Directional Drilling Operator

E-Z Bel Construction; San Antonio (TX); On-site; USD 42,000 - 64,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical coverage

Dental coverage

Vision coverage

401(k) plan

Quarterly bonus

PTO & holidays

EAP & wellness resources

Tuition reimbursement

Scholarship program

Company events

Job summary

E-Z Bel Construction in San Antonio, TX seeks a Directional Drilling Operator to operate HDD and auger boring equipment on active utility projects, following bore plans and safety standards while maintaining fluids and timelines.

This role offers growth from entry-level supervision to independent bores, requiring physical stamina and skill in reading maps and blueprints, with career advancement and a comprehensive benefits package.

Qualifications

• 4+ years experience operating or assisting HDD/auger boring equipment.
• Physical strength and stamina for demanding tasks.
• Strong attention to detail.
• Effective written and oral communication skills.
• Ability to adapt to varying locations and schedules, including overtime and weekends.
• Team collaboration and leadership to assist with crew organization.
• Reliable attendance and safety protocol adherence.
• Ability to read bore profiles, maps, and blueprints.
• Familiarity with basic hand tools and rig maintenance tasks.

Responsibilities

• Assist Foreman in executing daily tasks and boosting project efficiency.
• Operates HDD and auger boring equipment under supervision.
• Reads bore profiles, utility maps, and blueprints with guidance.
• Adjusts drill head rotation, pitch, and tracking per instruction.
• Mixes drilling fluids and maintains viscosity.
• Performs reaming, back-reaming, and pullback operations to spec.
• Troubleshoots minor issues and reports complex problems.
• Performs advanced HDD operations independently, including long bores and GPS tracking.
• Cleans equipment and bore site areas daily.
• Assists with rod loading/unloading, greasing, and hose checks.
• Inspects rods, drill heads, nozzles, and fluid lines before use.
• Operates skid steer or forklift to load/unload equipment (if authorized).
• Organizes tooling and accessories for upcoming bores.
• Positions and secures drill rig for transport safely.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Skills

HDD/auger bore operation

Blueprint reading

Safety adherence

Communication skills

Physical stamina

Team leadership

Attendance reliability

Rig maintenance understanding

Tools

Skid steer

Forklift operation

Basic hand tools

Job description

Directional Drilling Operator

SAN ANTONIO, TX

Field

POSITION SUMMARY

The Drill/Bore Operator is responsible for operating horizontal directional drilling (HDD) and auger boring equipment to support underground utility installations. This role requires strict adherence to safety standards, the ability to follow technical bore plans, and hands-on operation of drilling equipment. The position offers growth from entry-level operation under supervision to advanced, independent performance of complex bores.

YOUR ROLE

• Assist the Foreman in executing day-to-day tasks and ensuring project efficiency.
• Operates HDD and auger boring equipment under supervision to perform bore operations.
• Reads and follows bore profiles, utility maps, and blueprints (with guidance).
• Adjusts drill head rotation, pitch, and tracking based on instruction or soil conditions.
• Mixes and maintains drilling fluids, ensuring correct viscosity and containment.
• Executes reaming, back reaming, and pullback operations to meet project specifications.
• Troubleshoots minor issues (signal loss, fluid loss) and reports complex problems.
• Performs advanced HDD and auger boring operations independently, including long bores, elevation changes, and use of GPS/digital tracking.
• Learns and applies safe fluid mixing, containment, and disposal procedures.
• Develops advanced skills in bore strategy adjustments, tracking calibration, and fluid management.
• Cleans drill equipment and bore site staging areas daily.
• Assists with rod loading/unloading, greasing, and hose checks.
• Inspects rods, drill heads, nozzles, and fluid lines prior to use.
• Operates skid steer or forklift to load/unload equipment (if authorized).
• Organizes tooling and accessories for upcoming bores.
• Positions and secures drill rig for transport, ensuring safe equipment handling.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

WHAT YOU BRING

• 4+ years experience operating or assisting with HDD or auger boring equipment.
• Physical strength and stamina to perform demanding tasks.
• Strong accuracy and attention to detail in completing work.
• Effective written and oral communication skills.
• Ability to adapt to varying work locations and schedules, including overtime and weekends.
• Team collaboration and leadership capabilities to assist with crew organization.
• Reliable attendance and commitment to safety protocols.
• Ability to read and understand bore profiles, maps, and blueprints.
• Familiarity with basic hand tools and rig maintenance tasks.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

The Drill/Bore Operator frequently performs physically demanding tasks such as standing, walking, kneeling, climbing ladders, and lifting up to 75 pounds. This role requires the ability to navigate uneven terrain, read blueprints, and use tools and equipment safely. Work is performed on active job sites with exposure to extreme temperatures, loud noise, and potential hazards. Strict adherence to safety standards is required.

BENEFITS

• Competitive medical, dental, and vision coverage
• Voluntary benefits including life, accident, critical illness, and pet insurance
• 401(k) retirement plan
• Quarterly bonus
• Paid Time Off (PTO), and paid holidays
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP) and wellness resources
• Tuition reimbursement and continuing education support
• Scholarship program for dependents of eligible employees
• Company events, community engagement opportunities, and quarterly State of the Company meetings

E-Z Bel Construction, LLC is an equal opportunity employer. We encourage all qualified individuals to apply, regardless of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, age, citizenship, marital status, disability, gender identity, or veteran status. E-Z Bel Construction, LLC participates in E-Verify, a federal system that allows enrolled employers to confirm the employment eligibility of newly hired employees.

Equal employment opportunity, including veterans and individuals with disabilities.