HDD Driller

Hollybank Trustees Ltd; Indianapolis (IN); On-site; USD 34,000 - 55,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Dental insurance

Vision insurance

401(k) with company match

Paid time off

Job summary

TXO is seeking an HDD Driller to safely operate horizontal directional drilling equipment for telecommunications and utility installations. The role involves coordinating with locators, executing bore plans, and maintaining equipment while ensuring high safety and quality standards on projects across the Southeastern US.

Ideal candidates will have 2+ years of HDD drilling experience, familiarity with underground utility construction, and a commitment to safety.

Qualifications

• Minimum 2 years HDD drilling experience in telecom/underground environments.
• Valid driver's license with clean driving record.
• Ability to read and interpret construction plans, utility locates, and bore profiles.
• Knowledge of HDD drilling fluid systems and bore installation techniques.

Responsibilities

• Safely operate HDD drilling equipment for telecom, fiber optic, and utility installation.
• Execute bore plans and maintain bore path alignment.
• Coordinate with HDD Locator for accurate drill head tracking and bore placement.
• Perform pilot bores, reaming, and product pullbacks per project requirements.
• Set up, operate, and dismantle HDD equipment and support systems.
• Inspect drilling fluid systems and related components.
• Monitor drilling conditions and adjust to soil variations.
• Safely install HDPE conduit and underground infrastructure.
• Read utility locates and project plans to ensure safe operations.

Skills

HDD drilling experience

Valid driver's license

Read/interpret plans

Underground utility knowledge

Safety mindset

Ability to travel

Tools

Vermeer HDD equipment

Ditch Witch HDD equipment

Job description

Reports To: Construction Manager / HDD Foreman

Location: Southeastern US, open to any state from Alabama to Texas

About us

At TXO, we are transforming technology for a more sustainable future. Our people enable organisations worldwide to optimise and transform technology across its entire lifecycle, helping customers unlock value while reducing environmental impact through circular economy solutions.

Working at TXO means contributing to real-world change. Our global teams support critical infrastructure for customers in more than 140 countries, extending the life of technology, reducing waste, and helping organisations operate more sustainably. From engineering and operations to sales, finance, supply chain and corporate functions, every role plays a part in delivering meaningful impact.

We combine global reach with local expertise, creating opportunities to work on complex challenges across technology, commercial, operational, and business disciplines. Our culture is built on collaboration, innovation, and technical excellence, empowering our people to deliver practical solutions that make a measurable difference.

As we continue to grow globally, backed by TowerBrook Capital Partners’ impact strategy, we are committed to building an inclusive environment where our people can develop, thrive and help shape the future of sustainable technology.

Position Summary

The HDD Driller is responsible for safely operating Horizontal Directional Drilling (HDD) equipment to install underground telecommunications, fiber optic, and utility infrastructure. This role involves operating drilling equipment, executing bore plans, coordinating with HDD locators and crew members, maintaining equipment, and ensuring projects are completed safely, efficiently, and according to customer specifications. The ideal candidate has experience with directional drilling operations, strong knowledge of underground utility construction, and a commitment to safety and quality workmanship.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Safely operate HDD drilling equipment for the installation of telecommunications, fiber optic, and utility infrastructure.
• Execute bore plans and maintain bore path alignment as directed by the HDD Locator and project specifications.
• Coordinate closely with the HDD Locator to ensure accurate drill head tracking and bore placement.
• Perform pilot bores, reaming operations, and product pullbacks in accordance with project requirements.
• Set up, operate, and dismantle HDD drilling equipment and support systems.
• Inspect and maintain drilling fluid systems, mixing equipment, and related components.
• Monitor drilling conditions and adjust drilling operations to address varying soil and ground conditions.
• Safely install HDPE conduit, duct, and related underground infrastructure.
• Conduct potholing and utility verification activities as required to ensure safe drilling operations.
• Read and interpret utility locates, construction prints, bore profiles, and project plans.
• Perform daily equipment inspections and basic preventative maintenance.
• Monitor equipment performance and promptly report maintenance needs or mechanical issues.
• Load, unload, transport, and secure materials, tools, and equipment as required.
• Assist with restoration, site cleanup, traffic control, and other construction activities as needed.
• Ensure compliance with OSHA regulations, company safety policies, customer requirements, and damage prevention laws.
• Travel as required to project locations.

Required Qualifications

• Valid driver's license with acceptable driving record.
• Minimum 2 years of HDD drilling experience in telecommunications, fiber optic, utility, or underground construction environments.
• Experience operating directional drilling equipment and associated support equipment.
• Understanding of utility locating practices and damage prevention requirements.
• Ability to read and interpret construction plans, utility locates and bore profiles.
• Knowledge of HDD drilling fluid systems and bore installation techniques.
• Strong troubleshooting and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to work safely around underground and overhead utilities.
• Ability to work outdoors in varying weather conditions.
• Willingness to work overtime and occasional weekends as needed.

Preferred Qualifications

• Class A or Class B Commercial Driver's License (CDL).
• Fiber optic construction experience.
• Experience operating Vermeer, Ditch Witch, or similar HDD equipment.
• OSHA 10 or OSHA 30 certification.
• Experience operating additional construction equipment, including mini excavators, skid steers, vac trucks, and loaders.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to lift and carry up to 75 pounds.
• Ability to stand, walk, bend, kneel, and climb throughout the workday.
• Ability to enter and exit drilling equipment repeatedly.
• Ability to work in outdoor environments and varying terrain conditions.
• Ability to work near active construction equipment and utility infrastructure.

Safety Responsibilities

• Follow all company safety policies and procedures.
• Participate in safety meetings and training programs.
• Wear required personal protective equipment (PPE) at all times.
• Stop work and report unsafe conditions immediately.
• Ensure all utility locates and potholing requirements are completed prior to drilling operations.
• Maintain awareness of underground utility hazards and safe drilling practices.
• Operate equipment safely and within manufacturer guidelines at all times.
• Promote a safety-first culture among crew members.

Compensation and Benefits

• Competitive hourly wage based on experience.
• Overtime opportunities.
• Health, dental, and vision insurance.
• 401(k) with company match.
• Paid time off and holidays.
• Career advancement opportunities within telecommunications construction.