Utility Scale Horizontal Direction Drilling Foreman

R-2 Contractors; Wichita (KS); On-site; USD 55,000 - 76,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Union Wages

Union Retirement

Paid Time Off (PTO) / Sick Leave

Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance

5-Year Employment Appreciation Bonus

Job summary

R-2 Contractors is seeking an experienced Utility-Scale Horizontal Directional Drilling Foreman to lead field crews on nationwide HDD projects. You will safely plan, coordinate, and execute daily operations, mentor crew members, and ensure work meets safety and quality standards.

You will collaborate with Superintendents and Project Managers, manage bore plans, drill setup, and conduit installations, while maintaining productivity and adhering to project schedules.

Qualifications

• Minimum 5 years of Horizontal Directional Drilling, underground utility, or heavy civil construction experience.
• Minimum 2 years of experience as a Horizontal Directional Drilling Foreman leading field crews.
• Strong knowledge of bore planning, pilot bores, reaming practices, drill fluid systems, conduit installation, pullback operations, utility crossings, and trenchless construction methods.
• Experience operating or supervising Horizontal Directional Drill rigs, mud systems, vacuum excavation equipment, locating equipment, and associated support equipment.
• Ability to read and interpret project drawings, bore profiles, utility locates, and construction specifications.
• Working knowledge of utility locating, drill fluid management, production planning, and quality control.
• Ability to lead multiple craft personnel while maintaining productivity, quality, and safety.
• Excellent communication, leadership, organizational, and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to build strong working relationships with Superintendents, Project Managers, customers, utility owners, and field personnel.
• Demonstrated commitment to safety, accountability, quality workmanship, and operational excellence.
• Willingness to travel nationwide and work extended hours as project schedules require.
• Valid driver's license with an acceptable driving record.
• Ability to successfully complete pre-employment drug screening and background check.

Responsibilities

• Lead and supervise daily Horizontal Directional Drilling operations for utility-scale underground infrastructure projects.
• Plan daily work assignments and coordinate crews, drilling equipment, tooling, materials, subcontractors, and production activities.
• Read and interpret project drawings, bore profiles, utility locates, specifications, and construction documents.
• Coordinate drill setup, pilot bores, reaming operations, drill fluid management, conduit installation, pullback operations, and utility crossings.
• Ensure drilling operations are completed safely, accurately, and in accordance with project specifications and quality standards.
• Monitor daily production, manpower, equipment utilization, and project progress.
• Coordinate the operation of HDD drill rigs, mud systems, vacuum excavation equipment, support equipment, and tooling.
• Maintain a clean, organized, and safe work environment while promoting a strong safety culture.
• Coordinate with Superintendents, Project Managers, utility owners, survey crews, inspectors, subcontractors, and suppliers.
• Identify field issues and proactively communicate solutions before they impact production.
• Train, mentor, and develop crew members while building future field leaders.
• Complete daily reports, production tracking, bore logs, and required project documentation.
• Promote teamwork, accountability, and continuous improvement throughout the crew.
• Lead by example while living and reinforcing the R-2 Core Values every day.

Skills

HDD leadership

Field leadership

Safety-focused

Communication

Equipment operation

Tools

HDD rigs

Mud systems

Vacuum equipment

Locating equipment

Bore planning software

Job description

Join Our Team at R-2 Contractors!

R-2 Contractors is seeking an experienced and motivated Utility-Scale Horizontal Directional Drilling Foreman to lead field crews performing trenchless conduit installation on utility-scale power, renewable energy, transmission, and substation projects throughout the United States. This field leadership role is responsible for safely planning, coordinating, and executing daily Horizontal Directional Drilling (HDD) operations while delivering high-quality workmanship, developing crew members, and ensuring projects are completed safely, efficiently, and on schedule.

Working closely with the Superintendent and Project Management team, the Horizontal Directional Drilling Foreman oversees day-to-day field operations, including crew leadership, bore planning, drill setup, pilot bores, reaming, drill fluid management, conduit installation, utility crossings, equipment utilization, and quality control. Success in this role is measured by the ability to build productive crews, consistently deliver quality work, maintain a safe jobsite, and exemplify the R-2 standard of excellence.

Position: Utility-Scale Horizontal Directional Drilling Foreman

Location: Nationwide job sites

Travel Requirements

• This is a field-based position requiring 100% travel to active project sites throughout the United States
• Candidates must be willing to travel extensively and work extended schedules as required to support project demands

Salary

$40 - $55 per hour DOE (based on local union rates)

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and supervise daily Horizontal Directional Drilling operations for utility-scale underground infrastructure projects
• Plan daily work assignments and coordinate crews, drilling equipment, tooling, materials, subcontractors, and production activities
• Read and interpret project drawings, bore profiles, utility locates, specifications, and construction documents
• Coordinate drill setup, pilot bores, reaming operations, drill fluid management, conduit installation, pullback operations, and utility crossings
• Ensure drilling operations are completed safely, accurately, and in accordance with project specifications and quality standards
• Monitor daily production, manpower, equipment utilization, and project progress
• Coordinate the operation of HDD drill rigs, mud systems, vacuum excavation equipment, support equipment, and tooling
• Maintain a clean, organized, and safe work environment while promoting a strong safety culture
• Coordinate with Superintendents, Project Managers, utility owners, survey crews, inspectors, subcontractors, and suppliers
• Identify field issues and proactively communicate solutions before they impact production
• Train, mentor, and develop crew members while building future field leaders
• Complete daily reports, production tracking, bore logs, and required project documentation
• Promote teamwork, accountability, and continuous improvement throughout the crew
• Lead by example while living and reinforcing the R-2 Core Values every day

Requirements

• Minimum 5 years of Horizontal Directional Drilling, underground utility, or heavy civil construction experience
• Minimum 2 years of experience as a Horizontal Directional Drilling Foreman leading field crews
• Strong knowledge of bore planning, pilot bores, reaming practices, drill fluid systems, conduit installation, pullback operations, utility crossings, and trenchless construction methods
• Experience operating or supervising Horizontal Directional Drill rigs, mud systems, vacuum excavation equipment, locating equipment, and associated support equipment
• Ability to read and interpret project drawings, bore profiles, utility locates, and construction specifications
• Working knowledge of utility locating, drill fluid management, production planning, and quality control
• Ability to lead multiple craft personnel while maintaining productivity, quality, and safety
• Excellent communication, leadership, organizational, and problem-solving skills
• Ability to build strong working relationships with Superintendents, Project Managers, customers, utility owners, and field personnel
• Demonstrated commitment to safety, accountability, quality workmanship, and operational excellence
• Willingness to travel nationwide and work extended hours as project schedules require
• Valid driver's license with an acceptable driving record
• Ability to successfully complete pre-employment drug screening and background check

What Success Looks Like

• Builds a crew that works safely, efficiently, and takes pride in producing quality work
• Consistently delivers accurate, efficient, and high-quality trenchless conduit installations that meet project specifications and production goals
• Develops crew members into future Foremen and Superintendents
• Earning the trust and confidence of customers, inspectors, utility owners, and project leadership through reliable execution
• Plans ahead, communicates effectively, and resolves field challenges before they impact production
• Strengthens R-2 by continuously improving safety, quality, productivity, and teamwork

Our Leadership Philosophy

At R-2 Contractors, technical expertise may open the door—but leadership is defined by how you develop people, build teams, and live our Core Values.

Our leaders are expected to:

• Lead with integrity, humility, professionalism, and accountability
• Put the safety and success of their people first
• Coach, mentor, and develop future leaders
• Build trust through consistent execution and open communication
• Foster teamwork while empowering others to grow
• Hold themselves and others accountable to the highest standards
• Protect and strengthen the culture that makes R-2 different
• Leave their team stronger than they found it

R-2 Core Values

PRIDE – We take ownership of our work, our people, our equipment, and our reputation. Every project reflects the pride we have in our craft.

• Do What's Right
• Put Your Name On It
• Never Accept Mediocrity
• I Am R-2
• Grow or Die

GRIT – We embrace challenges, solve problems, overcome adversity, and never allow obstacles to define our success.

• Dig Deep and Grind It Out
• Give It Your All
• Do What It Takes
• Dedication

OWN IT! – We don't make excuses or point fingers. We own the outcome, communicate early, solve problems, and continually improve ourselves and our teams.

• Do What You Say
• Be Accountable
• If You Ain't First, You're Last
• Accept Criticism
• Own Your Position

Union Wages & Benefits

• Union Wages
• Union Retirement
• Paid Time Off (PTO) / Sick Leave
• Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance
• 5-Year Employment Appreciation Bonus

Equal Opportunity Employer

R-2 Contractors is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or protected veteran status.

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