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Hdd Crew Jobs (NOW HIRING)

We are seeking an experienced HDD Crew Leader / Foreman to lead and oversee a 4-5 person Horizontal Directional Drilling crew on projects throughout Central, East, and West Texas . This is a hands-on ...

We are seeking an experienced HDD Crew Leader / Foreman to lead and oversee a 4-5 person Horizontal Directional Drilling crew on projects throughout Central, East, and West Texas . This is a hands-on ...

HDD Crew Chief

Carol Stream, IL ยท On-site

$30 - $34/hr

The HDD Crew Chief leads a field team to install underground utilities (fiber, pipe) by operating drill rigs, managing daily tasks, ensuring safety, and overseeing site setup/restoration, all while ...

The HDD Crew Chief leads a field team to install underground utilities (fiber, pipe) by operating drill rigs, managing daily tasks, ensuring safety, and overseeing site setup/restoration, all while ...

The HDD Crew Chief leads a field team to install underground utilities (fiber, pipe) by operating drill rigs, managing daily tasks, ensuring safety, and overseeing site setup/restoration, all while ...

The HDD Crew Chief leads a field team to install underground utilities (fiber, pipe) by operating drill rigs, managing daily tasks, ensuring safety, and overseeing site setup/restoration, all while ...

HDD Crew Leader

Albany, GA ยท On-site

$48K/yr

HDD Opening Date: 09/01/2026 Closing Date: 10/1/2026 11:59 PM Eastern The Position The purpose of ... Utilizes precautionary work methods and safety equipment to ensure crew and public safety. Responds ...

HDD Crew Leader

Albany, GA ยท On-site

$48K/yr

Utilizes precautionary work methods and safety equipment to ensure crew and public safety. Responds to routine requests for information from employees, officials, the public or other individuals.

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HDD CREW GROUNDSMEN

Chicago, IL ยท On-site

$26 - $28/hr

โ€‹โ€‹ Essential Job Duties and Responsibilities: * Ability to lift 75lbs * Locate utilities and check for clearances * Demonstrate ability to position, join, align, and seal HDPE products of all ...

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HDD CREW GROUNDSMEN

Chicago, IL ยท On-site

$26 - $28/hr

โ€‹โ€‹ Essential Job Duties and Responsibilities: * Ability to lift 75lbs * Locate utilities and check for clearances * Demonstrate ability to position, join, align, and seal HDPE products of all ...

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Hdd Crew information

What is an HDD crew?

HDD crews are teams of workers who operate Horizontal Directional Drilling (HDD) equipment to install underground utilities, such as pipelines, fiber optic cables, or electrical conduits, with minimal surface disruption. They are responsible for planning, drilling, and completing boreholes beneath obstacles like roads, rivers, or buildings. HDD crews typically include operators, locators, and support personnel who work together to ensure safe and efficient installation. This method is popular for its reduced environmental impact and ability to avoid open trenching in sensitive or busy areas.

What skills and qualifications are needed to thrive as an HDD crew member?

To thrive as an HDD (Horizontal Directional Drilling) Crew member, you need a solid understanding of drilling operations, safety protocols, and equipment handling, often supported by relevant on-the-job training or certifications such as OSHA. Familiarity with locating and tracking systems, drilling rigs, mud mixing systems, and utility maps is essential. Strong teamwork, communication, and problem-solving abilities help navigate job site challenges and ensure safety. These skills are crucial for maintaining project efficiency, minimizing risks, and ensuring the successful completion of underground utility installations.

What common challenges do HDD crew members face on a job site, and how can they prepare for them?

HDD (Horizontal Directional Drilling) Crew members often encounter challenges such as unexpected underground obstacles, varying soil conditions, and the need to coordinate closely with utility locators and equipment operators. Preparation includes thorough pre-job site surveys, clear communication with the crew, and familiarity with the latest drilling technology and safety protocols. Adapting quickly to changing conditions and maintaining attention to detail can help ensure successful project completion and maintain a safe work environment.

What is the difference between Hdd Crew vs Cable Installer?

AspectHdd CrewCable Installer
Required CredentialsHigh school diploma, technical trainingHigh school diploma, technical training
Work EnvironmentConstruction sites, outdoor, utility workResidential and commercial buildings, outdoor/indoor
Industry UsageTelecommunications, utility companiesCable TV, internet providers
Common Search/ComparisonYesYes

The Hdd Crew and Cable Installer roles share similar credentials and work environments, often working outdoors on construction sites or in buildings. While the Hdd Crew specializes in horizontal directional drilling for utility installation, Cable Installers focus on installing cable TV and internet services. Both roles are essential in telecommunications infrastructure, and individuals often compare these jobs when exploring careers in utility and communication industries.

What are popular job titles related to Hdd Crew jobs?

For Hdd Crew jobs, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Infographic showing various Hdd Crew job openings in the United States as of September 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 80% Full Time, and 19% Part Time. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution.

HDD Crew Leader/Foreman

Elmendorf, TX โ€ข On-site

Essel
Recruiting and Staffing Servicesย โ€ขย 11 - 50 employees

Full-time

Posted 5 days ago


Job description

We are seeking an experienced HDD Crew Leader / Foreman to lead and oversee a 4–5 person Horizontal Directional Drilling crew on projects throughout Central, East, and West Texas.

This is a hands-on leadership position for an experienced HDD professional who understands the entire drilling operation and can step in and perform the work when needed. The ideal candidate will have strong experience with drilling, locating, bore planning, equipment operations, crew management, and jobsite safety.

The Crew Leader will be responsible for maintaining production, coordinating manpower and equipment, communicating with project management and customers, and ensuring all work is performed safely and according to project specifications.

Key Responsibilities

Crew Leadership & Production
  • Direct and supervise a 4–5 person HDD crew.
  • Plan daily work activities and assign crew responsibilities.
  • Maintain production schedules while prioritizing safe operations.
  • Conduct daily safety meetings, toolbox talks, and JSAs.
  • Train, mentor, and develop crew members.
  • Monitor employee performance and provide direction as needed.
  • Coordinate equipment, tooling, materials, and manpower.
  • Communicate regularly with Project Managers, Superintendents, and customers.
  • Address jobsite issues and make decisions in the field to keep production moving.
HDD Operations

The Crew Leader must have a strong working knowledge of all positions within an HDD crew, including:

  • Driller
  • Locator
  • Laborer
  • Mud system operations
  • Equipment loading and unloading
  • Rig moves and setup
  • Tooling selection
  • Preventative equipment maintenance
  • Basic troubleshooting and field repairs

The Crew Leader must be capable of drilling and locating when needed and should be comfortable stepping into any role on the crew.

Bore Planning & Field Operations
  • Read and interpret construction drawings, plans, and bore profiles.
  • Assist with bore planning and determine appropriate drilling methods.
  • Identify and address utility conflicts.
  • Verify utility locates prior to drilling.
  • Set up HDD rigs and associated equipment.
  • Coordinate entry and exit pit construction.
  • Select appropriate tooling based on soil and ground conditions.
  • Manage product pullbacks and hole cleaning.
  • Monitor drilling fluids and mud systems.
  • Adjust drilling operations based on field conditions.
  • Maintain production and coordinate daily schedules.
Safety & Environmental Compliance
  • Conduct daily JSAs and safety meetings.
  • Ensure all crew members follow company SOPs and safety procedures.
  • Verify proper PPE compliance.
  • Conduct equipment inspections.
  • Stop work immediately when unsafe conditions are identified.
  • Verify utility locates and maintain safe clearance around existing utilities.
  • Maintain clean and organized jobsites.
  • Follow environmental requirements and project-specific procedures.
  • Properly respond to and report inadvertent returns.
  • Immediately communicate safety concerns, incidents, delays, or jobsite issues to management.
Administrative Responsibilities
  • Complete daily production reports.
  • Maintain accurate employee timesheets.
  • Complete equipment inspection documentation.
  • Track material and tooling inventory.
  • Document production, delays, and jobsite issues.
  • Communicate project updates to management and customers.
  • Provide accurate information regarding crew production, equipment, and schedule.

Requirements

Experience with the following is highly preferred:

  • Large-diameter bores
  • Mud motors
  • Rock crossings
  • Highway crossings
  • Railroad crossings
  • Wetland and environmentally sensitive crossings
  • Inadvertent return response
  • Complex utility crossings
  • Challenging soil and ground conditions
  • Crew training and development

Minimum Qualifications

  • 3+ years of hands-on HDD experience required.
  • 2+ years of HDD crew leadership/foreman experience preferred.
  • Must be capable of operating as a driller and locator when needed.
  • Strong understanding of HDD equipment, tooling, drilling fluids, and bore operations.
  • Ability to read and interpret construction drawings and bore plans.
  • Knowledge of underground utilities and utility conflict identification.
  • Strong understanding of construction safety and jobsite procedures.
  • Ability to lead a crew while maintaining productivity and quality.
  • Strong communication and problem-solving skills.
  • Ability to work outdoors in varying weather and jobsite conditions.
  • Valid driver's license and reliable transportation.
  • Ability and willingness to travel extensively throughout Central, East, and West Texas.

Benefits

All standard benefits


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About Essel

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Industry

Recruiting and staffing services and temporary help services

Company size

11 - 50 Employees

Headquarters location

San Francisco, CA, US