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Direct Horizontal Drilling Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Construction Controller

Milwaukee, WI ยท On-site

$130K - $170K/yr

About the Company We're hiring an experienced Director of Finance / Controller to lead financial ... Familiarity with civil construction, utilities, horizontal drilling, or similar project ...

Dir Drill Op/Loc Foreman

Temple, TX ยท On-site

$22.50 - $27.75/hr

Operate Horizontal Directional Drill for installation of underground telecommunications cable ... Lead teams in the field effectively as needed and directed by the supervisor Qualifications About ...

Dir Drill Op/Loc Foreman

Temple, TX ยท On-site

$22.50 - $27.75/hr

Operate Horizontal Directional Drill for installation of underground telecommunications cable ... Lead teams in the field effectively as needed and directed by the supervisor Qualifications About ...

Dir Drill Op/Loc Foreman

Temple, TX ยท On-site

$22.50 - $27.75/hr

Operate Horizontal Directional Drill for installation of underground telecommunications cable ... Lead teams in the field effectively as needed and directed by the supervisor Qualifications About ...

Dir Drill Op/Loc Foreman

Temple, TX ยท On-site

$22.50 - $27.75/hr

Operate Horizontal Directional Drill for installation of underground telecommunications cable ... Lead teams in the field effectively as needed and directed by the supervisor Qualifications About ...

Dir Drill Op/Loc Foreman

Temple, TX ยท On-site

$22.50 - $27.75/hr

Operate Horizontal Directional Drill for installation of underground telecommunications cable ... Lead teams in the field effectively as needed and directed by the supervisor Qualifications About ...

The role of a Horizontal/Directional Drill Operator and Locator includes operating horizontal ... Leads teams in the field effectively and efficiently as needed and directed by supervisor Locator ...

The role of a Horizontal/Directional Drill Operator and Locator includes operating horizontal ... Leads teams in the field effectively and efficiently as needed and directed by supervisor Locator ...

Directional Driller

Tampa, FL ยท On-site

$23 - $28.25/hr

Operate horizontal/directional drilling rigs (mini, midi, and/or maxi rigs as assigned) to install ... Lead and direct the work of laborers, locators, and equipment operators on the drill crew; provide ...

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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:

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 Drill (HDD) Foreman

Q3 Contracting, Inc

Denver, CO โ€ข On-site

$70 - $100/hr

Other

Medical, Retirement

Posted 3 days ago

New


Key responsibilities

  • Lead and direct HDD crews in daily drilling, locating, and utility installation activities.

  • Ensure all work is completed in compliance with specifications, codes, permits, and safety standards.

  • Document and report daily production, issues, and field adjustments.


Job description

Job Overview:Primoris Services Corporation is a leading provider of critical infrastructure services to the utility, energy, and renewables markets throughout the United States and Canada.Q3 Contracting (Q3C), a division of Primoris Services Corporation, is a publicly owned and operated construction contracting company that provides both specific and turnkey services for its customers in the gas, oil, electric and telecommunications industry. We are headquartered in Minnesota, with branch offices in Colorado, Wisconsin, Iowa, Nebraska, North Dakota, and South Dakota.We are actively seeking an experienced HDD Foreman to lead drilling operations for the installation of Xcel Energy gas and electric utilities. This position is responsible for overseeing field crews, ensuring safe and efficient drilling operations, accurately locating drill heads, and maintaining compliance with Xcel standards, company procedures, and all regulatory requirements.Key Responsibilities:Lead and direct HDD crews in daily drilling, locating, and utility installation activities.Perform accurate and consistent locating of drill head and bore path for gas and electric installations.Ensure all work is completed in compliance with Xcel Energy specifications, local codes, permits, and safety standards.Interpret construction plans, maps, utility locates, utility prints, and job specifications.Coordinate with inspectors, project managers, and field personnel to maintain project schedules.Conduct jobsite safety meetings and ensure adherence to all company and industry safety protocols.Oversee equipment operation, maintenance, and readiness.Document and report daily production, issues, and field adjustments.Identify hazards, troubleshoot field challenges, and provide safe, effective solutionsJob Requirements/ Qualifications:3+ years of experience in HDD operations, including locating and bore planning.CDL w/ tanker endorsement preferred.Previous experience installing gas and electric utilities, preferably for Xcel Energy.Strong knowledge of HDD equipment (Vermeer) and locating systems (DigiTrak).Ability to read and interpret utility prints, as-builts, and alignment sheets.Proven leadership ability with experience supervising field crews.Valid driverโ€™s licenseCommitment to safety, quality, and customer service.Physical RequirementsAbility to work outdoors year-round in varying weather conditions.Ability to lift up to 75 lbs.Ability to stand, walk, bend, and work in physically demanding environments.Additional InformationThis position may require travel and occasional overtime or weekend work based on project demands.All work must comply with applicable federal, state, and local regulations, including DOT, OSHA, and Xcel Energy contractor requirements.Q3 Contracting is a drug-free environment, and all candidates are subject to drug testing.Compensation and Benefits:Pay dependent on union pay scale.Competitive compensation paid weeklyThis is a union position, which means additional benefits may be offered directly through the union. Some benefits may include health insurance, apprenticeship and skilled training, continuing education, pension plans, and other resources. For more information, contact the local union.Qualified Veterans, Minorities and Women encouraged to apply.Company Overview:Primoris Gas Operations, which consist of companies such as Q3 Contracting, ARB, Primoris Distribution Services, Snelson and Pipejacking Trenchless, has over 60 years of experience working in the natural gas distribution industry. Over this time, we have maintained numerous customer relationships spanning more than two decades. Providing a safe environment, quality workmanship, and exceptional value to our customers is the foremost focus of our operations.EEO StatementWe are an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.Agency StatementWe are not accepting resumes from Third Party Recruiting Firms for this position. If you are an Agency or Search firm representative, contact the Primoris Talent Acquisition Manager directly for consideration. Primoris or its subsidiaries will not be responsible for any fees arising from the use of resumes and online response forms through this source. In addition, Primoris or its subsidiaries will not be responsible for any fees on unsolicited resumes that are submitted to any member of the Staffing or Operations team. Primoris has established an approved vendor program for this service and will only consider accepting submissions from those approved firms. For consideration in becoming an approved vendor, contact HR.Equal Opportunity EmployerThis employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor. #J-18808-Ljbffr