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Horizontal Directional Drill Operator Jobs in Indiana

Utilities One

Drill Operator

Fort Wayne, IN · On-site

$300 - $400/day

Drill Operator Department: Operations Employment Type: Contract Location: United States - Fort ... Operate Horizontal Directional Drilling (HDD) machines for underground cable installation;

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Horizontal Directional Drill Operator information

What is a horizontal directional drill operator?

A Horizontal Directional Drill Operator is a skilled professional responsible for operating drilling equipment used to install underground pipes, conduits, or cables with minimal surface disruption. They guide and control the drilling machinery to ensure precise placement according to project specifications, often navigating beneath roads, rivers, or other obstacles. These operators must understand soil conditions, read blueprints, and maintain safety standards throughout the drilling process. Their work is essential for utility installations such as water, gas, telecommunications, and electrical lines.

What are some common challenges faced by a horizontal directional drill operator on a typical project?

Horizontal Directional Drill Operators often encounter challenges such as varying soil conditions, unexpected underground obstacles, and maintaining precise bore paths to avoid utility strikes. Effective communication with the project team and utility locators is essential to navigate these challenges safely and efficiently. Operators must also adapt to changing weather conditions and ensure that all equipment is properly maintained to minimize downtime.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a horizontal directional drill operator, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Horizontal Directional Drill Operator, you need expertise in drilling operations, site safety, underground utility locating, and a high school diploma or equivalent. Proficiency with drilling rigs, locators, mud mixing systems, and often a CDL license or equipment certifications is typically required. Strong problem-solving skills, attention to detail, and effective communication make someone stand out in this position. These skills ensure safe, accurate, and efficient completion of drilling projects, minimizing risks and downtime.

What is the difference between Horizontal Directional Drill Operator vs Trench Technician?

AspectHorizontal Directional Drill OperatorTrench Technician
CredentialsOSHA certification, CDL often preferredOSHA certification, basic construction safety training
Work EnvironmentUnderground, outdoor construction sitesSurface, open trenches, outdoor sites
Industry UsageUtility installation, telecommunications, pipelinesUtility repair, excavation, infrastructure projects

The Horizontal Directional Drill Operator and Trench Technician both work in underground construction environments, but the Drill Operator specializes in underground drilling using specialized equipment, while the Trench Technician focuses on excavating trenches for utility lines. Both roles require safety certifications and are essential in infrastructure projects, but they differ in equipment used and specific tasks performed.

Is horizontal directional drill operator a hard job?

Horizontal directional drill operators perform complex tasks that require technical skills, physical effort, and attention to safety protocols. The job involves working with specialized equipment in various environments, often requiring certifications and the ability to handle physically demanding conditions. It can be challenging due to the technical knowledge and safety considerations involved.

What are popular job titles related to Horizontal Directional Drill Operator jobs in Indiana?

For Horizontal Directional Drill Operator jobs in Indiana, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Horizontal Directional Drill Operator jobs in Indiana look for?

The top searched job categories for Horizontal Directional Drill Operator jobs in Indiana are:

Horizontal Directional Drill Operator jobs near you
Infographic showing various Horizontal Directional Drill Operator job openings in Indiana as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 46% Full Time, 51% Part Time, 2% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 98% Physical, and 2% Remote job distribution.

Directional Drill Operator/Locator

MasTec Communications Group

South Bend, IN • On-site

$23.75 - $29.50/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 6 days ago

MasTec rating

7.4

Company rating: 7.4 out of 10

Based on 155 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

34th of 80 rated construction

Job description

Overview

At MasTec Communications Group we build for the future. Yours and ours. 

As a Directional Drill Operator/Locator, you will develop new skills, work in a safety-minded environment, and join us in expanding technology for a better community. Join the MasTec family and help us provide the highest level of quality service to our customers and communities while maintaining our commitment to safety!


Responsibilities

As a Directional Drill Operator/Locator, you will support directional drilling for the installation of underground conduit and fiber optic cable. You believe in doing the job right. Being the best. And you’re up for the challenge.  

In addition, you will: 

  • Locate a Horizontal Directional Driller for the installation of underground conduit and fiber optic cable
  • Operate a horizontal directional bore in collaboration with the Drill Locator to successfully install coax and fiber systems 
  • Ensure the safety of the public and other underground utility facilities 
  • Read utility locates and coordinates the daylighting of these facilities 
  • Transport heavy equipment to and from the job site each day 

Qualifications

About You: 

  • Safety is a part of your day-to-day
  • You have a track record of completing work with a high level of quality
  • You have a knack for figuring out hard problems and enjoy a hands-on approach to your work
  • You are looking for long-term projects
  • You enjoy getting your hands dirty with your team
  • You have at least 2 years of utility directional drilling experience in an urban environment
  • You have experience with different-sized Vermeer or Ditch Witch drills
  • You have the ability to read and understand maps, drawings, and diagrams for the project build process
  • You have a valid Class A CDL with a clean driving record
  • You want to make an impact with your local community and enjoy being home daily 

MOS Codes 12K, 12N,12V, 12W, 21E, 21J, 25P, 91C, 91L, 11B, 1100, 1120, 1316, 9970-9975, 0612, 2T3XX, 2E1XX, 3E2XX, 3E3XX, 9T0XX, BU, UT relate well to this position. 

Hard work pays off. See what you’ll get for your effort: 

Financial Security 

  • 401(k) with company match
  • Employee Stock Purchase Plan (ESPP) 
  • Life insurance
  • Short-term and Long-term disability
  • Red Wing Boot Voucher 

Health and Wellness 

  • Medical, dental and vision insurance 
  • Dependent care and medical flexible spending accounts
  • Employee Assistance Program (EAP) 

Work/Life Balance 

  • Paid time off 
  • Paid holidays
  • Family and medical leave
  • Paid sick time

Employee Referral Program 

Refer someone who delivers excellence just like you and receive a $1,000 incentive for a referral that becomes a permanent hire! 

We meet your commitment with competitive pay and benefits. If this sounds like you, let’s talk. Build your career with MasTec! 

MasTec, Inc. is an equal employment opportunity employer. The Company's policy is not to unlawfully discriminate against any applicant or employee on the basis of race, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, military status, or any other consideration made unlawful by applicable federal, state, or local laws. The Company also prohibits harassment of applicants and employees based on any of these protected categories. It is also MasTec's policy to comply with all applicable state, federal and local laws respecting consideration of unemployment status in making hiring decisions.

#MasTecJobs #MasTecCareers #BeSuccessfulWithUs #IAmMasTec #WeAreMasTec #MasTecFamily #MasTecCommunicationsGroup #MasTecCommunicationsCareers

Qualifications:

About You: 

  • Safety is a part of your day-to-day
  • You have a track record of completing work with a high level of quality
  • You have a knack for figuring out hard problems and enjoy a hands-on approach to your work
  • You are looking for long-term projects
  • You enjoy getting your hands dirty with your team
  • You have at least 2 years of utility directional drilling experience in an urban environment
  • You have experience with different-sized Vermeer or Ditch Witch drills
  • You have the ability to read and understand maps, drawings, and diagrams for the project build process
  • You have a valid Class A CDL with a clean driving record
  • You want to make an impact with your local community and enjoy being home daily 

MOS Codes 12K, 12N,12V, 12W, 21E, 21J, 25P, 91C, 91L, 11B, 1100, 1120, 1316, 9970-9975, 0612, 2T3XX, 2E1XX, 3E2XX, 3E3XX, 9T0XX, BU, UT relate well to this position. 

Hard work pays off. See what you’ll get for your effort: 

Financial Security 

  • 401(k) with company match
  • Employee Stock Purchase Plan (ESPP) 
  • Life insurance
  • Short-term and Long-term disability
  • Red Wing Boot Voucher 

Health and Wellness 

  • Medical, dental and vision insurance 
  • Dependent care and medical flexible spending accounts
  • Employee Assistance Program (EAP) 

Work/Life Balance 

  • Paid time off 
  • Paid holidays
  • Family and medical leave
  • Paid sick time

Employee Referral Program 

Refer someone who delivers excellence just like you and receive a $1,000 incentive for a referral that becomes a permanent hire! 

We meet your commitment with competitive pay and benefits. If this sounds like you, let’s talk. Build your career with MasTec! 

MasTec, Inc. is an equal employment opportunity employer. The Company's policy is not to unlawfully discriminate against any applicant or employee on the basis of race, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, military status, or any other consideration made unlawful by applicable federal, state, or local laws. The Company also prohibits harassment of applicants and employees based on any of these protected categories. It is also MasTec's policy to comply with all applicable state, federal and local laws respecting consideration of unemployment status in making hiring decisions.

#MasTecJobs #MasTecCareers #BeSuccessfulWithUs #IAmMasTec #WeAreMasTec #MasTecFamily #MasTecCommunicationsGroup #MasTecCommunicationsCareers

Education:UNAVAILABLEEmployment Type: FULL_TIME

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