HDD Drill Operator

WorkWave Staff; Marietta (MS); On-site; USD 29,000 - 48,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

401(k)

Paid time off

Job summary

WorkWave Staff is seeking an HDD Operator in Marietta, GA to operate horizontal directional drilling equipment for underground fiber installations. The role requires attention to safety, coordination with the locator team, and adherence to project specifications.

You will manage bore planning, equipment inspections, field documentation, and daily reporting while maintaining production standards and safe work practices. CDL is preferred; willingness to relocate may be needed.

Qualifications

• Prior HDD Operator experience in telecom, utility, or underground construction.
• Knowledge of bore planning, drilling techniques, and underground safety.
• Ability to read construction drawings and bore profiles.
• Valid driver’s license; CDL preferred depending on role responsibilities.
• Strong leadership, communication, and problem-solving skills.

Responsibilities

• Operate HDD rigs to complete pilot bores, reaming, and pullback operations.
• Follow bore plans and adjust techniques based on soil conditions and site constraints.
• Coordinate with HDD Locator to maintain depth, alignment, and clearance.
• Oversee drilling fluid usage and bore integrity.
• Perform daily inspections, maintenance, and minor repairs on drilling equipment.
• Complete drilling logs, bore records, and daily production reports.
• Lead job briefings and communicate progress and needs to supervision.
• Ensure safety and OSHA compliance and stop work if unsafe conditions are identified.

Skills

HDD experience

Bore planning

Read drawings

Driver's license

Leadership & communication

Job description

Marietta, United States | Posted on 08/11/2026

The HDD Operator is responsible for safely and efficiently operating horizontal directional drilling equipment to install underground conduit and fiber infrastructure. This role requires technical expertise, strong coordination with the locator and crew, and a commitment to safety, quality, and production standards.

KEY ROLES & RESPONSIBILITIES

Directional Drilling Operations

• Operate HDD rigs (e.g., Vermeer, Ditch Witch) to complete pilot bores, reaming, and pullback operations.
• Execute bore paths according to approved bore plans, profiles, and specifications.
• Adjust drilling techniques based on soil conditions, obstructions, and site constraints.
• Coordinate closely with the HDD Locator to maintain proper depth, alignment, and clearance.
• Oversee drilling fluid (mud) usage and bore integrity.

Equipment & Safety

• Perform daily inspections, maintenance, and minor repairs on drilling equipment.
• Ensure all drilling operations comply with company safety policies and OSHA regulations.
• Lead job briefings related to drilling operations and site hazards.
• Stop work immediately if unsafe conditions are identified.

Documentation & Communication

• Complete drilling logs, bore records, and daily production reports.
• Communicate progress, issues, and equipment needs to supervision.
• Support redlines and field documentation as required.

IDEAL BACKGROUND & QUALIFICATIONS

• Prior experience as an HDD Operator in telecom, utility, or underground construction.
• Strong understanding of bore planning, drilling techniques, and underground safety.
• Ability to read construction drawings and bore profiles.
• Valid driver’s license required; CDL preferred depending on role responsibilities.
• Strong leadership, communication, and problem‑solving skills.

Work Location: GA

***MUST HAVE DIGGING EXPERIENCE

***Out of Town Home Rotation

Pay: Up to $35.00 per hour

• 401(k)
• Paid time off

Application Question(s)

• Are you able to operate a Vermeer direction drill?
• Can you effectively operate a mobile device to access apps and email?