Horizontal Directional Drill Operator

Ruffrestoration; United States; On-site; USD 30,000 - 47,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health, dental, and vision insurance

Retirement plan 401(k) with employer

Overtime opportunities

Quarterly Production Bonus

Job summary

Ruffrestoration is seeking an HDD Operator to safely install underground utilities using horizontal directional drilling methods. You will operate HDD equipment, maintain bore alignment, and coordinate with the Locator to meet project specs, safety regulations, and owner standards.

Responsibilities include drilling operations, setting up equipment per plans, installing conduits for multiple utilities, and ensuring bore integrity.

Qualifications

• Experience installing gas, sewer, water, electrical, and telecommunications utilities.
• Strong understanding of HDD methods, tooling, and drilling fluids.
• Ability to read and interpret construction drawings, bore profiles, and utility plans.
• Valid driver’s license (CDL preferred or ability to obtain).
• Strong communication and teamwork skills.
• Ability to work outdoors in varying weather conditions and perform physically demanding tasks.
• Must be able to pass background check and drug screening.

Responsibilities

• Operate HDD rigs to drill pilot bores, perform reaming, and complete pullback operations.
• Set up and align drilling equipment per bore profiles and project plans.
• Install conduit, casing, pipe for gas, sewer, water, electrical, and telecommunications systems.
• Maintain proper bore path, depth, and alignment throughout drilling operations.
• Monitor drilling pressures, tooling performance, and drilling fluid flow to protect bore integrity.
• Coordinate continuously with the HDD Locator to make real-time adjustments.
• Install conduit, casing, pipe, or product for gas, sewer, water, electrical, and telecommunications systems.
• Perform daily inspections and routine maintenance on HDD equipment.

Skills

HDD operations

Reading drawings & profiles

Safety compliance

Physical stamina

Communication & teamwork

Tools

CDL preferred or ability to obtain

OSHA 10/30 certification

Locating systems experience

Job description

EMPLOYMENT TYPE : Full-Time (50+ hours weekly)

JOB SUMMARY

The Horizontal Directional Drill (HDD) Operator is responsible for the safe, accurate, and efficient installation of underground utilities using horizontal directional drilling methods. This role involves operating HDD equipment, maintaining bore alignment, coordinating with the Locator, and ensuring installations meet project specifications, safety regulations, and utility-owner standards for gas, sewer, water, electrical, and telecommunications infrastructure.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES :

Drilling Operations

• Operate HDD rigs and support equipment to drill pilot bores, perform reaming, and complete pullback operations.
• Set up and align drilling equipment according to approved bore profiles and project plans.
• Install conduit, casing, pipe, or product for gas, sewer, water, electrical, and telecommunications systems.
• Maintain proper bore path, depth, and alignment throughout drilling operations.
• Monitor drilling pressures, tooling performance, and drilling fluid flow to protect bore integrity.
• Coordinate continuously with the HDD Locator to make real-time adjustments.
• Install conduit, casing, pipe, or product for gas, sewer, water, electrical, and telecommunications systems.

Safety & Compliance

• Follow all company safety policies and Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) regulations.
• Participate in job hazard analyses (JHAs).
• Ensure compliance with utility locate requirements and damage-prevention best practices.
• Immediately report utility strikes, near misses, or unsafe conditions.

Equipment & Site Maintenance

• Perform daily inspections, routine maintenance, and minor repairs on HDD equipment.
• Maintain clean, organized, and compliant job sites.
• Assist with mobilization, demobilization, and traffic control when required.

QUALIFICATIONS :

Required

• Experience installing gas, sewer, water, electrical, and telecommunications utilities.
• Strong understanding of HDD methods, tooling, and drilling fluids.
• Ability to read and interpret construction drawings, bore profiles, and utility plans.
• Valid driver’s license (CDL preferred or ability to obtain).
• Strong communication and teamwork skills.
• Ability to work outdoors in varying weather conditions and perform physically demanding tasks.
• Must be able to pass background check and drug screening.

Preferred

• Minimum 2 years of experience operating HDD equipment.
• OSHA 10 or OSHA 30 certification.
• Experience with multiple HDD rig sizes and locating systems.
• First Aid/CPR certification.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Ability to lift up to 75 lbs.
• Ability to stand, walk, bend, kneel, and climb for extended periods.
• Visual and auditory ability to work safely around heavy equipment.

WORK ENVIRONMENT:

• Outdoor construction environments with exposure to weather, noise, dust, and heavy machinery.
• Travel to multiple job sites as required.
• Overtime, weekends, and on-call work may be required based on project schedules.

COMPENSATION & BENEFITS:

• Competitive pay based on experience
• Quarterly Production Bonus
• Overtime opportunities
• Dedicated drill crews
• Health, dental, and vision insurance
• Retirement plan 401(k) with employer match

Serving customers throughout Michigan's lower Peninsula