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Hdd Jobs in Missouri (NOW HIRING)

HDD Directional Drill Operator/ Crew Leader Utility Locator Immediate Supervisor: Project Manager, Operations Manager, Owner Position: Exempt Non-Exempt Overtime Required: Yes No General Job Summary:

HDD Directional Drill Operator/ Crew Leader Utility Locator Immediate Supervisor: Project Manager, Operations Manager, Owner Position: Exempt Non-Exempt Overtime Required: Yes No General Job Summary:

HDD/ Drill Locator

Warrensburg, MO · On-site

$20 - $30/hr

HDD Directional Drill Operator/ Crew Leader Utility Locator Immediate Supervisor: Project Manager, Operations Manager, Owner Position: Exempt Non-Exempt Overtime Required: Yes No General Job Summary:

HDD Directional Drill Operator/ Crew Leader Utility Locator Immediate Supervisor: Project Manager, Operations Manager, Owner Position: Exempt Non-Exempt Overtime Required: Yes No General Job Summary:

HDD/ Drill Locator

Villa Ridge, MO · On-site

$20 - $30/hr

HDD Directional Drill Operator/ Crew Leader Utility Locator Immediate Supervisor: Project Manager, Operations Manager, Owner Position: Exempt Non-Exempt Overtime Required: Yes No General Job Summary:

Foreman We're hiring an experienced Foreman to lead utility construction crews in the field. This role is responsible for supervising daily work, keeping crews organized, making sure jobs stay on ...

Mainline Construction Technician

Columbia, MO · On-site

$17 - $21.75/hr

Throughout the day, you'll help install conduit, expose existing utilities, operate (or assist with) HDD bore rigs, and support the crew in building high-quality telecom infrastructure. Your work ...

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Vac Truck Operator

Jonesburg, MO · On-site

$18.50 - $23.50/hr

This role also supports HDD and excavation crews at active utility crossings and assists with general field duties when the vac truck is not in operation. Key Responsibilities * Operate a vac truck ...

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Hdd information

See Missouri salary details

$9

$14

$18

How much do hdd jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 17, 2026, the average hourly pay for hdd in Missouri is $14.86, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $13.46 and $16.11 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the typical challenges faced by HDD operators during a project?

HDD operators often encounter challenges such as navigating through varying soil conditions, avoiding underground utilities, and maintaining bore path accuracy. Weather and environmental factors can also impact drilling efficiency and safety. Effective communication and coordination with the project team, including surveyors and utility locators, are essential to overcoming these obstacles and ensuring a successful outcome.

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

To thrive as an HDD Operator, you need specialized knowledge of drilling techniques, geotechnical understanding, and typically a high school diploma or equivalent, often supplemented by technical training. Proficiency in operating HDD rigs, locating systems, and using drilling fluid management equipment is crucial, as are relevant safety certifications. Strong problem-solving skills, attention to detail, and effective communication help operators address unexpected challenges and coordinate with crew members. These skills ensure safe, efficient, and precise installation of underground utilities, minimizing environmental impact and project delays.

What is an HDD?

HDD technicians, also known as Horizontal Directional Drilling technicians, are professionals who operate and maintain drilling equipment used to install underground utilities such as pipes, cables, and conduits without the need for traditional trenching. They are responsible for planning drill paths, setting up drilling rigs, monitoring drilling progress, and ensuring safety standards are met. HDD technicians play a crucial role in infrastructure projects, especially in areas where surface disruption must be minimized.

What is the difference between Hdd vs Data Analyst?

AspectHddData Analyst
Required CredentialsHigh school diploma or equivalent; technical certificationsBachelor's degree in statistics, data science, or related field
Work EnvironmentData centers, IT departments, hardware-focused settingsOffices, corporate environments, research settings
Industry UsageIT, hardware manufacturing, data storage companiesFinance, marketing, healthcare, technology
Common Search/ComparisonHdd vs Data Analyst

Hdd (Hard Disk Drive) professionals focus on hardware, data storage, and maintenance, often requiring technical certifications. Data Analysts interpret data, generate reports, and support decision-making, typically holding a degree in data-related fields. While both roles work with data, Hdd roles are hardware-centric, whereas Data Analysts are software and analysis-focused. Understanding these differences helps employers and job seekers find the right fit based on skills and industry needs.

Infographic showing various Hdd job openings in Missouri as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 94% Full Time, 1% Part Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 94% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $30,912 per year, or $14.9 per hour.

HDD/ Drill Locator

Sunrise Telecom

Villa Ridge, MO • On-site

Other

Re-posted 29 days ago


Sunrise Telecom rating

6.3

Company rating: 6.3 out of 10

Based on 6 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

76th of 99 rated telecommunications companies


Job description

Job Description Title: HDD Directional Drill Operator/ Crew Leader Utility Locator Immediate Supervisor: Project Manager, Operations Manager, Owner Position: Exempt Non-Exempt Overtime Required: Yes No General Job Summary: Operate drill equipment and various other equipment in conjunction with drilling duties. (i.e. Directional Drill, Hydro Vac, Excavator, etc) The HDD Locator is responsible for accurately locating, tracking, and guiding the drill head during horizontal directional drilling operations. Working closely with the drill operator and crew, the locator ensures the bore follows the approved path, maintains proper depth and alignment, and avoids underground utilities or obstructions while meeting safety and quality standards. Principal duties and Responsibilities: Responsible to read locate paint or locate flags of utility placement, and possess the ability to "read the job layout" including service lines, valves and meter housings that may or may not have been located. Ensuring Company assets (vehicles, equipment, tools, etc.) are properly and continuously maintained in good repair and secured in a safe manner Read and accurately interpret design prints and organization of materials and other resources as necessary to complete excavation requirements, which may include basic hand tools. Maintain bore logs and identify the use of tools required for maintaining and servicing the drill, drill stem, and rack as well as the ability to diagnose and/or relay any problems to a certified repair technician. Move, lift, or pull weights of 100 pounds or more to operate equipment such as compressors, pumps, blowers, winches. Must be able to lift or move manhole covers or similar items. Complete and submit necessary documentation for daily reporting. Communicate with customers and or employees to relay job status and or issues surrounding daily production. POSITION REQUIREMENTS: High school diploma or equivalent. A valid driver's class A license is required. Must have 2 years’ directional drill experience as a drill operator or locator. Able to use a utility locator to find existing underground utilities. Falcon F series preferred Possess the knowledge of local and federal utility locating laws and requirements for directional drill operations. Including knowledge of highway traffic control standards and general underground practices. Ability to drill in both standard and high-risk areas, such as areas with live utilities. Must have basic operating experience with heavy equipment. Required to frequently stand, walk, and sit and work outside in all types of weather Knowledge of reading and interpreting CATV design prints and accurately recording field production for as-builts purposes. Must pass a pre-employment background check, drug screen, and motor vehicle check. (This is not a complete listing of all duties and responsibilities. Other duties as indicated by the supervisor/manager may also apply.)

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