Traveling Horizontal Directional Drill Operator

North Sky Communications; Portland (OR); On-site; USD 52,000 - 78,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Weekly Paychecks

Paid Time Off & Holidays

Medical, dental, vision insurance

401(k) with company match

Education reimbursement

Legal insurance

Discounts on gym memberships

Job summary

North Sky Communications is seeking an experienced Traveling HDD Operator to operate directional drill rigs for fiber, conduit, and utility installations across Oregon. The role requires drilling, transportation of equipment, and on-site safety management, with extensive statewide travel.

We value hands-on experience (1–3+ years), a valid Class A CDL, and the ability to read blueprints and mud mixing parameters. This full-time position offers comprehensive benefits and a safety-first culture.

Qualifications

• Valid Class A CDL with clean driving record required.
• Minimum 1–3+ years operating HDD drill rigs in utility work.
• Willingness to travel statewide throughout Oregon (overnight stays as needed).
• Knowledge of drilling fluids, ground conditions, and utility prints/blueprints.

Responsibilities

• Set up, calibrate, and operate HDD drill rigs to bore for utilities.
• Drive Class A vehicles to haul equipment to job sites safely.
• Perform pre-bore inspections and verify utility locates before drilling.
• Maintain safety standards and coordinate with crew on-site.

Skills

CDL driving

Safety mindset

Equipment operation

Reading blueprints

Physical stamina

Tools

Vermeer

Ditch Witch

Job description

Discover a more connected career

We are seeking an experienced

Discover a more connected career

We are seeking an experienced Traveling Horizontal Directional Drill (HDD) Operator to join our underground utility team. This position requires operating directional boring rigs for fiber, conduit, and utility installations across various job sites throughout Oregon. The ideal candidate brings strong equipment operating skills, a safety-first mindset, and the flexibility to travel statewide.Job Type: Full-time | Location: Statewide Oregon (Travel Required)

Connecting You To Great Benefits

• Weekly Paychecks
• Paid Time Off, Parental Leave, and Holidays
• Insurance (including medical, prescription drug, dental, vision, disability, life insurance)
• 401(k) w/ Company Match
• Stock Purchase Plan
• Education Reimbursement
• Legal Insurance
• Discounts on gym memberships, pet insurance, and much more!

What You’ll Do

Equipment Operation: Set up, calibrate, and operate directional drill rigs (e.g., Vermeer, Ditch Witch) to perform precise underground bores for utility installations.
CDL Driving & Transport: Drive Class A vehicles (flatbeds, semi-trucks, trailer combinations) to haul drill rigs, mud vacuum systems, pipe, and heavy machinery safely to job sites across Oregon.
Site Preparation & Safety: Perform pre-bore inspections, verify 811 utility locates, and oversee potholing to visually expose underground utilities prior to drilling.
Fluids & Equipment Care: Mix and monitor drilling fluids (bentonite/polymers) appropriate for local soil conditions. Perform daily preventative maintenance (greasing, fluid checks, minor field repairs).
Crew Coordination: Work closely with the locator/tracker, field laborers, and site foremen to maintain line and grade while ensuring compliance with safety standards and traffic control plans.
Travel & Site Readiness: Travel extensively to active project sites across Oregon, remaining on-site for the duration of scheduled regional jobs.
Other duties as assigned

What You’ll Need

• Licensing: Valid Class A CDL with a clean driving record (Tanker endorsement preferred for water/mud haulers).
• Experience: Minimum of 1–3+ years of hands-on experience operating HDD drill rigs in utility construction.
• Statewide Travel: Ability and willingness to travel extensively throughout Oregon, including overnight stays as project schedules require.
• Technical Knowledge: Understanding of ground conditions, mud mixing ratios, and reading utility prints/blueprints.
• Physical Demands: Ability to lift up to 50–70 lbs, work in varied outdoor weather conditions, and perform manual labor as needed (digging, rigging equipment).
• Screening: Must pass a pre-employment DOT physical, drug screen, and background check (Safety-Sensitive Position).

Why grow your career with us

Your career here is more than just a job — it's your pathway to opportunity. Our hands-on training, supportive environment, and responsive leadership connect you to work with purpose. Our commitment to you extends beyond professional development to a safety-first culture that ensures you can do what you do best, with peace of mind.

Building stronger solutions together

Our company is an equal-opportunity employer — we are committed to providing a work environment where everyone can thrive, grow, and feel connected.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or veteran status.