• Review bore plans, prints, and utility locates and walk the bore path before drilling begins
• Drill pilot bores to the designed line, depth, and grade while maintaining continuous communication with the locator
• Select and 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
• Monitor and prevent inadvertent returns and frac-outs and execute containment and cleanup procedures when needed
• Ream and pull back conduit, duct bank, or polyethylene pipe to the specified size
• Verify potholing at all crossings and maintain required clearance from existing utilities
• Complete bore logs, as-built records, and daily production reports
• Perform daily equipment inspections, greasing, fluid checks, and routine field maintenance and report needed repairs
• Direct and support the ground crew, including the locator, laborers, and vacuum excavation operator
• Follow all 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
• Proven experience boring for fiber optic conduit, natural gas main and service, or both
• Ability to maintain line, depth, and grade on specified bore lengths and diameters
• Working knowledge of drilling fluid mixing 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 motor vehicle record
• Ability to pass a pre-employment drug screen and background check, including a 10-panel non-DOT or 5-panel DOT drug screen and 10-year background check

Preferred Qualifications

• Class A CDL with ability to haul the rig and support equipment, required or preferred based on project needs
• Experience with specific rig makes and models
• Operator Qualification (OQ) for gas work, with covered tasks varying by gas company
• Experience with rock bores, wet bores, or long crossings under roadways, railroads, or water
• OSHA 10 and Competent Person training preferred; additional training provided
• Manufacturer or equipment-specific training
• Experience training and developing locators and ground crew
• Bilingual English and Spanish

Physical Demands and Work Environment

• Work outdoors year-round in all weather conditions
• Lift, carry, push, or pull up to 50-75 pounds, including drill rod and tooling
• Sit and operate controls for extended periods and stand, bend, and kneel as needed
• Work in and around active roadways, heavy equipment, and existing underground utilities
• Wear required personal protective equipment, including flame-resistant clothing where required

What You Can Expect

Competitive Compensation Overtime paid at Time and a half Life, dental, and vision insurance available the first of the month following 60 days of employment

After 1 year: 3 paid holidays, 1 week of vacation, and bereavement pay

After 4 years: 2 weeks of vacation

If you are an experienced Directional Driller ready to put your HDD expertise to work on 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.