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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

$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

$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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Underground Directional Drilling information

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$26

$34

How much do underground directional drilling jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 28, 2026, the average hourly pay for 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 underground directional drilling?

An Underground Directional Drilling job involves operating specialized equipment to install underground utilities, such as fiber optics, gas, water, or electrical lines, without the need for extensive trenching. Workers in this field use precise drilling techniques to navigate obstacles like roads, rivers, and buildings while ensuring minimal surface disruption. Responsibilities typically include equipment operation, site preparation, drill path planning, and maintenance of drilling tools. This job requires technical skills, physical endurance, and an understanding of safety protocols. It's commonly used in urban areas where traditional trenching isn’t feasible.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in underground directional drilling?

To thrive in Underground Directional Drilling, you need strong mechanical aptitude, understanding of underground utility systems, and typically a high school diploma or equivalent, with additional vocational training preferred. Familiarity with horizontal directional drilling (HDD) equipment, locating systems, and safety certifications such as OSHA are commonly required. Strong problem-solving, attention to detail, and effective communication skills are crucial in this role. These competencies help ensure safe, efficient, and precise drilling operations in challenging and dynamic work environments.

What are common challenges faced in underground directional drilling, and how are they addressed?

One of the main challenges in underground directional drilling is accurately navigating and avoiding existing underground utilities and obstacles, which requires precise planning and constant monitoring. Operators often collaborate closely with utility locators, project managers, and local authorities to review site maps and use advanced locating equipment. Safety is another critical concern, managed through rigorous training, adherence to safety protocols, and regular equipment checks. Teamwork, clear communication, and adaptability are essential for managing unexpected situations and ensuring projects stay on track. By staying proactive and leveraging advanced technology, drilling crews can minimize risks and maintain high productivity.

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Underground Directional Drilling jobs near you
Infographic showing various Underground Directional Drilling job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 82% Full Time, 15% Part Time, 1% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 98% Physical, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $54,296 per year, or $26.1 per hour.

Underground Directional Boring Driller / Lead Operator

Oklahoma City, OK • On-site

Mammoth Energy Services
Oil and Gas Extraction • 1 - 5K employees
Learn more about Mammoth Energy Servicesexternal

$22.50 - $28/hr

Full-time

This job post has expired today. 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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