Horizontal Directional Drilling Operator – Fort Worth, TX

MICA Corporation; Fort Worth, Northern (TX, KY); Hybrid; USD 42,000 - 65,000; Full time

Job summary

MICA Corporation is hiring an Horizontal Directional Drilling Operator in Fort Worth, TX. You will control the drilling machine and coordinate with the locator for underground electrical work on Texas highways.

The role requires operating a Vermeer HDD, performing safety checks, and ensuring proper setup and alignment of the rig on site. Responsibilities include rig setup, utility locating, crew equipment inspections, manual digging, and installing conduits or cables.

Qualifications

• Experience operating Vermeer Horizontal Directional Drills.
• Ability to read blueprints and locate utilities.
• Willing to perform physically demanding tasks outdoors.

Responsibilities

• Proficiency in operating a Vermeer Horizontal Directional Drills.
• Conduct inspections on crew equipment and vehicles for proper care.
• Identify utilities and guide drilling to safe operation.
• Assist in loading and unloading equipment and supplies.
• Hand dig with shovel, post hole digger, jackhammer and picks.
• Set up drilling rig at entry and exit points.
• Operate drill controls to maintain depth and direction.
• Monitor drilling with locating equipment to avoid obstacles.
• Manage drilling fluids and remove debris from site.
• Pull electrical cable through pilot hole after drilling.
• Place conduit, cable, or pipe in trenches and make connections.

Skills

Equipment operation

Safety compliance

Blueprint reading

Rig maintenance

Tools

Vermeer HDD drill

Job description

Horizontal Directional Drilling Operator – Fort Worth, TX

Position: Horizontal Directional Drilling Operator/ Crew Leader

Horizontal Directional Drilling Operator is responsible for controlling the drilling machine and adjusting the pressure and rotation of the rig with the assistance of the locator for underground electrical work on Texas highways.

Location: Fort Worth, TX

Industry: Specialty Highway Construction

Labor Type: Working Operator

Type of Employment: Non-Exempt, Full-time, at will.

Duties & Responsibilities (include, but are not limited to)

• Proficiency in operating a Vermeer Horizontal Directional Drills
• Conduct inspections on all crew’s equipment, and vehicles and ensure that the equipment is appropriately cared for
• Understand blueprints and locate underground utilities by hand or Vectron to ensure machine operates safely.
• Assisting in loading & unloading of equipment and supplies needed to complete the job
• Hand digging with shovels, post hole diggers, jackhammer, and picks
• Setting up the drilling rig at the entry and exit points.
• Operating the drill controls to maintain the desired depth and direction.
• Monitoring the drilling process using locating equipment to avoid obstacles.
• Managing the drilling fluid (mud) used to lubricate the drill bit and remove debris.
• Pulling the electrical cable through the drilled hole once the pilot hole is completed.
• Place conduit / cable, or pipe in trenches, splice conduit sections, install couplers, place anchors, pedestals, ground boxes, etc. to complete construction tasks

Required Skills and Abilities

• Always wear appropriate PPE (Personal Protection Equipment) including, safety vest, hard-hat, protective eyewear, gloves, ear plugs, dust mask, and steel toed boots
• Ensure that safety cones, lights, and appropriate vehicle flagging, and lane closure precautions are met
• Hand load rods
• Prepare tooling for product install
• Check oil level, tire pressure, other fluids (including hydraulic), grease points on all equipment and vehicles daily
• Organize tools, toolbox, trailer and replenish stock daily for preparation
• Set fire extinguisher alongside the drill on every jobsite
• Ensure work zone and equipment is free of garbage and debris

Physical Requirements

• Work is performed outdoors in all types of weather conditions
• Work includes heavy lifting (typically up to 50-100 lbs.)
• Exposure to noise, fumes, vibrations, and heights
• Exposure to prolonged periods of standing, kneeling, stooping, reaching, crawling, and climbing
• Ability to remain flexible as specific assignments change
• Must have physical strength, balance, hand-eye coordination, and stamina necessary to complete jobs in various areas

MICA Corporation is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, national origin, disability, or protected Veteran status.

MICA Corporation participates in the federal government’s E-Verify program.

E-Verify, an internet-based system operated by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security in partnership with the Social Security Administration, allows participating employers to electronically verify the employment eligibility of new hires and the validity of their Social Security numbers.
Newly hired employees will be required to provide legally acceptable proof of their identity and authorization to work in the United States.

E-Verify is a registered trademark of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security.
Learn more at E-Verify website or call 1-800-255-7688