HDD Driller / Foreman

Hollybank Trustees Ltd; Monahans (TX); On-site; USD 34,000 - 62,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health, dental, and vision insurance

401(k) with company match

Paid time off and holidays

Career advancement opportunities

Job summary

TXO is seeking a HDD Driller / Foreman to safely operate horizontal directional drilling equipment while leading field crews on underground telecom and fiber optic projects.

The role requires strong directional drilling experience, leadership, and a solid understanding of utility locating, bore plans, and safety protocols; occasional travel to project sites is expected.

Qualifications

• Minimum 3 years HDD drilling experience in telecommunications, fiber optic, or underground utility construction.
• Minimum 1 year of crew leadership, lead driller, or foreman experience.
• Valid driver's license with acceptable driving record.
• Strong ability to read construction plans, utility locates, and bore profiles.
• Willingness to work overtime and occasional weekends as needed.

Responsibilities

• Safely operate HDD drilling equipment for telecom, fiber optic, and utility installations.
• Lead HDD crews and coordinate daily work to meet production schedules.
• Read and interpret utility locates, construction prints, bore profiles and project specs.
• Maintain quality control and safety throughout drilling operations.
• Travel to project locations as required.

Skills

HDD drilling experience

Crew leadership

Reading construction plans

Underground utility locating

Problem-solving

Tools

Vermeer HDD equipment

Ditch Witch HDD equipment

Job description

Location: Southeast 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 / Foreman is responsible for safely operating Horizontal Directional Drilling (HDD) equipment while leading field crews performing underground telecommunications and fiber optic construction projects. This role combines the technical responsibilities of HDD drilling operations with the leadership responsibilities of supervising crews, coordinating daily work activities, ensuring quality installations, maintaining production schedules, and enforcing all safety requirements. The ideal candidate possesses strong directional drilling experience, leadership skills, and a thorough understanding of underground utility construction and damage prevention practices.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Safely operate HDD drilling equipment for the installation of telecommunications, fiber optic, and utility infrastructure.
• Perform pilot bores, reaming operations, and product pullbacks in accordance with project requirements.
• Execute bore plans and maintain bore path alignment as directed by project specifications and HDD locating personnel.
• Lead and supervise HDD crews during drilling, conduit installation, restoration, and related construction activities.
• Conduct daily job briefings, safety meetings, and work assignments to ensure efficient project execution.
• Coordinate crew activities to maintain production schedules and meet customer deadlines.
• Read and interpret utility locates, construction prints, bore profiles, and project specifications.
• Monitor drilling conditions and adjust drilling operations to address varying soil and ground conditions.
• Identify and mitigate risks associated with underground utility crossings and congested utility corridors.
• Ensure proper potholing and utility verification procedures are completed before drilling activities begin.
• Set up, operate, and dismantle HDD drilling equipment, tooling, and support systems.
• Inspect and maintain drilling fluid systems, mixing equipment, and related components.
• Safely install HDPE conduit, duct, and related underground infrastructure.
• Inspect conduit installations to ensure compliance with project specifications and customer requirements.
• Perform quality control inspections throughout all phases of HDD operations.
• Maintain communication with construction & project managers, inspectors, and utility representatives as required.
• Support setup, operation, and breakdown of HDD equipment and support vehicles.
• Load, unload, transport, and secure equipment, materials, and tools as required.
• Perform daily equipment inspections and basic preventative maintenance.
• Monitor equipment condition and report maintenance needs or deficiencies promptly.
• Assist with restoration, traffic control, and general construction activities as needed.
• Complete daily production reports, bore logs, safety documentation, equipment inspection records, and required construction documentation.
• 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 3 years of HDD drilling experience in telecommunications, fiber optic, or underground utility construction.
• Minimum 1 year of crew leadership, lead driller, or foreman experience.
• Strong understanding of underground utility locating and damage prevention practices.
• Experience reading construction plans, utility locates, and bore profiles.
• Knowledge of HDD drilling operations, drilling fluid systems, conduit installation, and telecommunications construction standards.
• Ability to safely operate HDD drilling equipment and associated support equipment.
• Strong communication, leadership, 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, vacuum excavators, and loaders.
• Experience with utility construction for telecommunications, electric, gas, water, or municipal infrastructure projects.

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 walk long distances over uneven terrain while overseeing drilling operations.
• 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, potholing, and hazard mitigation 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 all crew members.
• Ensure compliance with customer, local, state, and federal safety requirements.

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.