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Direct Horizontal Drilling Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Crucial Link Group

$24 - $34/hr

Crucial Link is recruiting for this Direct Hire position in Cleveland. Please review the ... We specialize in precision milling, drilling, and boring , serving a wide range of industries ...

Spy Ego Media LLC

Heavy Equipment Operator II

Havre, MT · On-site

$26 - $28/day

Horizontal Directional Drilling/Boring equipment and vehicles for installation of underground ... Repair damaged equipment as directed by the team lead or project manager. * Perform other duties ...

Spy Ego Media LLC

Heavy Equipment Operator II

Havre, MT · On-site

$26/hr

Horizontal Directional Drilling/Boring equipment and vehicles for installation of underground ... Repair damaged equipment as directed by the team lead or project manager. * Perform other duties ...

Spy Ego Media

Heavy Equipment Operator II

Havre, MT · On-site

$26/hr

Horizontal Directional Drilling/Boring equipment and vehicles for installation of underground ... Repair damaged equipment as directed by the team lead or project manager. * Perform other duties ...

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Direct Horizontal Drilling information

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$20

$41

$69

How much do direct horizontal drilling jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 4, 2026, the average hourly pay for direct horizontal drilling in the United States is $41.47, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $34.38 and $44.71 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is direct horizontal drilling?

Direct Horizontal Drilling refers to a specialized technique in the oil, gas, and utility industries used to install pipelines, conduits, or cables underground with minimal surface disruption. It involves drilling a horizontal borehole beneath the ground, allowing for the installation of infrastructure under obstacles like roads, rivers, or buildings. This method is valued for its efficiency, reduced environmental impact, and ability to access hard-to-reach locations. Companies that provide direct horizontal drilling services often use advanced equipment and technology to ensure precision and safety during the process.

What skills and qualifications are needed for direct horizontal drilling?

To thrive as a Direct Horizontal Drilling Operator, you need a solid understanding of drilling techniques, geological formations, and safety protocols, typically supported by vocational training or relevant certifications. Familiarity with horizontal directional drilling (HDD) rigs, tracking systems, and drilling fluid management tools is essential. Attention to detail, problem-solving skills, and effective communication help operators adapt to changing site conditions and collaborate with crews. These skills ensure safe, efficient drilling operations and minimize costly errors or environmental impact.

What challenges do professionals in direct horizontal drilling face, and how can they be navigated?

Professionals in Direct Horizontal Drilling often encounter challenges such as unpredictable subsurface conditions, equipment malfunctions, and maintaining borehole stability over long distances. Successfully navigating these issues requires strong problem-solving skills, thorough pre-job planning, and close collaboration with geologists, engineers, and field crews. Effective communication and adaptability are key, as the team must quickly respond to changing site conditions and technical complications to keep projects on schedule and within budget.

What is the difference between Direct Horizontal Drilling vs Horizontal Drilling Operator?

AspectDirect Horizontal DrillingHorizontal Drilling Operator
CredentialsTypically requires CDL, safety certifications, and technical trainingRequires similar certifications, including CDL and safety training
Work EnvironmentUnderground, construction sites, oil & gas fieldsConstruction sites, oil & gas fields, underground projects
Industry UsagePrimarily in oil & gas, utility installation, environmental projectsOil & gas, utilities, construction industries

Both roles involve working in underground or construction environments and require similar certifications. Direct Horizontal Drilling is a specialized method used in installing pipelines and utilities with minimal surface disruption, while Horizontal Drilling Operators operate the equipment and oversee the drilling process. Understanding these differences helps clarify job responsibilities and required skills in the industry.

More about Direct Horizontal Drilling jobs

What are the most commonly searched types of Direct Horizontal Drilling jobs?

The most popular types of Direct Horizontal Drilling jobs are:

What states have the most Direct Horizontal Drilling jobs?

States with the most job openings for Direct Horizontal Drilling jobs include:

What job categories do people searching Direct Horizontal Drilling jobs look for?

The top searched job categories for Direct Horizontal Drilling jobs are:

Direct Horizontal Drilling jobs near you
Infographic showing various Direct Horizontal Drilling job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 79% Full Time, 14% Part Time, and 6% Contract. Highlights an 93% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $86,248 per year, or $41.5 per hour.

Horizontal Directional Drilling (HDD) Operator/Locator

MGE Underground, Inc.

Chico, CA • On-site

Full-time

Re-posted 23 days ago

Key responsibilities

  • Locate and operate horizontal directional bore equipment for underground conduit and fiber optic cable installation.

  • Set up and clean up the work site, including traffic and pedestrian control, and ensure safety procedures are followed.

  • Lead field teams in operating equipment, inspecting work progress, and ensuring work conforms to specifications.

Job description

About MGE
MGE Underground is a growing utility infrastructure contractor serving utility companies from our Paso Robles headquarters and regional hubs throughout California. Our mission is to support our clients’ expanding utility and infrastructure requirements by positioning MGE as the leading provider of innovative construction solutions at the best value.
Our Core Values
Safety | Continuous Development | Respect | Integrity | Performance | Trust | Fun
How You Can Make an Impact
As the Horizontal Directional Bore Operator/Locator, you possess a high level of expertise in locating and product support equipment, as well as running horizontal/directional drill rigs.  You will have experience performing all duties of a Horizontal Directional Bore Operator/Locator and will have advanced skills in horizontal directional boring.  As the lead, you will supervise employees on how to operate a horizontal directional bore machine and locating box.  Your overall goal is to strive for optimal production while working safely and performing quality work.
How You Will Contribute
  • Locate and operate for Directional Bore for the installation of underground conduit and fiber optic cable.
  • Set up and cleanup of work site including traffic and pedestrian control.
  • Perform Laborer duties when boring projects are not available.
  • Read utility locates and coordinating day lighting of these facilities.
  • Inspect the work in progress to ensure that the workmanship conforms to specifications.
  • Operate construction equipment to facilitate alignment, movement, and adjustment of machinery to conform to grade specifications.
  • Level earth to final grade specifications.
  • Measure distances from grade stakes, lasers and GPS coordinates.
  • Move and relocate RF and Fiber service.
  • Ensure safety of the public and utility underground facilities.
  • Performs all duties according to prescribed safety procedures and uses appropriate safety equipment.
  • Ensure all applicable permits and locations are complete and on site.
  • Communicate with Supervisor daily to turn in required paperwork (i.e., bore log, vehicle maintenance reports, etc.)
  • Vehicle and equipment operations from trucks to other equipment as directed and certified.
  • Perform proper maintenance by greasing, oiling, and making minor repairs on equipment.
  • Lead teams in the field effectively and efficiently as needed and directed by supervisor.
  • Familiar with NESC (National Electrical Safety Commission) safety guidelines.
  • Perform other job-related duties as requested by your supervisor

What You Bring to the Table
  • Knowledge of utility industry safety practices and requirements.
  • Knowledge of utility depths and placement practices and procedures.
  • Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
  • Practical experience of underground construction for both RF and fiber. City, county and state clearance code. knowledge and related.
  • Practical working experience of underground construction for both RF and fiber.
  • Ability to read and understand maps, drawings and diagrams for project build process.
  • Ability to work outdoors in all weather conditions.
  • Ability to handle stressful situations and come up with solutions in a timely manner.
  • Ability to quickly learn and understand various processes regarding MGE’s policies, procedures and software programs.
  • Ability to use a computer/smart phone/tablet.
  • Required: Ability to travel to different locations/jobs across California.
  • Ability to work long days, 10+ hour days and sometimes 6 days a week.
  • Ability to lift and carry up to 50 lbs.

Your Prior Experience
  • High School Diploma or equivalent.
  • Required: 2 years of verifiable directional bore experience in an urban environment.
  • Desired: 3 years of verifiable directional bore experience in an urban environment.
  • Required: Valid Class A Driver's License; no license restrictions with a tanker’s endorsement.

Our Competitive Package
Pay: $54.00 to $60.00 per hour
This pay range is our competitive compensation at the time of this job posting. Your pay will be determined based on experience, education, skills, and applicable knowledge.
Above and Beyond Benefits
Full employee benefits are available for this role.
Additional Information
Job Type: Full-Time, On-Site
Affirmative Action/EEO
MGE Underground is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate based on any protected characteristics.
Pre-Employment
Successful applicants must pass a drug screen and background check.
Physical Requirements*
  • Extended standing, walking, sitting, bending, and climbing.
  • Occasionally required to stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl.
  • Sitting for long periods of time in moving, vibrating, jerking, or stationary machinery.
  • Repetitive motion from operating hand and foot controls of the equipment.
  • Working in loud or noisy environments.
  • Ability to perform repetitive motions.
  • Ability to lift, push, pull, or carry loads (50 pounds), individually at a time.
  • Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision and distance vision.
  • Employees are required to drive a motor vehicle and travel to various locations.
  • Must be able to access and navigate job sites and construction areas.
  • Must be able to work in all weather conditions.

*The physical requirements described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform these essential functions

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