HDD - Operator

Ontivity; Little Rock (AR); On-site; USD 60,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Ontivity is hiring an Horizontal Directional Drill Operator in Arkansas to manage HDD drilling, locating utilities, trenching, and site restoration. You will operate HDD equipment, mud-mixing gear, and related tools while adhering to safety standards on a field site.

The role requires strong teamwork, communication, and the ability to read technical drawings. Occasional travel and extended hours are expected as projects demand.

Qualifications

• High School diploma or GED is required.
• Experience operating HDD equipment and locating utilities is preferred.
• Ability to read drawings, piping diagrams and job specifications.

Responsibilities

• Perform HDD drilling, locating, trenching and site preparation tasks.
• Operate HDD and mud-mixing equipment safely and efficiently.
• Maintain equipment, perform preventative maintenance, and inspect tools.
• Ensure safety and quality guidelines are followed on site.
• Travel weekly as required and work long hours when needed.

Skills

Teamwork

Safety compliance

Effective communication

Reading blueprints

Reading & instructions

Education

High School diploma or GED

Tools

Ditch Witch

Vermeer

HDD Locate Equipment

Mud mixing equipment

Job description

Summary

The Horizontal Directional Drill Operator is responsible for all duties associated with and related to the safe, efficient, and cost-effective operation of Directional Drills and various mud-mixing equipment.

This is a safety-sensitive position.

Key Responsibilities

• Safety First – Put safety first and production second. Always.

• Perform HDD drilling, locating, trenching, setting hand holes, backfilling trenches, spotting existing utilities, and all other HDD-related tasks.

• Perform general site preparation, restoration, and right-of-way maintenance duties.

• Develop proficiency in the safe operation of HDD and other equipment.

• Perform preventative maintenance and inspections on HDD equipment.

• Operate power tools and account for tool inventory and upkeep daily on the job site and truck.

• Perform hand digging.

• Transport equipment to and from job sites.

• Load and unload equipment.

• Assist on the overall job, including all tasks required to build and install a site per customer specs, maintain a safe work environment, daily use, and completion of JSA forms, assisting with overall crew work, maintenance of vehicles and equipment, etc.

• Ensure that work is being performed in accordance with all safety and quality guidelines and expectations when the crew foreman is offsite.

• Must continue to work towards training and certifications for work-related jobs.

• Ensure the highest level of safety and quality control requirements are upheld.

• Other duties as assigned.

Physical Demands

• This job operates in a field environment. Must be in good physical condition with the ability to routinely bend, squat, climb, kneel, push, pull, lift 50lbs or more, lift in awkward positions, stand, and twist for extended periods.

• Must be willing to travel out of market/state for up to several months at a time (90%).

• May be required to work long and unpredictable hours.

• Must be able to pass pre-employment screening that includes DOT physical, background check, and drug/alcohol testing and participate in the random testing program.

• Must be willing to work in all weather conditions, including extreme heat, extreme cold, rain, ice, snow, and wind.

• Must have a valid driver’s license and be able to drive company vehicles. Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) is a plus.

Minimum Qualifications

Technical Skills

• Must be able to work in a team environment and be a valued member of the crew and the company.

• Must be proficient in HDD Operation for pilot bore, reaming, and product pullback. Properly operate rod loader systems and pump levels. Ditch Witch and Vermeer Experience preferred.

• Must be proficient with HDD mud mixing equipment and have a working knowledge of mud mixing materials and quantities.

• Must have a working knowledge of HDD Locate Equipment and underground utilities.

• Must have a working knowledge of 811 Requirements and Procedures.

• Must have successfully completed industrial first aid and rescue training.

• Must be able to read and understand drawings, piping diagrams, job specifications, mounting specs, testing procedures, etc.

Soft Skills

• Must be able to communicate effectively in person, by phone and radio with the supervisor, foreman, and co-workers.

• Must be able to read, comprehend and carry out instructions.

• Must work in a team environment participating in tailboards throughout the day.

• Must be able to work on a team and independently as required.

Supervisory Requirements

None.

Position Type and Expected Hours of Work

• This is a full-time position.

• Workdays and hours are typically Monday through Friday, 7:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., with some overtime requirements.

Travel

• Weekly travel is required for this position. Usually between 80 to 100% of the time.

Education and Experience

• Hig h School diploma or general education degree (GED).

Desired

• Two years of HDD drilling and/or locating experience.

EEO Statement

Ontivity provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, and genetics. In addition to federal law requirements, Ontivity complies with applicable state and local laws governing nondiscrimination in employment in every location in which the company has facilities. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training.

Ontivity expressly prohibits any form of workplace harassment based on race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, genetic information, disability, or veteran status. Improper interference with the ability of Ontivity’s employees to perform their job duties may result in discipline up to and including discharge.