Horizontal Directional Drilling (HDD) Operator

Job Description

Horizontal Directional Drilling (HDD) Operator

Location: Tacoma, WA

Pay: $30–$40 per hour, depending on experience and CDL qualifications

Schedule: Monday–Friday, approximately 7:00 AM–6:00 PM; occasional weekends

Travel: Up to 75%

Why This Opportunity?

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• $30–$35/hour for experienced HDD Operators
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• $35–$40/hour for HDD Operators with a Class A CDL
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• Long-term project work in the Tacoma area, expected to last 3–4 years
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• Growing company with steady work and opportunities for advancement
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• Medical, dental, vision, 401(k), PTO, and bonus incentives
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• Opportunity to bring an experienced drilling crew
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About the Position

We are seeking an experienced Horizontal Directional Drilling (HDD) Operator to join a growing underground utility construction team supporting fiber optic infrastructure projects.

This is a hands-on field position requiring experience operating directional drilling equipment, understanding underground utilities, and safely completing bore installations in challenging soil and rocky terrain.

The ideal candidate is a skilled operator who takes pride in maintaining equipment, working safely, and leading a productive crew.

Key Responsibilities

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• Operate horizontal directional drilling equipment to install underground conduit and fiber infrastructure.
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• Set up drilling rigs, water tanks, grounding systems, and supporting equipment.
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• Coordinate with locators to confirm bore paths and safely guide drilling operations.
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• Perform potholing, trenching, vacuum excavation, and utility exposure.
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• Install pulling equipment and complete conduit pullbacks.
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• Assist with hand holes, tie-ins, backfilling, and site restoration.
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• Perform routine equipment maintenance, lubrication, inspections, and winterization.
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• Supervise and coordinate laborers and crew members.
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• Complete bore logs, equipment inspections, and daily job documentation.
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• Maintain safe, productive operations in challenging ground and weather conditions.
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Required Qualifications

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• Minimum 3 years of hands-on HDD operating experience.
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• Experience with underground utility installation, trenching, and potholing.
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• Ability to independently set up, operate, troubleshoot, and maintain directional drilling equipment.
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• Knowledge of underground utilities, bore paths, and safe excavation practices.
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• Experience working with vacuum excavation equipment.
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• Ability to communicate effectively with locators, supervisors, and field crews.
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• Willingness to work outdoors in all weather conditions, including rocky terrain.
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• Ability to travel up to 75% as required.
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• Acceptable driving record and ability to pass required background, drug screening, and pre-employment physical.
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Preferred Qualifications

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• Class A CDL with air brake endorsement (higher pay range).
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• Experience operating HDD equipment in rocky or difficult soil conditions.
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• Experience leading drilling crews.
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• Knowledge of DOT regulations and equipment inspections.
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• English/Spanish bilingual skills.
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What We're Looking For

We want a dependable, hardworking operator who knows how to run a drill, solve problems in the field, communicate with the locator, and keep a crew productive and safe.

If you have strong HDD experience, take care of your equipment, and enjoy working with a team that gets the job done right, we'd like to hear from you.