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Contract Directional Drilling Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Directional Drill Foreman

Columbus, OH · On-site

$30 - $45/hr

You will oversee daily drilling activities, coordinate field operations, and ensure work is ... This document does not create an employment contract, implied or otherwise, other than an "at-will ...

Directional Drill Locator

Panama City, FL · On-site

$21.75 - $26.75/hr

... drilling, and construction operations. You will utilize specialized locating equipment, mapping ... This document does not create an employment contract, implied or otherwise, other than an "at-will ...

Directional Drill Locator

Huntsville, AL · On-site

$24 - $29.50/hr

... drilling, and construction operations. You will utilize specialized locating equipment, mapping ... This document does not create an employment contract, implied or otherwise, other than an "at-will ...

... directional drilling strategies * Prepare and manage well cost estimates, AFEs, and detailed risk ... Lead vendor selection processes, including technical evaluations, bid reviews, and contract ...

... directional drilling strategies * Prepare and manage well cost estimates, AFEs, and detailed risk ... Lead vendor selection processes, including technical evaluations, bid reviews, and contract ...

... directional drilling strategies * Prepare and manage well cost estimates, AFEs, and detailed risk ... Lead vendor selection processes, including technical evaluations, bid reviews, and contract ...

Drilling Crew Foreman

Portland, OR · On-site

$2.0K - $4.0K/wk

Contract Location: United States - Portland, OR Reporting To: Denis Mezer Compensation: $2,000 - $4 ... This role is ideal for highly motivated leaders with strong horizontal directional drilling (HDD ...

Drilling Crew Foreman

Seattle, WA · On-site

$2.0K - $4.0K/wk

Contract Location: United States - Seattle, WA Reporting To: Denis Mezer Compensation: $2,000 - $4 ... This role is ideal for highly motivated leaders with strong horizontal directional drilling (HDD ...

Drilling Crew Foreman

Vancouver, WA · On-site

$2.0K - $4.0K/wk

Contract Location: United States - Vancouver, WA Reporting To: Denis Mezer Compensation: $2,000 ... This role is ideal for highly motivated leaders with strong horizontal directional drilling (HDD ...

Drilling Crew Foreman

Denver, CO · On-site

$2.0K - $4.0K/wk

Contract Location: United States - Denver, CO Reporting To: Denis Mezer Compensation: $2,000 - $4 ... This role is ideal for highly motivated leaders with strong horizontal directional drilling (HDD ...

Drilling Crew Foreman

Salem, OR · On-site

$2.0K - $4.0K/wk

Contract Location: United States - Salem, OR Reporting To: Denis Mezer Compensation: $2,000 - $4 ... This role is ideal for highly motivated leaders with strong horizontal directional drilling (HDD ...

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Contract Directional Drilling information

See salary details

$13

$26

$34

How much do contract directional drilling jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 27, 2026, the average hourly pay for contract directional drilling in the United States is $26.10, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $23.32 and $28.85 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are some common challenges faced by professionals in contract directional drilling roles?

Contract directional drilling professionals often encounter challenges such as adapting to rapidly changing site conditions, managing tight project timelines, and ensuring precise borehole placement to avoid existing underground infrastructure. Since the work is typically project-based, you may work with different teams and clients, requiring strong communication and collaboration skills. Additionally, staying current with the latest technology and safety standards is crucial for success and minimizing downtime or costly errors.

What is contract directional drilling?

Contract directional drilling refers to the practice where companies hire specialized drilling contractors to drill wells that are not straight down but follow a planned path underground. This method is often used in the oil and gas industry to reach reservoirs that are difficult to access with vertical wells, avoid obstacles, or increase extraction efficiency. Contractors provide the equipment, expertise, and personnel needed to perform this complex drilling, ensuring precision and safety while meeting the client’s project requirements.

What is the difference between Contract Directional Drilling vs Directional Drilling Technician?

AspectContract Directional DrillingDirectional Drilling Technician
CredentialsCertifications in directional drilling, safety trainingSame certifications, specialized in equipment operation
Work EnvironmentProject-based, on-site at drilling locationsOn-site, operating and maintaining drilling tools
Employer & IndustryContractors, oil & gas, utilitiesOil & gas companies, service providers
Search & Comparison IntentYesYes

Contract Directional Drilling involves managing drilling projects on a contractual basis, often overseeing multiple crews and ensuring project goals are met. Directional Drilling Technicians focus on operating and maintaining drilling equipment on-site. Both roles require similar certifications and work in the same industry environments, but their responsibilities differ in scope and focus.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Contract Directional Drilling professional, and why are they important?

To excel as a Contract Directional Drilling professional, you need a solid background in drilling engineering, geology, and experience with well planning, typically supported by relevant technical degrees or certifications. Familiarity with drilling software (such as Landmark or WellPlan), measurement-while-drilling (MWD) tools, and industry safety standards is essential. Strong problem-solving abilities, effective teamwork, and clear communication are vital soft skills in this role. These competencies ensure precise wellbore placement, operational efficiency, and safety on complex drilling projects.
More about Contract Directional Drilling jobs
What cities are hiring for Contract Directional Drilling jobs? Cities with the most Contract Directional Drilling job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Directional Drilling jobs? The most popular types of Directional Drilling jobs are:
What states have the most Contract Directional Drilling jobs? States with the most job openings for Contract Directional Drilling jobs include:
Infographic showing various Contract Directional Drilling job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 57% Full Time, 22% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 20% Contract. Highlights an 79% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 19% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $54,296 per year, or $26.1 per hour.

Directional Drill Foreman

Gudenkauf, a Congruex company

Columbus, OH

$30 - $45/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 26 days ago


Job description

Reports To: Construction Manager
Travel Potential: 25–50% (Overnight travel as business needs require)
Compensation: $30.00 – $45.00 Hourly

Company Profile

Congruex provides digital infrastructure solutions through engineering and construction services that connect communities nationwide. This includes wireline, wireless, data centers, and utility services from initial concept to market go-live.

With employees across the United States and India, the work we do enables essential infrastructure for the future of communications.

Build a Career. Build What Matters.

Job Summary

As the Directional Drill Foreman, you will ultimately be responsible for leading directional drilling operations, operating drilling equipment, and supporting underground utility construction projects while maintaining a safe work environment. You will oversee daily drilling activities, coordinate field operations, and ensure work is completed safely, efficiently, and to quality standards. As the Directional Drill Foreman, your customers are internal construction teams, project managers, and telecommunications clients, and you will make meaningful contributions to the company's success through operational leadership, quality workmanship, and safety excellence.

Key Responsibilities (Including, but not limited to):

  • Lead directional drilling and locating operations to support underground telecommunications and utility construction projects.
  • Operate directional drilling equipment and other construction machinery while assisting with daily field operations.
  • Support drilling activities by locating predetermined drill paths and ensuring safe, accurate execution of work.
  • Perform work safely in both standard and high-risk construction environments while maintaining compliance with company safety standards.
  • Communicate effectively with crew members, supervisors, and customers while supporting daily project execution.
  • Travel overnight to project locations as business needs require.
  • Additional responsibilities within functional scope based on business needs.

Required Qualifications

Education, Licensing, and Certifications

  • High school diploma or equivalent preferred.
  • Valid driver's license with an acceptable driving record.

Experience

  • Minimum one year of recent experience in directional drilling and/or utility locating.
  • Experience within telecommunications, underground utility, or construction environments.

Skills and Abilities

  • General knowledge of directional drilling equipment, underground construction practices, and utility installation.
  • Strong interpersonal communication and teamwork skills.
  • Ability to safely perform physically demanding work outdoors in varying weather conditions.

Preferred Qualifications

  • Commercial Driver's License (CDL) or willingness to obtain one.
  • OSHA certification.

Physical Requirements

  • Ability to lift and carry up to 50 lbs.
  • Ability to stand, walk, bend, kneel, climb, and perform physically demanding work for extended periods.
  • Ability to work outdoors in all weather conditions and active construction environments.
  • Ability to travel overnight as business needs require.
  • Must be able to pass a pre-employment background check, drug screen, and Motor Vehicle Record (MVR) review.

Congruex Culture & Benefits

Congruex's culture of safety and performance is built on the 4X Factor core values of Be Safe, Be Accountable, Be Respectful, and Earn Trust. These values guide how we work with one another and how we interact with our customers.

We are committed to building a workplace where employees feel supported and recognized. We invest in employees through a comprehensive approach, including the benefits below with eligibility on Day 1 of employment:

  • Medical, Dental & Vision benefits with 70% paid by the company
  • 401(k) with company match up to 4% and immediate vesting
  • Flexible PTO for exempt roles & competitive PTO accrual for non-exempt roles
  • 10 company paid holidays (9 standard and 1 floating)
  • Company Paid Short-Term and Long-Term Disability coverage
  • Company Paid Maternity & Parental Leave options
  • Company Paid Basic Life Insurance (with employee-paid voluntary options)
  • Annual Safety Boot Program of up to $150 per eligible field employee per year
  • Safety Points Program for eligible field employees redeemable in the company store
  • Free wellness benefits like counseling, financial planning, and more

Additional Employment Information

We will determine salary based on skills and experience in relation to the function of the role, as well as equity to employees in similar roles. Some benefits have eligibility criteria. All requirements are subject to possible modification to reasonably accommodate individuals with disabilities.

This job description in no way states or implies that these are the only duties to be performed by the employee occupying this position. This document does not create an employment contract, implied or otherwise, other than an "at-will" employment relationship. Conditions to hiring may include but are not necessarily limited to background checks, drug testing, and Motor Vehicle Record (MVR) review.