Engineering Technician - HDD

OCU Group are currently looking for an Engineering Technician - HDD to join our growing team nationwide. 

As an Engineering Technician you will be responsible for the installation of underground utility pipelines, conduits, and cables using specialised equipment and techniques.

Duties and Responsibilities:

Preparation: Assist in the preparation of work sites for horizontal directional drilling operations, including site surveys, layout planning, and equipment setup.

Equipment Operation: Operate horizontal directional drilling machinery, including drill rigs, reamers, and mud recycling systems, to bore underground pathways for utility pipelines and conduits.

Safety Compliance: Ensure compliance with health and safety regulations and procedures at all times, including the use of personal protective equipment (PPE) and adherence to safe working practices.

Directional Drilling: Perform directional drilling operations according to project specifications, including steering the drill head to follow predetermined bore paths and avoiding obstacles or utilities.

Monitoring and Control: Monitor drilling parameters such as torque, rotation speed, and drilling fluid flow rates, and make adjustments as necessary to ensure optimal drilling performance and efficiency.

Borehole Reaming: Perform borehole reaming operations using appropriate reamers and drilling fluids to enlarge the pilot borehole to the required diameter for pipeline installation.

Pipe Installation: Assist in the installation of utility pipelines, conduits, or cables by pulling or pushing them through the drilled borehole using specialised pulling equipment or techniques.

Quality Assurance: Ensure that boreholes are drilled to the required specifications, alignment, and depth, and that pipeline installations meet quality standards and regulatory requirements.

Documentation: Maintain accurate records of drilling operations, including bore profiles, drilling logs, equipment maintenance records, and as-built drawings, and submit reports to supervisors as required.

Environmental Protection: Implement environmental protection measures to minimise the impact of drilling operations on sensitive ecosystems, water bodies, and protected areas.

Teamwork: Work collaboratively with colleagues, subcontractors, and other stakeholders to coordinate drilling activities, resolve technical issues, and achieve project objectives.

Problem-Solving: Troubleshoot technical problems related to drilling equipment, ground conditions, or project specifications, and implement solutions to minimise downtime and delays.

Skills and Experience: 

Experience: Previous experience in horizontal directional drilling or a related field, such as underground utility installation, trenchless technology, or construction, is highly desirable.

Training and Certification: Certification or training in horizontal directional drilling operations, equipment operation, and safety practices is preferred. Relevant certifications may include CPCS (Construction Plant Competence Scheme) or NPORS (National Plant Operators Registration Scheme).

Mechanical Aptitude: Mechanical aptitude and a good understanding of drilling equipment, hydraulic systems, and power tools used in horizontal directional drilling operations.

Safety Awareness: Strong awareness of health and safety regulations, hazard identification, risk assessment, and safe working practices in the construction and utility industries.

Problem-Solving Skills: Excellent problem-solving skills, with the ability to analyse technical issues, troubleshoot equipment malfunctions, and implement effective solutions in a timely manner.

Communication Skills: Effective verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to communicate clearly and concisely with colleagues, supervisors, and other stakeholders.

Physical Fitness: Good physical fitness and stamina, as the role may involve working outdoors in various weather conditions, lifting heavy equipment, and performing physically demanding tasks.

Attention to Detail: Meticulous attention to detail when following project plans, interpreting engineering drawings, and recording drilling parameters to ensure accuracy and quality of work.

Driving License: A valid UK driving license is often required, as the role may involve traveling to different work sites and operating company vehicles or machinery.

Flexibility: Willingness to work flexible hours, including weekends and overtime, to meet project deadlines and respond to emergency situations as required.

Company Information:

OCU leads the way in end-to-end infrastructure engineering in the utilities, digital, and energy markets, specialising in safely and efficiently delivering complex client requirements. Our breadth of capabilities and depth of operational capacity, paired with our cutting-edge technology, ensure that we are not just part of the market; we are leading it.

Working directly with many of the country’s leading power, energy transition, water, telecoms and digital clients, we are looking for the very best talent to join our growing team.