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

Strike

Sr. Pipeline Designer

Spring, TX · On-site

$93K - $99K/yr

Develop complete pipeline design packages including IFC alignment sheets including major and minor stationing, workspace layout details, Horizontal Directional Drill plan/profile drawings, road and ...

Strike

Sr. Pipeline Designer

Spring, TX · On-site

$93K - $99K/yr

Develop complete pipeline design packages including IFC alignment sheets including major and minor stationing, workspace layout details, Horizontal Directional Drill plan/profile drawings, road and ...

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

Senior Drilling Engineer

Houston, TX · On-site

... 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 · On-site

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

Shop Assistant

Houston, TX · On-site

$14.25 - $18.25/hr

About us Inrock Drilling Systems is one of the world's largest tooling and service providers serving the horizontal directional drilling (HDD) industry. We provide tools and services to HDD ...

Sandvik

Shop Assistant

Houston, TX · On-site

$14.25 - $18.25/hr

About us Inrock Drilling Systems is one of the world's largest tooling and service providers serving the horizontal directional drilling (HDD) industry. We provide tools and services to HDD ...

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 ...

Hercules Offshore

Drilling Engineer

Houston, TX · On-site

$150 - $210/hr

Bachelor's degree in EngineeringExperience:6-8 years in drilling engineering with operators or service companiesExperience in multi-well development projects with directional/horizontal ...

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 ...

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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 Aug 13, 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 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.

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 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 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.
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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, 85% Full Time, 9% 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.

HDD Foreman (Horizontal Directional Drilling)

GAC Enterprises, LLC

Houston, TX • On-site

$95K - $105K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 8 days ago

Job description

About Us

GAC Enterprises LLC is a national utility infrastructure contractor building the underground fiber and telecom networks that keep communities connected. We support telecom, utility, and infrastructure projects across the United States, and we pride ourselves on safety, quality, and the leadership of our field foremen.

The Role

We're looking for an experienced HDD Foreman to lead horizontal directional drilling operations across the DFW metro. You'll be the primary field leader on assigned bores - reading the prints, evaluating the locates, organizing your crew, and keeping production moving without ever cutting corners on safety.

This is a working foreman role. You lead from the front: on the drill, on the locator, and in the pits when the job calls for it. If you take pride in the quality of your bores and in the people you develop, you'll fit here.

What You'll Do
  • Plan and run daily HDD activity, including complex bore planning, setup, drilling, pullback, potholing, and restoration
  • Lead, train, and develop your HDD crew; set the standard for accountability and professionalism
  • Run daily toolbox talks and JHAs, set production goals, and hold the crew to them
  • Read and interpret prints, utility plans, permits, and locates
  • Coordinate with Construction Managers, inspectors, utility owners, locators, and other project personnel to keep jobs on schedule
  • Identify problems early and solve them in the field to deliver clean, on-time, on-spec work
  • Enforce OSHA and GAC safety standards, correct unsafe conditions on the spot, and hold a zero-incident standard
  • Keep drills, locators, vacuum equipment, and support gear in safe, ready condition through daily inspections and preventive maintenance, coordinating repairs with Fleet to cut downtime
  • Hold the crew accountable for operating, cleaning, fueling, and securing company equipment
  • Approve timecards, complete daily production reports, and submit field documentation accurately and on time
  • Coach up your people and help build GAC's next generation of foremen
  • DOT medical card required - you must hold a current card or be able to medically qualify for one; if you don't have one, GAC will provide the exam
Working Conditions

Outdoor, physical role on active construction sites. You'll work in all weather conditions, lift up to 75 lbs, and stand, walk, kneel, bend, and climb throughout the workday. Travel within the DFW metro is required based on project needs.

Requirements

What We're Looking For
  • 5+ years leading HDD crews as a foreman in underground utility construction required
  • Deep, hands-on HDD experience - you know the equipment and you know the ground - required
  • Background in fiber, telecom, or underground utility construction required
  • Proven track record developing and leading field crews required
  • Solid command of construction prints, utility locates, and project specs required
  • Strong leadership, communication, and problem-solving skills required
  • Valid driver's license with an acceptable driving record required
  • Ability to pass a pre-employment drug screen and background check required
  • Experience with Vermeer and Ditch Witch HDD equipment preferred
  • Gas or power construction, vacuum excavation, and utility locating experience preferred
  • Crew scheduling and customer relations experience a plus
  • CDL a plus

Benefits

Pay & Benefits
  • $95,000-$105,000 per year
  • Medical, dental, and vision insurance
  • 401(k) retirement plan
  • Paid time off and paid company holidays
  • A real path to advancement - we promote from within and invest in our leaders
  • Good equipment and real support behind every foreman

Apply