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Trainee Underground Directional Drilling Jobs (NOW HIRING)

HTH Communications LLC

Directional Driller Locator

Macomb, MI · On-site

$23.25 - $28.75/hr

Directional Driller Locator Underground - Directional Driller and Locator This is a full-time position where the experienced qualified candidate should be able to interpret signals from underground ...

Turner Mining Group

Directional Drilling Locator

Harmony, MN · On-site

$23.25 - $28.75/hr

Operate DCI/DigiTrak and Underground Magnetics locating systems. * Review bore paths, utility ... Familiarity with directional drilling, underground fiber, conduit, and utility construction.

Turner Mining Group

$22 - $27/hr

Operate DCI/DigiTrak and Underground Magnetics locating systems. * Review bore paths, utility ... Familiarity with directional drilling, underground fiber, conduit, and utility construction.

Turner Mining Group

Directional Drilling Locator

Harmony, MN · On-site

$23.25 - $28.75/hr

Operate DCI/DigiTrak and Underground Magnetics locating systems. * Review bore paths, utility ... Familiarity with directional drilling, underground fiber, conduit, and utility construction.

Turner Mining Group

$22 - $27/hr

Operate DCI/DigiTrak and Underground Magnetics locating systems. * Review bore paths, utility ... Familiarity with directional drilling, underground fiber, conduit, and utility construction.

BEACH ROAD COMPANY

Locator - Directional Drilling

Winder, GA · On-site

$21.50 - $26.50/hr

... and reliable Directional Drilling Locator to support our HDD crews in safe and accurately ... Strong knowledge of underground utilities, utility locating, and HDD operations * Ability to read ...

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Lumbee River EMC

Directional Drilling Technician

Pembroke, NC · On-site

$20 - $24.75/hr

A Brief Overview The Directional Drilling Technician is responsible for the creation of new paths for the installation or repair of underground electrical power lines and fiber optical communication ...

Lumbee River EMC

Directional Drilling Technician

Pembroke, NC · On-site

$20 - $24.75/hr

A Brief Overview The Directional Drilling Technician is responsible for the creation of new paths ... Drill paths for underground infrastructure include electrical lines, fiber optic communication ...

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Trainee Underground Directional Drilling information

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$26

$34

How much do trainee underground directional drilling jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 30, 2026, the average hourly pay for trainee underground directional drilling in the United States is $26.10, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $23.32 and $28.85 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Trainee Underground Directional Drilling vs Trainee Horizontal Drilling?

AspectTrainee Underground Directional DrillingTrainee Horizontal Drilling
CertificationsOSHA safety training, basic drilling certificationsOSHA safety training, basic drilling certifications
Work EnvironmentUnderground, confined spaces, construction sitesSurface, open areas, construction sites
Industry UsageUtilities, infrastructure, underground pipelinesOil & gas, utilities, environmental projects
Job FocusDirectional control of underground boreholesHorizontal boreholes for resource extraction or utilities

Both roles involve drilling operations requiring safety certifications and work in construction environments. However, Trainee Underground Directional Drilling focuses on underground, confined spaces and utility projects, while Trainee Horizontal Drilling emphasizes surface-based, resource extraction, or utility installation projects. Understanding these differences helps candidates choose the right career path in the drilling industry.

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Trainee Underground Directional Drilling jobs near you
Infographic showing various Trainee Underground Directional Drilling job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 90% Full Time, and 10% Part Time. Highlights an 98% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $54,296 per year, or $26.1 per hour.

Underground Directional Boring Driller / Lead Operator

Mammoth Energy Services

Oklahoma City, OK • On-site

$22.50 - $28/hr

Full-time

This job post has expired 2 days ago. Applications are no longer accepted.

Job description

Underground Directional Boring Driller / Lead Operator

Falcon OKC HQ - Oklahoma City, OK 73134

Overview

Position Type Full Time Education Level High School Travel Percentage Up to 30% Category Construction

Description

General Purpose of Position: This position is expected to safely and efficiently perform horizontal directional drilling for underground utility installations. This role requires strong drilling and locating skills, including the ability to accurately track the drill head for depth, pitch, and distance from existing utilities, while supervising a small crew and maintaining quality, production, and safety standards.

Essential Job Duties:

  • Operate directional drilling equipment to install conduit/duct, innerduct, pipe, or cable per project plans and specifications.
  • Read and interpret bore profiles, locate sheets, prints/as-builts, and utility maps; identify clearances and conflicts before drilling.
  • Perform and/or direct potholing/daylighting and verify utility locations prior to bore.
  • Locate and track drill head using locating equipment; maintain required separation from utilities and meet target depth/line/grade.
  • Adjust steering, mud flow, reaming/back-reaming, and pullback procedures to match soil conditions and production requirements.
  • Monitor and document bore data (depth, pitch, fluid pressures/returns, pullback forces) and communicate changes to the crew and supervisor.
  • Lead and supervise crew members (locators, laborers, equipment operators) to ensure safe, efficient operations and clean job sites.
  • Enforce safety procedures including trenching/excavation, traffic control, confined space awareness, and utility damage prevention.
  • Coordinate with foremen/superintendents, inspectors, and clients; provide daily progress updates and issue-resolution support.
  • Maintain drilling tools, rods, reamers, mixing systems, and vehicles; perform daily inspections and basic troubleshooting/repairs.
  • Complete required paperwork: daily reports, bore logs, equipment checklists, JSAs, and incident/near-miss reporting.

Qualifications

Required Skills & Qualifications:

  • Proven experience operating directional drilling equipment in utility environments (fiber, electric, gas, water, sewer, telecom).
  • Strong locating proficiency: ability to interpret locating equipment readings (depth, pitch, roll, heading) and maintain safe offsets/clearances from existing utilities.
  • Understanding of one-call processes, potholing requirements, and damage prevention best practices.
  • Ability to read prints, bore profiles, and utility maps; comfortable with basic field math for line, grade, and clearance.
  • Supervisory/lead capability: directing crew tasks, coaching, maintaining pace, and holding quality/safety standards.
  • Solid mechanical aptitude with ability to diagnose common directional drilling equipment issues and perform routine maintenance.
  • Strong communication skills; calm decision-making under pressure.
  • Valid driver's license.
  • Ability to work outdoors in varying conditions; lift/carry typical field loads (often up to 50 lbs) and perform physically demanding tasks.

Preferred Qualifications:

  • Vermeer/Ditch Witch and/or similar platform experience.
  • Experience in congested utility corridors, urban work, and high-risk crossings (roads/driveways).
  • Experience with vacuum excavation and hydro-vac potholing coordination.
  • Safety certifications (OSHA 10/30, First Aid/CPR, competent person, traffic control).

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