Directional Drill Operator

Job Description

Job Description

ByVerTek is now seeking an experienced and safety-focused Horizontal Directional Drill Operator based in Mesa, Arizona to join our growing telecommunications construction team. In this role, you will be responsible for operating directional drilling equipment and supporting underground fiber installation projects, ensuring bore accuracy, utility avoidance, and compliance with safety and quality standards. The Horizontal Directional Drill Operator plays a critical role in delivering reliable infrastructure by collaborating closely with field leadership, interpreting plans, and executing work efficiently in diverse environments.

What You'll Do:

• Confirm bore path with Field Supervisor/Construction Manager and Drill Locator (including walking the bore path)
• Operate directional drills, mini-excavators, and other equipment to install underground fiber
• Set up job equipment and reel trailers proficiently
• Perform utility exposes (potholing) and understand the utility locate process
• Locate other utilities as needed and maintain clearances from other utilities, ground, road, highway, sidewalk, and non-pedestrian areas
• Transport, handle, and place conduits (rolled and stick) in a proper manner
• Properly transport and install fiber reels
• Install fiber cables in conduits following proper procedures
• Set and secure pedestals and vaults accurately
• Read and interpret blueprints
• Adhere to OSHA safety requirements to ensure safe and efficient completion of the job(s)
• Maintain regular phone communication throughout the workday
• Perform any other duties as assigned

Qualifications:

• 3+ years experience in operating Horizontal Directional Drill for installation of underground telecommunications cable conduit, including fiber optic cable
• Good verbal communication skills
• Valid Driver’s License (Class A Driver’s License (CDL) strongly preferred)

Education:

• High School, Some college or vocational school a plus
• Military experience a plus

Work Environment:

• Must perform work with minimal supervision
• Must be able to prioritize multiple projects and perform under pressure and follow safety standards
• Must negotiate timeframes for completion and meet critical deadlines
• Must be willing and able to work with other coworkers to complete job assignments

Working Conditions & Exposure:

• Primarily field-based role requiring regular travel to job sites.
• Work performed outdoors with exposure to varying weather conditions, uneven terrain, and moderate noise levels.
• Occasional evening or weekend work may be required based on project needs.

Physical Requirements:

The physical demands described here are representative of those required to successfully perform the essential functions of this position:

• Ability to stand, walk, and work outdoors for extended periods.
• Ability to safely navigate active construction environments.
• Capability to lift and carry materials or equipment weighing up to 50 pounds as part of normal field activities.
• Frequent bending, kneeling, climbing, and reaching during inspections and site supervision.
• Visual acuity sufficient to read construction drawings, maps, and digital displays.
• Manual dexterity required to operate tools, equipment, and computer devices.
• Ability to wear and properly utilize required personal protective equipment (PPE), including hard hat, safety vest, gloves, and protective eyewear and lead safe construction processes by example to prevent injury prevention (i.e. vehicle use, construction processes, bending and lifting safety).

About Us:

As fiber build experts, ByVerTek provides turnkey services for broadband infrastructure projects where failure is not an option. From design, engineering and locating, to aerial and underground construction and fiber-to-the-home fulfillment, we help digital providers build, upgrade, and maintain the physical infrastructure for delivering high-speed Internet, video, voice, wireless and IoT services – from residential and commercial builds to state-wide fiber network expansions. Our dedication to do it all correctly, safely, on time and on budget has earned us ongoing business from many of the biggest names in the industry. For additional information, please review our website at

We Offer Our Employees:

• Paid Vacation and Paid Sick Time
• Eleven (11) Company-observed Holidays per year
• Medical insurance
• Dental insurance
• Vision insurance
• Company-paid Short-term disability coverage and Basic Company Paid Life/AD & D insurance
• Voluntary Life insurance coverage for employees and their families
• Voluntary Long-Term disability coverage
• Supplemental benefits plans to assist with out-of-pocket expenses
• Flexible Spending accounts
• 401K
• Company Bonus Program

EEO Statement:

ByVerTek provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws.

This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training.