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Underground Directional Drilling Jobs (NOW HIRING)

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Directional Driller

Greenville, SC · On-site

$22.75 - $28.25/hr

The Directional Drilling Operator/Locator will play a key role in setting up and completing underground drilling operations, including conduit installation for fiber optics and other utilities. This ...

New

Be Seen First

Directional Driller

Greenville, SC · On-site

$22.75 - $28.25/hr

The Directional Drilling Operator/Locator will play a key role in setting up and completing underground drilling operations, including conduit installation for fiber optics and other utilities. This ...

New

Directional Driller

San Carlos, CA · On-site

$20 - $40/hr

Operates directional boring machines to install pipelines, cables, and other utility lines underground. * Conduct pre-operational checks on directional drilling equipment and perform necessary ...

Directional Driller

San Carlos, CA · On-site

$20 - $40/hr

Operates directional boring machines to install pipelines, cables, and other utility lines underground. * Conduct pre-operational checks on directional drilling equipment and perform necessary ...

Directional Drill Foreman

Columbus, OH

$23.50 - $29/hr

Supervise and lead a directional drilling crew in the installation of underground utilities * Operate and maintain directional drilling equipment efficiently and safely * Coordinate with project ...

Showing results 21-40

Underground Directional Drilling information

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$13

$26

$34

How much do underground directional drilling jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 7, 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.

More about Underground Directional Drilling jobs
What cities are hiring for Underground Directional Drilling jobs? Cities with the most Underground Directional Drilling job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Underground Directional Drilling jobs? The most popular types of Underground Directional Drilling jobs are:
What states have the most Underground Directional Drilling jobs? States with the most job openings for Underground Directional Drilling jobs include:
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, 83% Full Time, 14% Part Time, 1% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $54,296 per year, or $26.1 per hour.

Underground Directional Drill Operator

MasTec Inc

Colorado Springs, CO • On-site

$36 - $40/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement

Re-posted 22 days ago


MasTec rating

7.4

Company rating: 7.4 out of 10

Based on 154 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

35th of 80 rated construction


Job description

Overview

Company Summary

MasTec Utility Services delivers critical infrastructure construction and engineering services for power delivery, gas, and water customers, specializing in overhead and underground electric distribution for power delivery systems, gas distribution construction for gas systems, and turnkey solutions for a variety of water, sewer, and civil infrastructure projects. Backed by the strength of decades of experience, unrivaled industry skills, and a deep commitment to core values, MUS delivers safe, innovative, and environmentally responsible services that provide extraordinary value to clients.

MasTec Utility Services is a purpose-driven company. Our core values guide our strategy, performance, and culture. We believe in maintaining an environment where team members can make an impact, grow, and thrive. A place where they find meaning and purpose in doing the important work of ensuring communities have the vital energy, light, and communications to prosper. Our culture is inclusive and welcoming. Our teams are empowered with abundant training, tools, and opportunities to follow their curiosity and ambitions. Everyone has an equal chance to advance. Everyone is supported, respected, and challenged to be their best. We’re always looking for talented and dedicated people to join us and love where they work.

MasTec Utility Services is a proud subsidiary of MasTec (NYSE: MTZ), a Fortune 500 Company ranked by Energy News-Record as one of the leading contractors in the country. MUS is part of the MasTec Power Delivery segment. We are certified as a minority-controlled company by the National Minority Suppliers Development Council (NMSDC). Our rich diversity of people and ideas makes us a stronger, more innovative organization.

Job Summary

The Directional Drill Operator/Locator is responsible for safely operating the directional drill to place product underground then locate the drill head to understand elevation changes and make decisions on depths to drill at to avoid hitting underground utilities. This position supports the Line team and works with personnel within the department. 

Rate of Pay: $36.00 - $40.00 per hour.


Responsibilities
  • Operate the drill rig efficiently. Prepare job and drill so that the shot can be performed safely.
  • Pothole all utilities that will either be paralleled or crossed during the bore shot.
  • Verify existing utilities.
  • Fill water tanks with water.
  • Combine water with chemicals for boring according to the ground you are drilling in.
  • Locate the drill head from point A to point B without hitting any utilities at the correct depth.
  • Hook up swivel, reamer, and pipe product that will be pulled back to complete the bore shot.
  • Before the bore shot is started, walk out bore shot to ensure all utilities have been located and develop a plan for going above or below each utility or obstacle in the bore path.
  • Pull back the product with the correct hole opener and utilize the correct mud mixture to ensure that the product makes it from point B to point A.
  • Inspect and maintain job equipment, including drill equipment and mixing unit.

Qualifications
  • High school diploma, or equivalent.
  • 1 year of relevant experience.
  • Valid CDL Class A driver's license with tanker endorsement.
  • OSHA 10 Certification

Preferred

  • 3 or more years of experience.

Physical Demands and Work Environment 

This job operates in a field environment. This role routinely requires extended periods of bending, squatting, climbing, kneeling, pushing, pulling, lifting, lifting in awkward positions, standing, and twisting. Also, working in inclement weather conditions, such as extreme heat, extreme cold, rain, ice, snow, and wind.  

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of the job. This position is physically active, with lifting required. Must be able to bend and lift and carry up to 50 pounds. Clarity of vision at 20 feet or more or 20 inches or less, with the ability to judge distance and space relationships. Precise hand-eye coordination. Ability to identify and distinguish colors. 

Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive list of activities, duties, or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. The Company reserves the right to revise or change the job duties as the need arises. Management reserves the right to change the description, duties, or work schedules to accommodate individuals with disabilities.  

Benefits available include Medical, Dental, Vision, Disability and Life insurance, a 401k plan and Employee Stock Purchase plan. MasTec is a publicly traded company MTZ (NYSE). 

Equal Employment Opportunity: 

The Company’s policy is not to unlawfully discriminate against any applicant or employee based on race, color, national origin, ethnicity, sex, gender, sexual orientation, religion, marital status, age, disability, genetic information, veteran status, or any other basis protected by applicable law and EEOC regulations. The Company also prohibits harassment of applicants or employees based on any of these protected categories.  

Qualifications:
  • High school diploma, or equivalent.
  • 1 year of relevant experience.
  • Valid CDL Class A driver's license with tanker endorsement.
  • OSHA 10 Certification

Preferred

  • 3 or more years of experience.

Physical Demands and Work Environment 

This job operates in a field environment. This role routinely requires extended periods of bending, squatting, climbing, kneeling, pushing, pulling, lifting, lifting in awkward positions, standing, and twisting. Also, working in inclement weather conditions, such as extreme heat, extreme cold, rain, ice, snow, and wind.  

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of the job. This position is physically active, with lifting required. Must be able to bend and lift and carry up to 50 pounds. Clarity of vision at 20 feet or more or 20 inches or less, with the ability to judge distance and space relationships. Precise hand-eye coordination. Ability to identify and distinguish colors. 

Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive list of activities, duties, or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. The Company reserves the right to revise or change the job duties as the need arises. Management reserves the right to change the description, duties, or work schedules to accommodate individuals with disabilities.  

Benefits available include Medical, Dental, Vision, Disability and Life insurance, a 401k plan and Employee Stock Purchase plan. MasTec is a publicly traded company MTZ (NYSE). 

Equal Employment Opportunity: 

The Company’s policy is not to unlawfully discriminate against any applicant or employee based on race, color, national origin, ethnicity, sex, gender, sexual orientation, religion, marital status, age, disability, genetic information, veteran status, or any other basis protected by applicable law and EEOC regulations. The Company also prohibits harassment of applicants or employees based on any of these protected categories.  

Education:UNAVAILABLEEmployment Type: FULL_TIME

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