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Hdd Operator Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Klaasmeyer Construction Company, Inc.

HDD Locator

Conway, AR · On-site

$21.25 - $26.25/hr

We're hiring our next Locator to track the HDD in real time, guiding it to depth and on path, and ... Operating electronic bore tracking systems to monitor drill head position, depth, pitch, and roll ...

Klaasmeyer Construction Company Inc

HDD Locator

Nashville, TN · On-site

$23.50 - $29/hr

Operating electronic bore tracking systems to monitor drill head position, depth, pitch, and roll ... Working knowledge of HDD operations - you understand what the operator is doing and why your ...

Klaasmeyer Construction Company, Inc

HDD Locator

Conway, AR · On-site

$21.25 - $26.25/hr

Operating electronic bore tracking systems to monitor drill head position, depth, pitch, and roll ... Working knowledge of HDD operations - you understand what the operator is doing and why your ...

Klaasmeyer Construction Company Inc

HDD Locator

Conway, AR

$21.25 - $26.25/hr

Operating electronic bore tracking systems to monitor drill head position, depth, pitch, and roll ... Working knowledge of HDD operations - you understand what the operator is doing and why your ...

2 Dams Inc

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Horizontal Directional Drilling (HDD) - Drill Operator (DW JT100)

Fort Worth, TX · On-site

$25 - $40/hr

We are seeking a motivated and reliable Horizontal Directional Drill (HDD) Operator to join our underground utility construction team. This role involves supporting or operating horizontal ...

2 Dams Inc

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Horizontal Directional Drilling (HDD) - Drill Operator (DW JT100)

Fort Worth, TX · On-site

$25 - $40/hr

We are seeking a motivated and reliable Horizontal Directional Drill (HDD) Operator to join our underground utility construction team. This role involves supporting or operating horizontal ...

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Hdd Operator information

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How much do hdd operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 16, 2026, the average hourly pay for hdd operator in the United States is $18.19, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.35 and $19.47 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are some common challenges faced by HDD operators on job sites and how can they be addressed?

HDD Operators often encounter challenges such as navigating underground obstacles, maintaining equipment, and ensuring the accuracy of bore paths. Weather conditions and soil variability can also impact operations and require quick adaptation. Effective communication with the drilling crew and utility locators is essential to avoid damaging existing infrastructure. Building experience with different ground conditions and staying updated on safety protocols can help HDD Operators overcome these challenges and ensure successful project completion.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an HDD operator?

To thrive as an HDD Operator, you need strong mechanical aptitude, experience with horizontal directional drilling (HDD) equipment, and often a high school diploma or equivalent. Familiarity with drilling rigs, locating systems like DigiTrak or Subsite, and relevant safety certifications such as OSHA are typically required. Attention to detail, problem-solving, and effective teamwork are essential soft skills in this role. These skills and qualifications ensure safe, precise, and efficient installation of underground utilities in various soil conditions, minimizing risks and maximizing productivity.

How much do HDD operators make?

HDD (Horizontal Directional Drilling) operators typically earn between $50,000 and $80,000 annually, depending on experience, location, and certifications. Entry-level positions may start around $40,000, while experienced operators with specialized skills can earn higher wages. Overtime and union benefits can also impact total compensation.

What is an HDD operator?

HDD Operators, or Horizontal Directional Drilling Operators, are professionals who operate and control drilling equipment used to install underground pipes, conduits, or cables with minimal surface disruption. They read plans, set up drilling rigs, and monitor the drilling process to ensure accuracy and safety. HDD Operators are commonly employed in construction, telecommunications, and utility industries, where trenchless installation methods are required. Their work helps minimize damage to landscapes, roads, and existing infrastructure.

What is the difference between Hdd Operator vs Drilling Operator?

AspectHdd OperatorDrilling Operator
Required CredentialsHigh school diploma, on-the-job training, sometimes certifications in HDD operationsHigh school diploma, certifications in drilling operations, safety training
Work EnvironmentConstruction sites, utility projects, underground utility installationsOil & gas fields, mining sites, construction drilling projects
Employer & Industry UsageConstruction, utility companies, civil engineeringOil & gas, mining, heavy industry
Common Search & ComparisonYesYes

Hdd Operators and Drilling Operators both work in heavy industry environments requiring safety certifications and technical skills. While Hdd Operators focus on horizontal directional drilling for utility installation, Drilling Operators typically work in oil, gas, or mining sectors with vertical or directional drilling. Both roles demand specialized training, but their work environments and industry applications differ significantly.

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Hdd Operator jobs near you
Infographic showing various Hdd Operator job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 43% Full Time, 55% Part Time, 1% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $37,827 per year, or $18.2 per hour.

Senior Horizontal Directional Drill (HDD) Operator / Locator III

TriTechne

Conway, AR • On-site

$21.25 - $26.25/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 3 days ago

Job description

Job Description Summary:
TriTechne is seeking a Senior Horizontal Directional Drill (HDD) Operator / Locator III to serve as the lead drilling expert and crew leader on our most complex and critical underground utility projects. This role owns the planning and execution of demanding bores - including long crossings, large-diameter installations, environmentally sensitive areas, and congested utility corridors - while leading and developing the crew, interfacing with project stakeholders, and setting the standard for safety and quality in the field. The ideal candidate is a seasoned operator and locator with proven leadership ability, strong technical judgment, and a track record of delivering difficult bores safely and on schedule.
Job Description:
The Senior HDD Operator / Locator III is the lead technical authority and crew leader for horizontal directional drilling operations, responsible for planning and executing the company's most complex and critical underground utility installations. This role combines expert-level drilling and locating skill with field leadership - directing crews, developing bore plans, coordinating with project stakeholders, and setting the standard for safety, quality, and production. The Senior Operator works with minimal supervision and exercises significant independent judgment on high-risk work.
Essential Duties & Responsibilities
  • Lead and operate HDD equipment on the most complex, deep, long, or high-risk bores, adjusting methods for difficult ground and environmental conditions.
  • Plan and design bore paths, develop bore plans, and conduct pre-construction risk assessments using drawings, utility maps, and site evaluations.
  • Lead utility verification and locating using systems such as DigiTrak or Subsite, ensuring clearances and resolving conflicts on critical installations.
  • Establish and oversee drilling fluid programs tailored to geological and environmental requirements.
  • Direct, train, mentor, and evaluate Level I and II operators, locators, and ground crew.
  • Lead advanced equipment diagnostics, troubleshooting, and maintenance planning to maximize uptime.
  • Own the accuracy and completeness of bore logs, daily production reports, inspections, and as-built documentation.
  • Coordinate with project managers, engineers, inspectors, clients, locators, and other trades on scheduling and field resolution.
  • Lead safety briefings, enforce OSHA regulations and company policies, and initiate corrective action when standards are not met.
  • Maintain a clean, organized, safe, and productive work environment across the crew.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSAs)
  • Expert knowledge of HDD equipment, methods, and locating systems across varied conditions.
  • Ability to develop, interpret, and validate construction drawings and bore plans.
  • Expert mechanical aptitude and advanced troubleshooting capability.
  • Strong leadership, mentoring, and crew management skills.
  • Sound, independent decision-making on complex and high-risk work.
  • Effective communication and coordination with crews, stakeholders, and clients.
  • Deep commitment to and ownership of safety, quality, and environmental compliance.

How We Work - TriTechne's Core Values
  • Integrity: We uphold the highest standards of honesty and transparency in all of our actions and communications.
  • Accountability: We commit to results and exceptional quality in our work and fully embrace accountability to our team and to our goals.
  • Respect: We foster an environment of mutual respect, support, and encouragement, recognizing the value of every individual.
  • Coachability: We are committed to growth and self-directed learning, actively seeking and openly welcoming feedback on our performance and our decision-making.
  • Teamwork: We believe in the power of collaboration, leveraging our collective strengths to surpass individual capabilities in order to achieve shared objectives.

Benefits
TriTechne offers a comprehensive benefits package to all full-time employees. The Benefit Package includes the following: Health, Dental, and Vision insurance, Life Insurance, Short-Term & Long-Term Disability Insurance, a 401(k)-retirement plan with company match, paid time off, and other benefits that will be detailed upon your onboarding.

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