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Direct Horizontal Drilling Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Directional Drill Bore Foreman

San Antonio, TX ยท On-site

$21.75 - $27/hr

... and directing crew members to install utilities within specifications. Your attention to detail ... during drilling process. * Must have detailed knowledge and experience operating Horizontal ...

DB OPERATOR/DRILL LOCATOR

Merced, CA ยท On-site

$25 - $40/hr

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 ...

DB OPERATOR/DRILL LOCATOR

Maple Lake, MN ยท On-site

$24 - $30/hr

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 ...

DB OPERATOR/DRILL LOCATOR

Maple Lake, MN ยท On-site

$24 - $30/hr

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 Drill Site Representative serves as Chevron's on-site leader responsible for directing daily ... Experience drilling horizontal wells with lateral lengths exceeding 10,000 feet. * Strong ...

We combine subsurface engineering, horizontal drilling, and real-time data systems to unlock a ... The Director, Internal Audit will be the builder responsible for designing the internal audit ...

Showing results 41-60

Direct Horizontal Drilling information

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$41

$69

How much do direct horizontal drilling jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 15, 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 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 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 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 88% Full Time, 5% Part Time, 2% Temporary, and 5% Contract. Highlights an 98% In-person, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $86,248 per year, or $41.5 per hour.

Directional Drill Bore Foreman

GridSource

San Antonio, TX โ€ข On-site

$21.75 - $27/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 25 days ago


Job description

We are thrilled to announce that B. Robinson LLC is now part of our organization, GridSource! We are actively looking for Directional Drill Foreman in the San Antonio, TX area.
Position Overview:
As a Directional Drill Foreman, you play a crucial role in the installation of underground conduit for telecommunications infrastructure utilizing horizontal directional drill methods. You will be responsible for various tasks, including site preparation, installation of underground conduit and installation of vaults/pedestals. Additionally, you will be responsible for interpreting construction drawings, understanding design prints and work orders and directing crew members to install utilities within specifications. Your attention to detail, skills, and commitment to safety will contribute to the successful construction of underground plant.
This is an Hourly Non-Exempt position that reports to the Construction Supervisor or the Construction Manager depending on area assigned.
What you'll have:
  • Must possess a valid driver's license.
  • Responsible for turning in deliverables and production reports daily.
  • Must set up and maintain a safe working environment, adhering to proper personal protective equipment (PPE) guidelines.
  • Punctuality is essential; Arrive at work on time every day limiting unexcused absences.
  • Responsible for maintaining, cleaning and organizing work area, truck, equipment, tools and office location.
  • Excellent teamwork skills, including the ability to collaborate effectively with coworkers, vendors, and customers.
  • Time management skills are crucial to ensure efficient use of working hours.
  • Timely completion of required documentation
  • Communication Skills: Effective verbal and written communication skills to collaborate with team members and communicate technical information clearly.

What you'll do:
  • Handle tools, equipment, and materials safely and efficiently. Maintain and organize tools and equipment in proper working condition.
  • Load and unload equipment and materials as required.
  • Must have detailed knowledge of all underground hardware (conduit, vaults, pedestals, ground rods, junction boxes, etc.) and installation methods required to meet customer's specifications as well as company standards.
  • Performs proper maintenance of directional drill rig and mini excavator by greasing, oiling, and making minor repairs on equipment.
  • Must have detailed knowledge and experience for safely and effectively operating mini excavator (tracked or wheeled) to move materials (dirt, rock or demolished) safely.
  • Must have detailed knowledge and experience for safely and effectively operating Horizontal Directional Drill rig. This includes maneuvering directional drill rig in position for drilling and operation during drilling process.
  • Must have detailed knowledge and experience operating Horizontal Directional Drill locating receiver during drilling process to safely guide direction drill head during drill process.
  • Must perform thorough walkout of bore path prior to directional drill to ensure path can be drilled safely and that all utilities have been identified.
  • Must have knowledge and experience of proper 811 locate procedures and locate markings as indicated by other utilities.
  • Must have detailed knowledge of and experience for the operation of underground tools such as shovels, picks, rock bars, etc.
  • Must have the ability and experience of securing equipment and tools to trailer or truck and maintain proper load based on trailer and truck specifications.
  • Must have knowledge and ability for operation, daily maintenance inspections, of all underground equipment to assure equipment safety and reliability.
  • Must have knowledge and experience of proper conduit reel trailer loading and setup.
  • Responsible for ensuring all applicable permits are approved and utility locates are completed at project site.
  • Must have knowledge and experience of reading and understanding design prints\maps and work orders.
  • Responsible for submitting necessary project information such as directional bore logs, project photos and as-built information.
  • Responsible for allocating crew for directing and controlling traffic flow in accordance with local D.O.T. guidelines, unless traffic control is sub-contracted in which case, responsible to assure that the sub-contractor personnel are effectively and correctly controlling traffic.
  • Responsible for being available 24/7 during scheduled on call rotation.
  • Demonstrate flexibility in working hours and availability, as needed, to accommodate project demands, urgent tasks, and support for team members during peak periods or as the needs of the business dictates.
  • Other Duties as may be assigned.

Please contact Ksenia Wiswall at 702-850-2352 or ksenia.wiswall@gogridsource.com
GridSource is a proud supporter of our U.S. military, veterans, and their families. Active military, transitioning service members and veterans are encouraged to apply. GridSource is committed to hiring, recruiting, and promoting associates without regard to race, color, gender, religion, national origin, disability, sexual orientation, or veteran status. GridSource is an Affirmative Action Equal Opportunity Employer and will make reasonable accommodations in compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act.