HDD Operator

Klaasmeyer Construction Company, Inc.; Nashville (TN); On-site; USD 50,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

Klaasmeyer Construction Company, Inc. is looking for an HDD Operator in Nashville, TN. The ideal candidate will have 2-4 years of experience operating HDD rigs for underground utilities. Responsibilities include planning bore paths, maintaining bore integrity, and managing drilling fluids.

This safety-sensitive position requires a valid driver’s license and may require overnight travel. Candidates should be comfortable with heavy lifting, outdoor work in various weather conditions, and operating near pressurized equipment.

Qualifications

• 2–4 years of verifiable HDD rig operating experience preferred.
• Experience with pilot bore, reaming, and pullback operations.
• Proven air hammer drill experience.

Responsibilities

• Operate HDD rig for underground utility installation.
• Plan and execute bore paths from project drawings.
• Manage drilling fluid mix and bore integrity.

Skills

HDD rig operating experience

Pilot bore, reaming, and pullback operations

Air hammer drill experience

Remote bore tracking systems

Drilling fluid management knowledge

Valid driver's license

OSHA 10 certification

Tools

Vermeer rig

Ditch Witch rig

American Augers rig

Job description

Description

The south-central leader in construction services for telephone and fiber line installation for over 50 years, Klaasmeyer Construction Company is looking for our next HDD Operator to join the Field Operations team. We're hiring our next operator to run bores to lay and pull underground piping that keeps our communities connected. You'll be running bores for pulling and installing underground utilities — the kind of work that keeps our communities connected.

What You'll Be Doing

• Operating the HDD rig to bore underground pathways for conduit and fiber optic cable installation
• Planning bore paths from project drawings and utility locate sheets, then executing them in the field
• Running pilot bores, pre-ream passes, and product pullback from start to finish
• Managing drilling fluid mix and pressure to maintain bore integrity and control spoils
• Tracking bore head location and depth using remote guidance systems
• Coordinating with your locator and bore crew to keep operations moving safely and on schedule
• Performing daily rig inspections, routine maintenance, and keeping your equipment in top working condition
• Documenting bore logs, footage, fluid usage, and daily production accurately

What We Need From You

• 2–4 years of verifiable HDD rig operating experience — telecom, utility, or underground construction background preferred
• Experience with pilot bore, reaming, and pullback operations
• Proven air hammer drill experience
• Proficient with remote bore tracking systems (DigiTrak, Subsite, or equivalent)
• Comfortable operating mid-to-large class rigs (Vermeer, Ditch Witch, American Augers, or similar)
• Working knowledge of drilling fluid management and soil conditions
• Understanding of 811/one-call processes and underground utility protection
• Valid driver's license required; CDL a plus
• OSHA 10 preferred or willingness to obtain; OSHA 30 a plus
• Willing to travel overnight or out-of-state when projects require it

The Physical Reality

• Heavy construction work: outside in all weather, operating a drill rig, handling pipe and tooling, and working around pressurized equipment and underground utilities every day.
• Regular lifting of drill pipe, tooling, and equipment — up to 50–75+ lbs.
• Standing and walking on uneven terrain for full shift durations
• Extended periods at the rig console during active bore operations
• Outdoor work in heat, cold, rain, and mud — all year round
• Exposure to pressurized systems, heavy equipment, and drilling fluids daily
• Elevated noise levels from rig operation — hearing protection required

This is a safety-sensitive position subject to pre-employment and ongoing drug and alcohol testing per company policy.