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Horizontal Directional Drill Operator Jobs (NOW HIRING)

JDH Infrastructure Group

NY · On-site

Operate horizontal directional drills and related equipment safely and efficiently.Perform daily calibration of locators and drill heads as directed.Identify and expose existing utilities using ...

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Horizontal Directional Drill Operator information

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$13

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$51

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

As of Sep 12, 2026, the average hourly pay for horizontal 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 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.
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Horizontal Directional Drill Operator jobs near you
Infographic showing various Horizontal Directional Drill Operator job openings in the United States as of September 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.

Horizontal Directional Drill Operator

Naples, FL • On-site

Quality Enterprises USA, Inc.
Construction • 51 - 200 employees
Learn more about Quality Enterprises USA, Inc.external

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 2 days ago

Job description

NOTE: To be considered for this role, you must be eligible to work in the USA without sponsorship.

Please complete the application in its entirety and submit a resume, if available.

This position requires travel and extended stays at job locations.

Position Description

Earth View LLC is looking for a Horizontal Directional Drill Operator to join our team. The Horizontal Directional Drill (HDD) Operator's primary responsibility is to safely and efficiently operate HDD rigs and other drilling equipment.

Benefits

  • Competitive Pay
  • Paid Holidays & PTO
  • Medical and Dental Insurance
  • Vision, Accident, Critical Illness, and Hospitalization Insurance Options
  • Short-Term Disability (Company-Paid)
  • Life Insurance (Company-Paid)
  • Additional Voluntary Life Insurance Options
  • 401K with company contribution match
  • Career Advancement Opportunities
  • Positive Work Environment

Position Requirements

Essential Responsibilities:

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

  • Assist with preparing job site and HDD equipment so that drilling can be performed safely.
  • Efficiently and safely operate an AA440 drill rig (or larger drill rig) in accordance with company and industry standards.
  • Perform routine labor (i.e. potholing, equipment set-up, conduit/duct/cable placement) as required.
  • Ensure that all the utilities located in the construction path have been potholed.
  • Review and evaluate directional drill plans; determine the optimal drilling parameters needed to comply with plans.
  • Report any anomalies detected during drilling to the superintendent; evaluate contingency plans.
  • Inspect drill and tools before use.
  • Monitor equipment while in operation.
  • Comply with all OSHA standards and Company safety policies.
  • Assist job crew with other duties when not actively drilling.
  • Assist with keeping job site safe, organized, and clean, free of trash or debris.

Qualifications:

  • High school diploma or equivalent required; associate or bachelor's degree in construction management or similar field preferred.
  • 2+ years' experience operating an AA440 or larger drill rig required; combination of work experience with technical training in an industry-related trade program will be considered.
  • Ability to read and understand project technical drawings and diagrams.
  • Ability to work independently with little supervision while adding to a safe and positive team environment.
  • Must be able to pass a pre-employment drug screen.

Working Conditions and Physical Requirements:

  • Must be able to stand, walk, or sit; use hands to finger, handle, or feel; reach with hands and arms; climb, balance, or stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl
  • Must be able to move objects weighing up to 50 pounds.
  • Work is primarily performed outdoors in variable weather and lighting conditions, including extreme heat and humidity.
  • Must be willing to work a flexible schedule including early mornings, evenings, and weekends as needed.
  • This position requires travel and extended stays at job locations.

Equal Opportunity Employer

Quality Enterprises USA, Inc. (QE) provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.

This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation and training.

Employment Type: FULL_TIME

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