HDD Operator

Atlas Group LLC; Buckhannon (WV); On-site; USD 60,000 - 90,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Dental insurance

Health insurance

Opportunity for advancement

Training & development

Weekly Payroll

Bonus Program

Wellness Program

Retirement Plan

Paid Leave Benefits

Job summary

Atlas Group LLC is seeking an experienced Horizontal Directional Drilling (HDD) Operator in Buckhannon, WV to join our team. You will operate HDD equipment and perform pilot bores, reaming, and product pullback to install underground utilities.

The role requires 3–5+ years of HDD experience, ability to read utility plans and bore profiles, and a valid driver’s license. Expect outdoor work, overtime, and potential travel, with a competitive pay and benefits package.

Qualifications

• 3–5+ years HDD experience.
• Experience operating 100k+ HDD drill rigs and related equipment.
• Ability to read utility plans, bore profiles and job specifications.
• Knowledge of utility installation including gas, water and sewer.
• Understanding of drilling fluid systems and basic mud mixing.
• Able to work safely around heavy equipment and active job sites.
• Valid driver’s license with acceptable driving record.
• Willingness to work outdoors in varying weather conditions and travel/overtime.

Responsibilities

• Operate HDD equipment to install underground utilities.
• Perform pilot bores, reaming operations, and product pullback.
• Monitor drilling parameters (torque, thrust, rotation, mud flow).
• Ensure bore path follows the designed profile and alignment.
• Assist drill rig setup and jobsite preparation.
• Inspect equipment daily and report maintenance needs.
• Coordinate tooling, drill rods, and reamers for each bore.
• Follow company safety procedures and jobsite regulations.
• Assist with utility locates and Dig Safe coordination.
• Communicate with locator, crew members, and supervisors.
• Support jobsite tasks including pipe handling and mud mixing.

Skills

HDD experience

Operate 100k HDD rigs

Read utility plans/bore profiles

Knowledge of gas/water/sewer utilities

Drilling fluid systems

Safety around heavy equipment

Valid driver's license

Willingness to travel/overtime

Tools

HDD drill rigs 100k+ capacity

Walkover locating systems

Drill head steering / bore path control

Job description

Benefits:

• Competitive salary
• Dental insurance
• Health insurance
• Opportunity for advancement
• Training & development

Horizontal Directional Drilling (HDD) Operator

Job Type: Full-Time

Competitive Pay + Bonus Program + Full Benefits

We are seeking an experienced Horizontal Directional Drilling (HDD) Operator to join our team. The ideal candidate MUST have experience operating HDD equipment 100k capacity or above for utility installation projects including natural gas, water, and sewer.

This position plays a key role in performing directional drilling operations safely and efficiently, while working closely with drill crews, supervisors, and project managers to complete installations on schedule.

Why Join Our Team

We offer a competitive compensation and benefits package, including:

• Competitive Pay
• Weekly Payroll
• Bonus Program
• Health Insurance
• Wellness Program
• Retirement Plan
• Paid Leave Benefits

Required Qualifications

• 3-5+ years of Horizontal Directional Drilling (HDD) experience
• Experience operating 100 k +HDD drill rigs and related equipment
• Ability to read utility plans, bore profiles, and job specifications
• Knowledge of utility installation including gas, water, and sewer
• Understanding of drilling fluid systems and basic mud mixing
• Ability to work safely around heavy equipment and active job sites
• Valid Driver's License with acceptable driving record
• Ability to work outdoors in varying weather conditions
• Willingness to work overtime and travel when required

Must pass:

• Pre-employment drug screening
• Background check
• Fit-for-duty medical exam

Preferred Qualifications

• Commercial Driver's License (CDL)
• Experience with walkover locating systems
• Experience with utility construction or pipeline installation
• Knowledge of drill head steering and bore path control
• Experience with reaming and product pullback operations
• OSHA safety training or utility safety certifications

Key Responsibilities

Drilling Operations

• Operate Horizontal Directional Drilling (HDD) equipment to install underground utilities
• Perform pilot bores, reaming operations, and product pullback
• Monitor drilling parameters including torque, thrust, rotation, and drilling fluid flow
• Ensure bore path follows the designed profile and alignment

Equipment & Jobsite Setup

• Assist with drill rig setup and jobsite preparation
• Inspect equipment daily and report maintenance needs
• Coordinate tooling, drill rods, and reamers for each bore

Safety & Compliance

• Follow all company safety procedures and jobsite regulations
• Work closely with crew members to maintain safe operations
• Assist with utility locates and Dig Safe coordination

Crew Coordination

• Communicate effectively with locator, crew members, and supervisors
• Assist with jobsite tasks including pipe handling, mud mixing, and site preparation
• Maintain productivity while ensuring quality and safety standards

Work Environment

This position involves outdoor construction work on active job sites and may include:

• Working in various weather conditions
• Lifting up to 50 lbs
• Standing, climbing, kneeling, crouching, and bending
• Working around heavy equipment and drilling machinery

Join a team that values safety, skill, and quality workmanship while providing opportunities for long-term career growth.