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Freelance Directional Drill Operator Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Description Directional Drill Operator At LSCG, we take a people-first approach to construction. We know communications infrastructure construction isn't just about fiber and towers. It's about ...

Directional Drill Operator

Fort Myers, FL ยท On-site

$28 - $34/hr

Directional Drill Operator At LSCG, we take a people-first approach to construction. We know communications infrastructure construction isn't just about fiber and towers. It's about collaboration and ...

Directional Drill Operator

Boise, ID ยท On-site

$32 - $40/hr

Directional Drill Operator At LSCG, we take a people-first approach to construction. We know communications infrastructure construction isn't just about fiber and towers. It's about collaboration and ...

Directional Drill Operator

Sumner, WA ยท On-site

$34.60/hr

About this Role Directional Drill Operator If you enjoy working with a great group of professionals, are accurate, thrive in a fast-paced environment, and enjoy using your analytic and organizational ...

Description Directional Drill Operator At LSCG, we take a people-first approach to construction. We know communications infrastructure construction isn't just about fiber and towers. It's about ...

Directional Drill Operator

Boise, ID ยท On-site

$32 - $40/hr

Description Directional Drill Operator At LSCG, we take a people-first approach to construction. We know communications infrastructure construction isn't just about fiber and towers. It's about ...

Directional Drill OperatorTotal Highspeed is looking for a full-time Directional Drill Operator who can work as a part of a team environment while spearheading the fiber-construction process by ...

About this Role Directional Drill Operator If you enjoy working with a great group of professionals, are accurate, thrive in a fast-paced environment, and enjoy using your analytic and organizational ...

Showing results 41-60

Freelance Directional Drill Operator information

See salary details

$13

$27

$51

How much do freelance directional drill operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 9, 2026, the average hourly pay for freelance directional drill operator in the United States is $27.84, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $20.91 and $31.01 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are some common challenges faced by freelance directional drill operators on new job sites?

Freelance directional drill operators often encounter challenges such as adapting to unfamiliar ground conditions, integrating with new teams, and understanding site-specific safety protocols. Each job site may use different equipment models or have unique logistical constraints, requiring quick learning and flexibility. Building effective communication with site supervisors and other crew members is crucial to ensure precise drilling and project success. Additionally, freelancers must efficiently manage their own schedules, certifications, and equipment maintenance to remain competitive in the industry.

What is the difference between Freelance Directional Drill Operator vs Underground Utility Locator?

AspectFreelance Directional Drill OperatorUnderground Utility Locator
CredentialsOSHA certification, CDL often preferredOSHA certification, industry-specific training
Work EnvironmentConstruction sites, outdoor, underground drillingFieldwork, locating underground utilities
Employer & IndustryConstruction, utility installation, drilling companiesUtility companies, excavation firms

Both roles require safety certifications and field experience. The Freelance Directional Drill Operator focuses on operating drilling equipment for underground installation projects, while the Underground Utility Locator specializes in detecting and marking underground utilities to prevent damage. While their skills overlap in safety and fieldwork, their primary tasks and tools differ significantly.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a freelance directional drill operator?

To thrive as a Freelance Directional Drill Operator, you need strong mechanical aptitude, understanding of drilling techniques, and relevant certifications such as a CDL or safety training. Expertise with horizontal directional drilling (HDD) machines, utility locating tools, and drilling fluid systems is typically required. Excellent problem-solving, communication, and attention to detail are important soft skills for adapting to diverse worksites and collaborating with clients and crews. These skills and qualifications are crucial for ensuring safe, accurate, and efficient underground installation projects across varying environments.

What is a freelance directional drill operator?

A Freelance Directional Drill Operator is a skilled professional who operates drilling equipment to install underground pipes, cables, or conduits along a predetermined path without digging trenches. They work independently or on a contract basis, often moving between different job sites and clients. Their role requires expertise in reading blueprints, handling advanced drilling machinery, and ensuring safety and accuracy during drilling operations. Freelance operators must also manage their own schedules, equipment, and client communications.
More about Freelance Directional Drill Operator jobs
What cities are hiring for Freelance Directional Drill Operator jobs? Cities with the most Freelance Directional Drill Operator job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Directional Drill Operator jobs? The most popular types of Directional Drill Operator jobs are:
What states have the most Freelance Directional Drill Operator jobs? States with the most job openings for Freelance Directional Drill Operator jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Freelance Directional Drill Operator jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Freelance Directional Drill Operator jobs are:
Infographic showing various Freelance Directional Drill Operator job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $57,917 per year, or $27.8 per hour.

Directional Drill Operator

Gudenkauf, a Congruex company

Columbus, OH โ€ข On-site

$25 - $30/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 26 days ago


Job description

Reports To: Construction Manager
Travel Potential: 25–50%
Compensation: $25.00–$30.00 Hourly

Company Profile

Congruex provides digital infrastructure solutions through engineering and construction services that connect communities nationwide. This includes wireline, wireless, data centers, and utility services from initial concept to market go-live.

With employees across the United States and India, the work we do enables essential infrastructure for the future of communications.

Build a Career. Build What Matters.

Job Summary

As the Directional Drill Operator, you will ultimately be responsible for safely operating directional drilling equipment, locating underground utilities, and supporting construction activities for telecommunications infrastructure projects. You will operate and maintain drilling equipment while collaborating with construction crews to deliver projects safely, efficiently, and in compliance with company and regulatory standards. As the Directional Drill Operator, your customers are Congruex construction teams and telecommunications clients, and you will contribute to the company's success through safe operations, quality workmanship, and reliable project execution.

Key Responsibilities (Including, but not limited to)

  • Safely operate directional drilling equipment and locating systems to install underground telecommunications infrastructure.
  • Perform equipment inspections, maintenance, setup, breakdown, and assist with loading, unloading, and transportation of equipment.
  • Read project plans, identify underground utilities, develop safe drilling paths, and prevent utility strikes while working around active utilities.
  • Assist with related construction activities including conduit installation, potholing, concrete work, asphalt restoration, and shoring as required.
  • Maintain accurate communication with supervisors while adhering to all company safety policies, OSHA standards, and quality requirements.
  • Travel to project sites as required and support overnight assignments when necessary.
  • Additional responsibilities within functional scope based on business needs.

Required Qualifications

Education, Licensing, and Certifications

  • High school diploma or equivalent.
  • Valid unrestricted driver's license with an acceptable driving record.

Experience

  • Minimum one (1) year of experience operating directional drilling equipment and locating underground utilities.
  • Experience operating heavy equipment within telecommunications, utility, or underground construction environments.

Skills and Abilities

  • Ability to safely operate drilling equipment and work around active underground utilities.
  • Ability to read and interpret construction plans, specifications, and utility locates.
  • Knowledge of OSHA safety standards, basic computer skills, and shoring methods.
  • Ability to pass a pre-employment background check, drug screen, and motor vehicle record (MVR) review.

Preferred Qualifications

  • Commercial Driver's License (CDL) with tanker endorsement or willingness to obtain.
  • DOT Medical Card or willingness to obtain.
  • Experience operating Ditch Witch and Vermeer directional drilling equipment.

Physical Requirements

  • Ability to lift and carry up to 50 pounds.
  • Ability to stand, walk, bend, kneel, squat, climb, push, pull, and twist for extended periods.
  • Work performed outdoors in all weather conditions around heavy equipment and active utilities while wearing required personal protective equipment (PPE).
  • Must be able to pass a pre-employment background check, drug screen, and motor vehicle record (MVR) review.

Congruex Culture & Benefits

Congruex's culture of safety and performance is built on the 4X Factor core values of Be Safe, Be Accountable, Be Respectful, and Earn Trust. These values guide how we work with one another and how we interact with our customers.

We are committed to building a workplace where employees feel supported and recognized. We invest in employees through a comprehensive approach, including the benefits below with eligibility on Day 1 of employment:

  • Medical, Dental & Vision benefits with 70% paid by the company.
  • 401(k) with company match up to 4% and immediate vesting.
  • Flexible PTO for exempt roles and competitive PTO accrual for non-exempt roles.
  • 10 company-paid holidays (9 standard and 1 floating).
  • Company-paid Short-Term and Long-Term Disability coverage.
  • Company-paid Maternity & Parental Leave options.
  • Company-paid Basic Life Insurance (with employee-paid voluntary options).
  • Annual Safety Boot Program of up to $150 per eligible field employee per year.
  • Safety Points Program for eligible field employees redeemable in the company store.
  • Free wellness benefits including counseling, financial planning, and more.

Additional Employment Information

We will determine salary based on skills and experience in relation to the function of the role, as well as equity to employees in similar roles. Some benefits have eligibility criteria. All requirements are subject to possible modification to reasonably accommodate individuals with disabilities.

This job description in no way states or implies that these are the only duties to be performed by the employee occupying this position. This document does not create an employment contract, implied or otherwise, other than an "at-will" employment relationship. Conditions to hiring may include but are not necessarily limited to background checks and drug testing.