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Horizontal Directional Drill Jobs in Spring, TX (NOW HIRING)

Sandvik

US Regional Account Manager

Houston, TX · On-site

$80 - $100/hr

Qualifications Minimum of 5 years' experience in the Horizontal Directional Drilling (HDD) industry. If you take pride in your job and want to work with a company committed to developing your career ...

Fervo Energy

Senior Drilling Engineer

Houston, TX

... horizontal drilling)? * Ability to demonstrate competency in core well engineering fundamentals, including casing design, directional drilling, drill string / BHA design, drilling fluids, cementing ...

Fervo Energy Company

Senior Drilling Engineer

Houston, TX · On-site

$99K - $137K/yr

... horizontal drilling)? * Ability to demonstrate competency in core well engineering fundamentals, including casing design, directional drilling, drill string / BHA design, drilling fluids, cementing ...

Fervo Energy

Drilling Operations Lead

Houston, TX

Lead and manage a team of Drill-Site Managers (DSMs) and Field Superintendents across active ... Experience executing horizontal drilling in unconventional wells * Experience with supply chain and ...

Sandvik

Assembly Technician (Cutter Assembly)

Houston, TX · On-site

$16.75 - $21/hr

Houston, Texas About Inrock Inrock is a leading provider of advanced drilling tools, equipment, and services for the horizontal directional drilling (HDD) industry. We specialize in developing ...

SMC Region USC

US Regional Account Manager

Houston, TX · Remote

Minimum of 5 years' experience in the Horizontal Directional Drilling (HDD) industry. If you take pride in your job and want to work with a company committed to developing your career , we encourage ...

Halliburton

LR01-ESG-ROC Prof-LWD, Genl

Houston, TX · On-site

... directional drilling operations for multiple rigs from a Remote Operations Center (ROC) in support of Exxon operations in Guyana. Leverage expertise in drilling horizontal, slant, deviated wells, re ...

Halliburton

LR01-ESG-ROC Prof-LWD, Genl

Houston, TX · Remote

... directional drilling operations for multiple rigs from a Remote Operations Center (ROC) in support of Exxon operations in Guyana. Leverage expertise in drilling horizontal, slant, deviated wells, re ...

Chevron

Drill Site Representative (DSR)

Houston, TX · On-site

... horizontal wells exceeding 10,000 feet in lateral length. This role is responsible for ensuring ... Provide leadership and direction to rig contractors and service providers to ensure work is ...

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All JobsHorizontal Directional Drill JobsHorizontal Directional Drill Jobs in Spring, TX

Horizontal Directional Drill information

See Spring, TX salary details

$11

$23

$30

How much do horizontal directional drill jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 3, 2026, the average hourly pay for horizontal directional drill in Spring, TX is $23.23, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $20.77 and $25.67 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a horizontal directional drill operator?

A Horizontal Directional Drill (HDD) operator is a skilled professional who operates drilling equipment to install underground utilities such as pipes, cables, or conduits without the need for traditional trenching. Using specialized HDD machines, the operator drills a pilot hole along a predetermined path and then enlarges it to accommodate the utility line. This method minimizes surface disruption, making it ideal for crossing roads, rivers, or other obstacles. HDD operators must understand soil conditions, equipment operation, and safety protocols to ensure efficient and safe installations.

What are horizontal directional drill jobs?

As a horizontal directional drill user, your job is to support construction efforts and use HDD equipment to lay an underground utility line without having to dig down from the surface. Horizontal directional drillers help install pipes of various sizes under different obstructions, including dirt, roads, railways, rivers, and other impediments. In many cases, this job requires maneuvering the drill to avoid existing pipes, particularly those containing natural gas, electricity, water, or sewage. Most drillers in this industry work in teams, though you may work independently for small jobs. This job may require working evenings, nights, weekends, or holidays as necessary to meet a construction schedule.

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 strong knowledge of drilling techniques, underground utilities, and safety procedures, often supported by a high school diploma and on-the-job training. Familiarity with drill rigs, locating systems, and equipment maintenance is crucial, and some positions may require a commercial driver's license (CDL) or safety certifications like OSHA. Attention to detail, problem-solving skills, and effective communication help operators navigate complex job sites and coordinate with teams. These skills ensure safe, accurate, and efficient installation of underground utilities while minimizing risk and project delays.

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

Horizontal Directional Drill Operators often encounter challenges such as navigating unexpected underground obstacles, maintaining precise bore paths, and adapting to varying soil conditions. Effective communication with utility locators and the rest of the crew is crucial to prevent damage to existing infrastructure. Additionally, operators must consistently follow safety protocols and adapt to changing site conditions, which can require quick problem-solving and teamwork. Staying organized and proactive helps ensure projects are completed efficiently and safely.

What is the difference between Horizontal Directional Drill vs Horizontal Boring Machine Operator?

AspectHorizontal Directional DrillHorizontal Boring Machine Operator
CredentialsOSHA certification, CDL often preferredOSHA certification, CDL often preferred
Work EnvironmentConstruction sites, underground utility installationConstruction sites, underground utility installation
Industry UsageUtility, telecommunications, constructionUtility, telecommunications, construction

Both Horizontal Directional Drills and Horizontal Boring Machine Operators work in similar environments, often on construction sites installing underground utilities. They require comparable certifications and serve overlapping industries. The main difference lies in the specific equipment used; Horizontal Directional Drills are specialized for precise underground drilling, while Horizontal Boring Machine Operators handle a broader range of boring machinery. Understanding these distinctions helps in choosing the right career path or job search focus within the underground construction industry.

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For Horizontal Directional Drill jobs in Spring, TX, the most frequently searched job titles are:

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Cities near Spring, TX with the most Horizontal Directional Drill job openings:

Horizontal Directional Drill jobs near you
Infographic showing various Horizontal Directional Drill job openings in Spring, TX as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 87% Full Time, 7% Part Time, 3% Contract, and 2% Nights. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $48,317 per year, or $23.2 per hour.

Horizontal Directional Drill (HDD) Operator

SHELTON ENERGY SOLUTIONS LLC

Conroe, TX • On-site

Full-time

Posted 7 days ago

Job description

 Summary 

 

The HDD Operator is responsible for safely and efficiently operating horizontal directional drilling equipment to install underground conduit, cables, and other utility infrastructure to support electric distribution and transmission systems. This role ensures work is completed according to project specifications, safety regulations, and industry standards while minimizing impact to the environment and surrounding infrastructure.

 Duties and Responsibilities 

  • Operate horizontal directional drilling (HDD) equipment and associated support machinery to install conduit, cable, and other underground infrastructure.
  • Read and interpret construction plans, job specifications, and utility locates to ensure accurate bore paths.
  • Set up, calibrate, and maintain HDD equipment, mud systems, and tracking systems.
  • Direct and coordinate with drill crew and locators to maintain safe and efficient work zones.
  • Monitor drilling operations and adjust as necessary to maintain line and grade.
  • Conduct pre- and post-trip inspections of drilling rigs and support equipment.
  • Identify and avoid existing underground utilities through proper use of locate information and potholing.
  • Adhere to all company, federal, state, and local safety guidelines and environmental regulations.
  • Complete required project documentation, daily logs, and equipment maintenance records.
  • Assist with site restoration and cleanup upon project completion.
  • Performs other duties as assigned.

 Qualifications                                                                                                                                                                           

  

Education & Experience

  • High school diploma or equivalent required.
  • Minimum 2 years of experience operating HDD equipment in utility or construction environments (electrical utility experience preferred).
  • Valid Class A commercial driver’s license (CDL) or ability to obtain.
  • Familiarity with underground utility construction standards and practices.

   

Skills & Abilities

  • Proficient in operation of HDD rigs, tracking systems, and locating equipment.
  • Ability to interpret and follow engineering drawings, work plans, and safety standards.
  • Strong understanding of underground utility safety and right-of-way protocols.
  • Ability to work in various weather conditions and terrain.
  • Excellent communication and teamwork skills.
  • Maintain a neat, well-groomed, and professional appearance.
 Core Competencies 

 

Attention to detail, conflict resolution, team building, mentoring and coaching, business acumen, ethical decision- making and leadership, global and cultural awareness, critical and creative thinking, time management, self-control, ability to adapt to constantly changing circumstances while maintaining a professional demeanor and corporate perspective, results oriented.

 Working conditions/Physical Requirements/Travel 


 Working Conditions

  1. Work sites are underground in confined space or outdoors in potentially extreme weather conditions.
  2. All worksite safety instructions are written and spoken in English; must be fluent in English.
  3. Work includes prolonged and repeated: lifting (including overhead, up to 50lbs); standing; climbing; kneeling; reaching and feeling; crouching and crawling.
  4. Work is performed within the “red zone” of heavy equipment.
  5. Working safely requires quick/accurate hand-eye coordination and the ability to work in a constant state of alertness and safe manner.

   Requirements

  1. Pass pre-employment, random, post-accident, and reasonable suspicion drug screens.
  2. Provide valid US work authorization documents for E-Verify.
  3. Satisfactory results of pre-employment background check results.
  4. A valid driver’s license with a clean driving record is required.
  5. Pre-employment medical fit-for-duty test; hold/obtain DOT medical card.
  6. Ability to wear Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) as dictated by position.
  7. With the health and safety of our employees, customers, and the communities we serve in mind, all candidates who receive an offer of employment will be required to complete a COVID-19 risk assessment; your responses will help us determine an employment start date.
  8. This position may require weekend and/or holiday work.
  9. Travel required. Ability to work on-call, irregular hours, and emergency response.


The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. The employee Is frequently required to stand; walk; use hands to finger; handle; and fee; and reach with hands and arms.

 Additional Duties 

 

The above statements are typically assigned to employees in this position. They are not to be construed as an exhaustive list of their duties and responsibilities. The Company reserves the right to assign or reassign duties and responsibilities to the job at any time.

 Direct Reports/Reporting Structure 

 

This position reports directly to the Foreman. 

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