Job Description
Position Summary:
Horizontal Directional Drill (HDD) Operators are responsible for operating horizontal directional drilling equipment to install underground utilities with minimal surface disruption. This includes planning and executing bore paths, setting up and maintaining equipment, and working collaboratively with drill locators and crew members to ensure safe, accurate, and efficient drilling operations.
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Supervisory Responsibilities: None
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Key Responsibilities:
· Equipment Operation
o Operate horizontal directional drilling (HDD) rigs and associated equipment to install utility lines such as water, gas, electric, sewer, and telecommunication conduits.
o Set up and maintain drilling equipment, including mixing and recycling systems, pumps, and support vehicles.
o Monitor drilling fluid pressures and conditions to maintain borehole integrity and prevent loss of circulation
o Ensure equipment is operated safely, efficiently, and in accordance with company and industry standards.
o Operate support equipment such as backhoes, mini-excavators, or vacuum excavation systems as needed.
· Safety & Compliance
o Follow all OSHA, DOT, environmental, and company safety guidelines.
o Use proper PPE and ensure crew adherence to safety protocols.
o Participate in job site safety meetings and job hazard assessments prior to each task.
· Documentation & Communication
o Read and interpret project plans, blueprints, and utility maps to determine bore paths and identify existing utilities.
o Communicate effectively with the Locator to ensure correct drill head navigation and successful bore completion.
o Maintain accurate and timely records of drilling activities, including bore logs, daily reports, and equipment usage.
o Perform pre-trip and post-trip inspections and basic maintenance on all assigned equipment.
o Report issues, incidents, and near-misses to supervisors promptly.
· Training & Mentorship
o Assist in training and mentoring laborers.
o Participate in ongoing training and certifications as required.
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Required Qualifications:
· Education & Certification:
o Valid Class A Driver’s License with tanker endorsement and clean driving record.
· Experience:
o Minimum 1 year of experience operating horizontal directional drilling equipment (e.g., Vermeer, Ditch Witch).
· Skills & Competencies:
o Strong mechanical aptitude and familiarity with drilling fluids and HDD guidance systems.
o Ability to read and understand utility locates, bore plans, and technical drawings.
o Excellent problem-solving skills and ability to make quick decisions in the field.
o Must be able to pass a pre-employment drug screen and background check.
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Preferred Qualifications:
· High School Diploma or GED
· Vocational school training or apprenticeship in drilling or heavy equipment
· OSHA 10
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Work Environment:
· Work outdoors in all weather conditions, including extreme heat, cold, rain, or snow.
· Exposure to dust, mud, insects, and loud equipment.
· Regularly exposed to construction hazards such as open trenches, moving equipment, and vehicular traffic.
· May require overtime or weekend work depending on project needs.
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Physical Requirements:
· Skills & Competencies:
o Must have physical strength, balance, hand-eye coordination, and stamina necessary to endure the daily activity involved on the job site.
o Perform continuous physical labor for extended periods (8–12 hours per day).
o Frequently lift, carry, push, or pull objects weighing up to 80 pounds unassisted.
o Occasionally lift items over 80 pounds with assistance.
· Mobility and Flexibility
o Stand, walk, and move over uneven terrain, construction sites, and confined areas for the majority of the workday.
o Bend, squat, kneel, climb, reach, twist, and crawl into trenches, under structures, or within tight enclosures.
o Climb ladders, steps, or equipment to access elevated or underground work zones.
o Must be able to drive or ride in a vehicle for up to 11 hours to travel to and from job sites.
· Manual Dexterity and Coordination
o Use hand tools and power tools with precision and control.
o Repetitive motion tasks such as digging, raking, or using wrenches and pliers.
o Ability to work with small components such as fiber cable and splicing equipment.
· Visual and Auditory Requirements
o Visual acuity sufficient to read labels, identify cables, and operate tools and vehicles.
o Color vision to distinguish wire or cable types.
o Hearing sufficient to recognize warning signals, equipment alarms, or instructions.
Company Description Anderson Underground Had a Mission...
Create a business that combined a passion for underground construction with honest roots. In 2004, this dream became a reality when Anderson Underground first opened its doors. With an emphasis on integrity and professionalism, Anderson used knowledge and experience to turn this local shop into a thriving business.
Anderson Underground Had a Mission...\r\nCreate a business that combined a passion for underground construction with honest roots. In 2004, this dream became a reality when Anderson Underground first opened its doors. With an emphasis on integrity and professionalism, Anderson used knowledge and experience to turn this local shop into a thriving business.\r\n\r\nThrough the years Anderson Underground continues to grow through the expansion of its team and project capabilities. Additions in equipment allowed the company to take on work in tougher conditions and experience substantial growth in client base. This work includes multiple telecoms such as WesTel Systems, Pioneer Telephone, BEK Communications, United Telephone, Interstate Telecom, Golden West Communications, Mid-Rivers Communications, and Eastern Slope Rural Telecommunications Cooperative (ESRTA). With a constantly expanding client base, Anderson Underground welcomes new opportunities anywhere in the United States.\r\n\r\nBy building the right executive team with almost 100 years of combined experience in project management and underground construction, Anderson Underground is enjoying some of its most successful years yet. We plan to continue this success through growth and careful planning. To learn more about us, explore our past projects and employment opportunities.
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