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Senior Directional Driller Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Directional Service & Consulting

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Core Driller

Spokane, WA · On-site

$25 - $30/hr

Directional Services and Consulting is seeking qualified Core Drillers or helper in the mining ... Valid driving license without SR 22. * Ability to work in various weather conditions and physically ...

Directional Service & Consulting

Be Seen First

Core Driller

Phoenix, AZ · On-site

$25 - $30/hr

Directional Services and Consulting is seeking qualified Core Drillers or helper in the mining ... Valid driving license without SR 22. * Ability to work in various weather conditions and physically ...

ADB

Directional Drill Foreman

San Antonio, TX · On-site

$30/hr

Has performed at least 1 year of independent operating of various equipment (directional drill ... Performs OTJ training with Senior Foreman and/or Supervisors to grow skills in the utility ...

ADB Wireless

Directional Drill Foreman

San Antonio, TX · On-site

$30/hr

Has performed at least 1 year of independent operating of various equipment (directional drill ... Performs OTJ training with Senior Foreman and/or Supervisors to grow skills in the utility ...

Fervo Energy Company

Senior Drilling Engineer

Houston, TX · On-site

$99K - $137K/yr

We are seeking a Senior Drilling Engineer who is excited by Fervo's mission and motivated to design ... design, directional drilling, drill string / BHA design, drilling fluids, cementing, and ...

Fervo Energy

Senior Drilling Engineer

Houston, TX · On-site

We are seeking a Senior Drilling Engineer who is excited by Fervo's mission and motivated to design ... design, directional drilling, drill string / BHA design, drilling fluids, cementing, and ...

Olsson

Experienced Geotechnical Driller

La Vista, NE

$21.50 - $29/hr

... staff, senior technicians, engineers, surveyors, and construction managers. * Performs drilling assignments under moderate direction and supervision. * Prepares daily reports and keeps accurate ...

QB Energy

Sr Drilling Engineer

Denver, CO

$206K - $255K/yr

Job Summary The Sr. Drilling Engineer is responsible for planning, engineering, and supporting the ... bits, directional, and drilling contractors. * Evaluate and select efficient, effective, and safe ...

Page Mechanical Group, Inc.

Sr Drilling Engineer

Denver, CO · On-site

$206 - $255/hr

Job Summary The Sr. Drilling Engineer is responsible for planning, engineering, and supporting the ... bits, directional, and drilling contractors. * Evaluate and select efficient, effective, and safe ...

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Senior Directional Driller information

See salary details

$25K

$80.3K

$163.5K

How much do senior directional driller jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 15, 2026, the average yearly pay for senior directional driller in the United States is $80,287.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $41,500.00 and $103,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a senior directional driller do?

A Senior Directional Driller is responsible for planning, supervising, and executing the drilling of oil and gas wells along predetermined directional paths. They use specialized tools and technology to steer the drill bit and ensure it follows the planned trajectory, often in challenging geological formations. Senior Directional Drillers also analyze real-time data, troubleshoot issues, and coordinate with drilling teams to optimize performance and ensure safety. Their extensive experience helps minimize risks and maximize drilling efficiency.

What is the difference between Senior Directional Driller vs Directional Driller?

AspectSenior Directional DrillerDirectional Driller
CertificationsOSHA, Well Control, and industry-specific certificationsOSHA, Well Control, and industry-specific certifications
Work EnvironmentSupervises teams, plans drilling operations, oversees safetyOperates drilling equipment, executes drilling plans
Employer & Industry UsageOil & gas, geothermal, mining industriesOil & gas, geothermal, mining industries

The main difference is that a Senior Directional Driller typically supervises drilling teams, plans operations, and ensures safety compliance, while a Directional Driller primarily operates equipment and executes drilling plans. The senior role involves more leadership and oversight responsibilities, whereas the standard Directional Driller focuses on technical execution.

What are some common challenges senior directional drillers face when managing complex well trajectories, and how are these typically addressed?

Senior Directional Drillers often encounter challenges such as unexpected geological formations, equipment malfunctions, and maintaining precise wellbore trajectories. To address these, they rely on advanced measurement-while-drilling (MWD) technology, strong collaboration with geologists and drilling engineers, and effective real-time decision-making. Building experience and staying current with the latest drilling software and industry best practices are crucial for navigating these complexities and ensuring safe, efficient operations.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a senior directional driller?

To thrive as a Senior Directional Driller, you need advanced knowledge of drilling engineering, wellbore positioning, and geology, usually supported by extensive field experience and relevant technical certifications. Competence with directional drilling software (such as WellPlan or Landmark), MWD/LWD tools, and rig instrumentation systems is typically required. Strong problem-solving, leadership, and communication skills are essential for coordinating teams and making real-time decisions under pressure. These skills and qualities are crucial to ensuring safety, efficiency, and precise well placement in complex drilling operations.

What cities are hiring for Senior Directional Driller jobs?

Cities with the most Senior Directional Driller job openings:

What are the most commonly searched types of Directional Driller jobs?

The most popular types of Directional Driller jobs are:

What states have the most Senior Directional Driller jobs?

States with the most job openings for Senior Directional Driller jobs include:

Senior Directional Driller jobs near you
Infographic showing various Senior Directional Driller job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 69% Full Time, 27% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 81% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 18% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $80,287 per year, or $38.6 per hour.

Senior Horizontal Directional Drill (HDD) Operator / Locator III

TriTechne

Conway, AR • On-site

$21.25 - $26.25/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 2 days ago

Job description

Job Description Summary:
TriTechne is seeking a Senior Horizontal Directional Drill (HDD) Operator / Locator III to serve as the lead drilling expert and crew leader on our most complex and critical underground utility projects. This role owns the planning and execution of demanding bores - including long crossings, large-diameter installations, environmentally sensitive areas, and congested utility corridors - while leading and developing the crew, interfacing with project stakeholders, and setting the standard for safety and quality in the field. The ideal candidate is a seasoned operator and locator with proven leadership ability, strong technical judgment, and a track record of delivering difficult bores safely and on schedule.
Job Description:
The Senior HDD Operator / Locator III is the lead technical authority and crew leader for horizontal directional drilling operations, responsible for planning and executing the company's most complex and critical underground utility installations. This role combines expert-level drilling and locating skill with field leadership - directing crews, developing bore plans, coordinating with project stakeholders, and setting the standard for safety, quality, and production. The Senior Operator works with minimal supervision and exercises significant independent judgment on high-risk work.
Essential Duties & Responsibilities
  • Lead and operate HDD equipment on the most complex, deep, long, or high-risk bores, adjusting methods for difficult ground and environmental conditions.
  • Plan and design bore paths, develop bore plans, and conduct pre-construction risk assessments using drawings, utility maps, and site evaluations.
  • Lead utility verification and locating using systems such as DigiTrak or Subsite, ensuring clearances and resolving conflicts on critical installations.
  • Establish and oversee drilling fluid programs tailored to geological and environmental requirements.
  • Direct, train, mentor, and evaluate Level I and II operators, locators, and ground crew.
  • Lead advanced equipment diagnostics, troubleshooting, and maintenance planning to maximize uptime.
  • Own the accuracy and completeness of bore logs, daily production reports, inspections, and as-built documentation.
  • Coordinate with project managers, engineers, inspectors, clients, locators, and other trades on scheduling and field resolution.
  • Lead safety briefings, enforce OSHA regulations and company policies, and initiate corrective action when standards are not met.
  • Maintain a clean, organized, safe, and productive work environment across the crew.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSAs)
  • Expert knowledge of HDD equipment, methods, and locating systems across varied conditions.
  • Ability to develop, interpret, and validate construction drawings and bore plans.
  • Expert mechanical aptitude and advanced troubleshooting capability.
  • Strong leadership, mentoring, and crew management skills.
  • Sound, independent decision-making on complex and high-risk work.
  • Effective communication and coordination with crews, stakeholders, and clients.
  • Deep commitment to and ownership of safety, quality, and environmental compliance.

How We Work - TriTechne's Core Values
  • Integrity: We uphold the highest standards of honesty and transparency in all of our actions and communications.
  • Accountability: We commit to results and exceptional quality in our work and fully embrace accountability to our team and to our goals.
  • Respect: We foster an environment of mutual respect, support, and encouragement, recognizing the value of every individual.
  • Coachability: We are committed to growth and self-directed learning, actively seeking and openly welcoming feedback on our performance and our decision-making.
  • Teamwork: We believe in the power of collaboration, leveraging our collective strengths to surpass individual capabilities in order to achieve shared objectives.

Benefits
TriTechne offers a comprehensive benefits package to all full-time employees. The Benefit Package includes the following: Health, Dental, and Vision insurance, Life Insurance, Short-Term & Long-Term Disability Insurance, a 401(k)-retirement plan with company match, paid time off, and other benefits that will be detailed upon your onboarding.

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