Horizontal Directional Drill Operator

TD&I Cable Maintenance, LLC; Town of Crandon (WI); On-site; USD 33,000 - 55,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical

Dental

Vision

Life Insurance

Short-term Disability

Long-term Disability

Health Savings Account/Flexible Spend

401(k) Match

Job summary

TD&I Cable Maintenance, LLC is looking for a Horizontal Directional Drill Operator to install underground utilities with minimal surface disruption in Wisconsin. You will operate HDD rigs, read maps, coordinate with utility companies, and ensure compliance with safety and regulatory standards.

Qualified candidates have a high school diploma or GED, a valid driver's license, and the ability to obtain a DOT medical card. CDL tanker endorsement is required for certain vehicle operations.

Qualifications

• Minimum one year of drill operator experience with underground utilities.
• Valid CDL with tanker endorsement for applicable vehicle types.
• Must obtain DOT medical card and pass regulatory checks.
• Working knowledge of OSHA and FMCSA/DOT guidelines.
• Ability to read utility maps, plans and blueprints accurately.
• Strong communication and leadership abilities.
• Good physical condition and stamina.

Responsibilities

• Operate horizontal directional drill equipment to install underground utilities.
• Perform daily inspections and maintenance for safety and efficiency.
• Read and interpret maps, plans, and blueprints to identify installation locations.
• Set up and clean up the job site and handle equipment, materials, and tools.
• Coordinate with utility companies to confirm locations and avoid disruptions.
• Ensure installations meet quality and regulatory standards.
• Collaborate with Foreman and crew; fill in when Foreman is off site.
• Maintain CDL tanker endorsement if operating appropriate vehicle combinations.

Skills

Drill operator experience

CDL with tanker endorsement

DOT medical card

OSHA/FMCSA knowledge

Reading blueprints/maps

Communication skills

Physical stamina

Attention to detail

Education

High School Diploma or GED

Job description

Description

The Horizontal Directional Drill Operator is responsible for operating directional drill rigs, locating equipment, and product support equipment. This role is crucial in the installation of underground conduits, cables, and other utilities with minimal surface disruption, ensuring compliance with all federal, state, and local regulations. The Drill Operator must possess excavation knowledge on OSHA regulations and safe excavation practices – benching, shoring, and excavating around live underground utilities. This role works closely with the Foreman on identifying potential hazards in excavation and conducts job site analysis. This role also often fills in for the Foreman when the Foreman is required to be off site.

Requirements

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Operate horizontal directional drill equipment to install underground utilities such as telecommunications.
• Perform daily inspections and maintenance on the equipment to ensure operational safety and efficiency.
• Read and interpret utility maps, plans, and blueprints to identify the correct location for installation and avoid existing utility infrastructure.
• Set up and clean up the job site, including loading and unloading equipment, materials, and tools.
• Coordinate with utility companies and other contractors to confirm locations of existing utilities and avoid service disruptions or damages.
• Ensure all installations meet quality and regulatory standards, as well as customer requirements.
• Works closely with Foreman and crew.
• Additionally, if operating commercial vehicle and trailer combinations over 26,000 LBS, drivers are required to have and maintain a Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) with a tanker endorsement, per FMCSA/DOT guidelines.

Minimum Skills & Experience Required:

• High School Diploma or GED required.
• Valid driver's license with minimal traffic violations in the past three years.
• Able to obtain a DOT medical card.
• Proven experience as a Utility Drill Operator.
• Translate and troubleshoot design prints, locate tickets, and permits.
• Excellent organizational and leadership skills.
• Ability to communicate and report effectively, problem solving abilities.
• Able to read, understand, and follow standard operating procedures for the operation of projects and associated equipment.
• Excellent communication, time management, multi-tasking, and problem skills.
• Strong attention to detail.
• Good physical condition and stamina.

Preferred Skills & Experience:

• 5+ years of experience as a Utility Drill Operator.
• In-depth knowledge of construction procedures, equipment, OSHA, and FMCSA/DOT guidelines.

Pay: Up to $40.00 per hour based on experience

Benefits:

• Medical
• Dental
• Vision
• Life Insurance
• Short-term and Long-term Disability
• Health Savings Account/Flexible Spending Account
• 401(k) Match