The Missile Crew Member performs trenchless underground boring operations using pneumatic missile (pneumatic piercing / impact moling) equipment to install conduit, duct, and utility infrastructure beneath roads, driveways, sidewalks, and other surfaces with minimal ground disturbance. Working under the direction of the Foreman or Crew Leader, this role supports underground electric utility construction projects by executing missile bore setups, launches, and conduit pulls in accordance with engineered bore plans, utility specifications, and all applicable safety regulations. The Missile Crew Member works alongside HDD operators, locators, and field crews to ensure safe, accurate, and efficient underground installations.
About Missile Boring: Missile boring (also known as pneumatic piercing or impact moling) uses a compressed-air-driven piercing tool to create a horizontal underground bore path. This trenchless method is commonly used for road crossings, driveway crossings, and areas where open trenching is not permitted or practical. The bore path is then used to pull conduit, duct, or utility lines through.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES
The following duties are representative of the work performed in this position. Other duties may be assigned as needed.
- Set up and operate pneumatic missile (piercing tool / impact mole) equipment for trenchless horizontal underground bores at road crossings, driveway crossings, and other designated locations.
- Dig entry and exit pits to required dimensions and depths per bore plan specifications; shore or protect excavations in compliance with OSHA trenching standards.
- Align and launch the pneumatic missile tool to achieve accurate bore path direction, depth, and alignment per engineered drawings and field instructions.
- Monitor bore progress, retrieve and reposition the missile as needed, and troubleshoot deviations from the planned bore path.
- Pull conduit, duct, innerduct, or cable through completed bore paths; verify continuity and integrity of installed conduit runs.
- Connect air compressors and hoses; operate and maintain pneumatic tools, air supply systems, and associated boring equipment in safe working condition.
- Perform hand digging, potholing, and daylighting of existing utilities in the bore path vicinity to verify clearances and prevent strikes.
- Coordinate with utility locators and observe all 811 (Call Before You Dig) markings and designated safe approach zones prior to boring.
- Read and interpret construction drawings, bore path plans, site maps, and utility locating records to ensure accurate installations.
- Operate and maintain a variety of hand tools, power tools, small excavation equipment, and material-handling equipment as directed.
- Assist with HDD (horizontal directional drilling) operations, trenching, conduit placement, and other underground construction activities as needed.
- Set up, maintain, and remove work zone traffic control devices (cones, barricades, signs) in compliance with applicable traffic control plans.
- Adhere to all OSHA, company, and project-specific safety policies; participate in daily tailgate safety meetings and JSA/JHA reviews prior to each shift.
- Complete daily field documentation including timesheets, bore logs, material usage records, and as-built markups as required by the project.
- Maintain a clean, organized, and safe job site; properly stage materials, secure equipment, and restore work areas upon project completion.
- Mentor entry-level crew members and laborers in safe boring practices, equipment handling, and site safety compliance.
REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS
Education
- High school diploma or GED required.
Experience
- Minimum 1-3 years of hands-on experience in underground utility construction, trenchless boring, or a related field.
- Prior experience operating or assisting with pneumatic missile boring, HDD, auger boring, or similar trenchless installation equipment preferred.
- Familiarity with underground conduit, duct bank, and utility infrastructure installation methods.
Licenses & Certifications
- Valid driver's license required; CDL (Class A or B) preferred.
- OSHA 10 certification (Construction) required; must be obtained within 90 days if not currently held.
- First Aid / CPR certification preferred.
- Flagging / traffic control certification preferred or willingness to obtain.
Technical Skills & Knowledge
- Ability to safely set up, operate, and maintain pneumatic missile boring equipment and associated air compressor systems.
- Knowledge of 811 utility locating procedures, safe digging practices, and underground utility hazard avoidance.
- Ability to read and interpret construction drawings, bore path plans, and site maps.
- Proficiency with hand tools, shovels, compaction equipment, and material-handling tools used in underground construction.
- Basic understanding of conduit types (PVC, HDPE), fittings, and installation requirements.
- Familiarity with OSHA trench safety, confined space awareness, and work zone traffic control requirements.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
- Experience on electric utility, fiber optic, or telecommunications underground construction projects.
- Hands-on experience with HDD equipment (Vermeer, Ditch Witch, or similar) in addition to missile boring.
- Familiarity with HDPE butt fusion welding, conduit joining, and duct seal installation.
- Experience reading utility as-built drawings and documenting bore logs.
- Experience operating mini excavators, skid steers, or hydrovac equipment is a plus.
- Bilingual (English/Spanish) a plus.
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS & WORK ENVIRONMENT
This is a physically demanding, outdoor field position. The following physical demands are required to successfully perform the essential functions of this role:
- Regularly required to stand, walk, bend, kneel, stoop, climb, and crawl for extended periods.
- Must be able to lift, carry, push, and pull up to 80 lbs unassisted on a regular basis.
- Ability to work in and around excavations and entry/exit pits following all OSHA trench safety requirements.
- Frequent exposure to outdoor conditions including extreme heat, cold, rain, humidity, dust, and noise from pneumatic equipment and compressors.
- Must be able to work in close proximity to operating pneumatic tools, air compressors, and active traffic zones.
- May be required to work extended hours, weekends, nights, and emergency shifts based on project demands.
- Ability to distinguish colors for utility locating markings and safety signage.
EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER
Dynetek Solutions is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law.
This job description is intended to convey information essential to understanding the scope of the position and is not an exhaustive list of skills, efforts, duties, or responsibilities associated with it. Dynetek Solutions reserves the right to modify job descriptions at any time in accordance with business needs.
