Traveling Horizontal Directional Drill Operator

North Sky Communications; Salem (OR); On-site; USD 55,000 - 85,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Weekly Paychecks

Paid Time Off

Parental Leave

Holidays

Insurance (medical, dental, vision, Rx

401(k) with company match

Stock Purchase Plan

Education Reimbursement

Legal Insurance

Gym discounts

Pet insurance

Job summary

North Sky Communications seeks an experienced Traveling HDD Operator to join our underground utility team across Oregon. You will operate directional drill rigs for fiber, conduit, and utility installations and travel extensively between project sites statewide.

The role requires CDL Class A, 1–3+ years of HDD experience, and a safety-first mindset. Expect varied field work, rigorous site prep, and adherence to DOT requirements in a fast-paced utility construction environment.

Qualifications

• Minimum 1–3+ years operating HDD drill rigs in utility construction.
• Valid Class A CDL with clean driving record (Tanker endorsement preferred).
• Ability to travel statewide across Oregon and stay overnight when required.

Responsibilities

• Set up, calibrate, and operate HDD drill rigs for underground bores.
• Drive and transport drill rigs and related equipment to job sites across Oregon.
• Perform pre-bore inspections, verify 811 locates, and oversee potholing before drilling.
• Mix and monitor drilling fluids appropriate for soil conditions; perform basic maintenance.
• Coordinate with crew to maintain line and grade and ensure safety and traffic control plans.

Skills

Equipment operation

Class A CDL

Reading blueprints

Safety mindset

Team coordination

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.