Directional Drill Operator - Utility Construction

Job Description

Job Description

Job Title: Heavy Equipment Operator – Directional Drill Operator
Job Description

This role focuses on operating horizontal directional drilling (HDD) equipment to install underground utilities on utility and commercial construction sites. You will independently operate directional drilling equipment from day one, support general labor tasks such as site layout and cleanup, and maintain a strong commitment to safety while working outdoors in varying weather conditions across the eastern part of New York.

Responsibilities

• Operate directional drilling equipment and locating systems to install underground utilities, including fiber optic cables, water lines, electrical conduits, and underground conduit.
• Work independently to run horizontal directional drilling (HDD) equipment without requiring additional training on core equipment operation or project completion steps.
• Read and interpret utility maps, blueprints, and job specifications to plan and execute accurate bore paths.
• Monitor the bore path during drilling and adjust drilling parameters to maintain accuracy and avoid existing underground utilities.
• Perform pre-trip and post-trip inspections on drilling equipment and conduct routine maintenance to ensure safe and reliable operation.
• Assist with labor tasks on site, including work site layout, material handling, and site cleaning as needed.
• Meet at the shop each morning prior to 6:30 a.m., load required tools and equipment, and travel with the crew to job sites across the eastern part of New York.
• Communicate effectively with crew members, foremen, and project superintendents to coordinate safe and efficient operations.
• Maintain accurate records of drilling activities, bore logs, and job progress in accordance with project requirements.
• Apply knowledge of MWD/LWD, rotary steerable systems, torque and drag analysis, hydraulics optimization, and GeoSteering to support safe and efficient drilling operations where applicable.
• Follow all OSHA regulations, safety procedures, and company policies, including maintaining strong safety hygiene on every job.
• Use hand and power tools, construction equipment, and drilling support tools safely and correctly in the field.
• Remain willing and available to work overtime and occasional Saturdays based on project schedules.

Essential Skills

• At least 4 years of experience as a directional drill operator, with the ability to operate independently from day one.
• Proven experience operating horizontal directional drilling (HDD) equipment and locating systems for underground utility installation.
• Ability to read and interpret utility maps, blueprints, and job specifications.
• Strong understanding of underground utilities and utility locating practices to avoid conflicts and damage.
• Demonstrated commitment to good safety hygiene and adherence to OSHA regulations and safety procedures.
• Proficiency in operating construction and drilling equipment, including awareness of underground utility hazards.
• Physical stamina and endurance to work outdoors all day in varying weather conditions.
• Effective communication skills to coordinate with crew members and supervisors on site.
• High attention to detail and strong problem-solving abilities in a field construction environment.
• Willingness to assist with labor tasks such as site layout and site cleaning in addition to equipment operation.
• Willingness to travel within the eastern part of New York for job assignments.
• Willingness to work overtime and occasional Saturdays as required by project schedules.
• OSHA 10 certification.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Experience in site construction and utility construction, particularly involving underground conduit and underground utilities.
• Hands-on experience with utility locating and equipment checks in support of HDD operations.
• Familiarity with MWD/LWD (Measurement/Logging While Drilling) technologies.
• Experience operating rotary steerable systems.
• Ability to use well planning software such as WellPlan, Compass, or DrillScan.
• Knowledge of torque and drag analysis to optimize drilling performance.
• Experience with hydraulics optimization to improve drilling efficiency and safety.
• Understanding of GeoSteering and the ability to adjust drill paths based on geological data.
• Proficiency with a range of hand and power tools commonly used in construction and drilling.
• Experience working on crews ranging from small teams of 1–2 people up to larger crews of around 10.

Why Work Here?

You will join a stable organization with a strong and consistent pipeline of work, offering long-term project opportunities and steady employment. The company performs a significant amount of prevailing wage work, providing the potential for enhanced earnings on qualifying projects. You will work with experienced crews, gain exposure to diverse utility and commercial construction projects, and develop advanced technical drilling skills in a safety-focused environment.

Work Environment

This role is entirely field-based, with 100% of the work performed outdoors on utility and commercial construction sites. You will work in a range of weather conditions, including rain, snow, cold, heat, and wind, whenever conditions remain safe for the crew. The typical schedule runs Monday through Friday from approximately 6:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., with frequent overtime and occasional Saturday work based on project needs. Overtime may range from roughly 2 to 20 hours per week depending on the project schedule. Each day begins at the shop, where you will report before 6:30 a.m., meet with the site supervisor or foreman, load equipment and materials, and travel with the crew to the job site. Crew sizes vary from small teams of 1–2 people up to groups of around 10, and you will report to a foreman or project superintendent. You will regularly use horizontal directional drilling equipment, locating systems, construction equipment, and a variety of hand and power tools in the field.

Job Type & Location

This is a Permanent position based out of Cohoes, NY.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $30.00 - $38.00/hr.

Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your job classification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may be subject to specific elections, plan, or program terms. If eligible, the benefits available for this temporary role may include the following:
• Medical, dental & vision
• Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital
• 401(k) Retirement Plan – Pre-tax and Roth post-tax contributions available
• Life Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and dependents)
• Short and long-term disability
• Health Spending Account (HSA)
• Transportation benefits
• Employee Assistance Program
• Time Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation or Sick Leave)

Workplace Type

This is a fully onsite position in Cohoes,NY.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Jul 14, 2026.

About Aerotek

Aerotek® Inc. provides staffing and services solutions in manufacturing, logistics, construction, aviation, facilities and maintenance. We provide the expertise, solutions and people required to rise to the challenges of North American industry. Headquartered in Hanover, Md., Aerotek operates a unified network of over 200 offices across North America, supporting more than 18,000 clients each year. Aerotek is an Allegis Group company, the global leader in workforce and business solutions. To learn more, visit: Aerotek.com | 1-888-AEROTEK.

Aerotek offers weekly pay, employee benefits including medical, dental & vision, life insurance, health advocacy and employee assistance programs, a 401(k) plan, and employee discounts.

The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications without regards to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protected by law.

San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance:
Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, for all positions located in the city and county of San Francisco, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.

Massachusetts Lie Detector:
It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.

Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI):
We may use Artificial Intelligence (AI) to support parts of our hiring process, including sourcing, screening, and evaluating candidates. AI helps assess applications and qualifications, but final decisions are made by our hiring team. By applying, you acknowledge and agree that your application may be reviewed using AI tools.

Company Description

We know that finding work is hard, and finding meaningful work is harder. Aerotek connects 180,000+ light industrial and skilled trades workers with 14,000+ employers each year, helping our workers navigate an evolving labor market and find jobs that meet their goals, skills, and interests. Since 1983, we have provided a variety of career opportunities across North American industry – from short-term assignments at Fortune 500 companies where you can build your skills, to long-term opportunities where you can play a vital role in solving companies’ construction, manufacturing, and maintenance challenges. Our 1,500+ experienced recruiters across 250+ offices work relentlessly to put our workforce in a position to thrive. Let us rise to meet your challenges and put our people-are-everything spirit to the test as your career continues to grow.

Company Description

We know that finding work is hard, and finding meaningful work is harder. Aerotek connects 180,000+ light industrial and skilled trades workers with 14,000+ employers each year, helping our workers navigate an evolving labor market and find jobs that meet their goals, skills, and interests. Since 1983, we have provided a variety of career opportunities across North American industry – from short-term assignments at Fortune 500 companies where you can build your skills, to long-term opportunities where you can play a vital role in solving companies’ construction, manufacturing, and maintenance challenges. Our 1,500+ experienced recruiters across 250+ offices work relentlessly to put our workforce in a position to thrive. Let us rise to meet your challenges and put our people-are-everything spirit to the test as your career continues to grow.