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Contract Directional Drilling Jobs (NOW HIRING)

The Directional Drill Foreman is responsible for overseeing individual projects to assure the safe installation that is in compliance with the scope as established by the contract documents. This ...

Drill Operator

Fort Wayne, IN · On-site

$300 - $400/day

Contract Location: United States - Fort Wayne, IN Reporting To: Denis Mezer Compensation: $300 ... Operate Horizontal Directional Drilling (HDD) machines for underground cable installation;

The Directional Drill Foreman is responsible for overseeing individual projects to assure the safe installation that is in compliance with the scope as established by the contract documents. This ...

Drill Operator

Dayton, OH · On-site

$2.0K - $4.0K/wk

Contract Location: United States - Dayton, OH Reporting To: Denis Mezer Compensation: $2,000 - $4 ... Operate Horizontal Directional Drilling (HDD) machines for underground cable installation;

Drill Operator

Columbus, OH · On-site

$2.0K - $4.0K/wk

Contract Location: United States - Columbus, OH Reporting To: Denis Mezer Compensation: $2,000 - $4 ... Operate Horizontal Directional Drilling (HDD) machines for underground cable installation;

Drill Operator

FL · On-site

$250 - $300/day

Contract Location: United States - Fort Myers, FL Reporting To: Denis Mezer Compensation: $250 ... Operate Horizontal Directional Drilling (HDD) machines for underground cable installation;

Drill Operator

Naples, FL · On-site

$250 - $300/day

Contract Location: United States - Naples, FL Reporting To: Denis Mezer Compensation: $250 - $300 ... Operate Horizontal Directional Drilling (HDD) machines for underground cable installation;

Directional Drill Foreman

Dover, FL · On-site

$24 - $35/hr

The Directional Drill Foreman is responsible for overseeing individual projects to assure the safe installation that is in compliance with the scope as established by the contract documents. This ...

Drill Operator

Salem, OR · On-site

$2.0K - $4.0K/wk

Contract Location: United States - Salem, OR Reporting To: Denis Mezer Compensation: $2,000 - $4 ... Operate Horizontal Directional Drilling (HDD) machines for underground cable installation;

Showing results 21-40

Contract Directional Drilling information

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$13

$26

$34

How much do contract directional drilling jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 9, 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?

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 August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 83% Full Time, 14% Part Time, 1% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $54,296 per year, or $26.1 per hour.

Horizontal Directional Drill Operator (Telecommunications)

Etheridge Pipeline & Conduit

Dayton, NV • On-site

$25 - $40/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 11 days ago


Job description

THIS IS A TRAVEL ROLE AND MAY REQUIRE EXTENDED OVERNIGHT TRAVEL FOR 4+ CONSECUTIVE WEEKS TO SUPPORT ASSIGNED PROJECT(S) IN SILVER SPRINGS, NEVADA OR NORTH LOUISIANA.

THIS POSITION MAY BE FILLED AS A LEVEL 1, LEVEL 2, LEVEL 3, OR FOREMAN LEVEL ROLE.

WHO WE ARE

EPC was conceived and operates to provide anyone who desires to provide for their families through the work they do, an opportunity to do so. Everything we do revolves around the vision of a company that provides safe, quality work, driving customer demand that ultimately results in the creation of new job opportunities in the markets we serve. We focus heavily on our Core Values and expect all our employees to operate with those Core Values in Mind. These Core Values are Live Safe, Customer First, Do the Right Thing, Be at Team Player, and Be Productive.

WHAT WE’RE LOOKING FOR

The Driller II will be using the in-house directional drill, create a directional drill plan; and execute plan. Daily work will involve traveling to different jobsite locations, survey, plan and execute directional bores to place client facilities. Must have full knowledge of underground piping, conduit, cable, and fiber installation operations. The operator will be responsible for directional drilling, locating, and reading prints.

WHAT YOU GET TO DO

  • Reviewing blueprints or other plans to determine where to begin drilling holes.
  • Inspecting the progress of a drill site at regular intervals to ensure that it is progressing according to schedule.
  • Analyze job locations for utility lines, permitting, and traffic control to complete construction activities without quality defects, safety incidents or any type of property damage.
  • Complete daily inspections and reporting of maintenance issues on vehicles, trailers, and equipment.
  • Perform service, safety checks, check oil and fluids, and minor repairs on equipment.
  • Visually assess digging areas to ensure it has been properly staked/located prior to digging.
  • Safe operation of directional drills, trenching, or excavating equipment when needed.
  • Perform laborer requirements and responsibilities as needed.
  • All other duties as assigned.
  • Perform a variety of tasks requiring the use of hand tools and power tools and motorized equipment.
  • Communicates with supervisor daily to turn in required reports, bore logs, etc...
  • Ability to properly clean and maintain the equipment, including winterizing equipment.
  • Strive for optimal production while working safely and performing quality work.
  • Ensures all work is performed to quality standard while always complying with proper safety standards/procedures and work practices/policies & procedures according to EPC and OSHA/ANSI standards.
  • Assist with filling water tanks and adding chemicals when needed.
  • Hook up proper equipment such as reamer, swivel etc.
  • Make minor repairs/change out wearable parts such as jaw dyes etc.

WHAT WILL HELP YOU STAND OUT

  • High School Diploma or equivalent preferred.
  • Valid Class A CDL is required for the Level 2 & Level 3 role. Tanker and HazMat endorsements are preferred.
  • At least 3-5 years’ of drilling and equipment operator experience.
  • Six Sigma Yellow Belt Certification is preferred.
  • Working knowledge of telecommunications and reading prints.
  • Knowledge of underground pot holing and locating
  • Ability to operate equipment, including, but not limited to directional drills, locating systems, trencher, backhoe, excavators.
  • Work with locator/operator to locate utilities during the bore process
  • Must have the ability to work safely, with or without supervision.
  • Able to safely work in a fast-paced environment.
  • Ability to listen to and implement directions.
  • Knowledge of operation and maintenance of equipment.
  • Daily inspection on bore rig and other equipment.
  • Ability to navigate various terrains, managing equipment, safety equipment and tools. Basic understanding of power and how the strike alert & grounding works and when to use it.
  • Operating a variety of drilling equipment, excavators, locators, air compressors, missiles, or willingness to learn
  • HDD certifications are preferred.
  • OSHA 10 Certification is required.

WHAT WE ARE OFFERING

  • Full-time opportunity in a fast-growth company!
  • Opportunity to work autonomously. None of that micromanaging garbage. We hate that!
  • Competitive pay
  • Comprehensive benefits package (medical, dental, vision)
  • Retirement plan with company match
  • Company paid time-off.
  • Weekly paychecks!

WHAT TO EXPECT

  • Outdoors environment which may require exposure to elements, including but not limited to wind, rain, heat, cold, snow, sleet, mud, etc.
  • May be required to stand, sit, bend, twist, and reach as part of the job.
  • Extended periods of standing on your feet may be required.
  • Must be able to travel to and from job locations, which may vary depending on customer and contract.
  • May be required to lift up to 80 pounds.
  • Must be able to pass a background check, drug screen, or other job-related pre-hire screenings related to the job.
  • This position may require overnight travel for projects, which may be for extended periods of time (4+ consecutive weeks).

Disclaimer: The above information on this description has been designed to include the general nature and level of work performed by employees within this classification. It is not designed to contain or be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities, and qualifications required of employees assigned to this job. We are proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer, making decisions without regard to race, color, religion, creed, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, national origin, age, veteran status, disability, or any other protected class. We retain our right to at-will employment at all times and this job description is not meant to be intended as a contract or guarantee of employment at any time.