Directional Driller (HDD) Excavation & Pipeline Construction

The Staff Pad has partnered with a full-service
excavation and pipeline construction company providing comprehensive solutions
for pipeline and infrastructure projects in Mabank, TX and we are looking to
hire an experienced and qualified Directional Driller (HDD) to lead horizontal
directional drilling operations and support the successful installation of
underground conduit and pipe.

The Directional Driller will operate horizontal
directional drilling equipment, install underground conduit and pipe for fiber
optic and natural gas projects, and manage the bore from setup through pullback.

In this role, you will work closely with the
locator, maintain the designed bore path, depth, and grade, and ensure existing
utilities are not damaged. Candidates with fiber optic or natural gas
experience are welcome to apply.

What You’ll Do

Key Responsibilities

• Set
  up, operate, and maintain Ditch Witch, Vermeer, American Augers, or
  equivalent directional drilling rigs within the specified size or class
  range
  
• Review
  bore plans, prints, and utility locates and walk the bore path before
  drilling begins
  
• Drill
  pilot bores to the designed line, depth, and grade while maintaining
  continuous communication with the locator
  
• Select
  and change downhole tooling, including bits, housings, reamers, swivels,
  and pullback heads based on soil conditions
  
• Mix,
  monitor, and manage drilling fluids, including bentonite and additives,
  based on ground conditions
  
• Monitor
  and prevent inadvertent returns and frac-outs and execute containment and
  cleanup procedures when needed
  
• Ream
  and pull back conduit, duct bank, or polyethylene pipe to the specified
  size
  
• Verify
  potholing at all crossings and maintain required clearance from existing
  utilities
  
• Complete
  bore logs, as-built records, and daily production reports
  
• Perform
  daily equipment inspections, greasing, fluid checks, and routine field
  maintenance and report needed repairs
  
• Direct
  and support the ground crew, including the locator, laborers, and vacuum
  excavation operator
  
• Follow
  all site safety requirements, including electrical strike procedures,
  grounding mats, traffic control, and gas detection where applicable
  

What We Are Looking For

Required Qualifications

• 2+
  years of horizontal directional drilling experience operating the rig
  
• Proven
  experience boring for fiber optic conduit, natural gas main and service,
  or both
  
• Ability
  to maintain line, depth, and grade on specified bore lengths and diameters
  
• Working
  knowledge of drilling fluid mixing and regional soil conditions
  
• Ability
  to read prints, bore plans, and utility locate markings
  
• Valid
  driver’s license with no more than 2 minor violations on the motor vehicle
  record
  
• Ability
  to pass a pre-employment drug screen and background check, including a
  10-panel non-DOT or 5-panel DOT drug screen and 10-year background check
  

Preferred Qualifications

• Class
  A CDL with ability to haul the rig and support equipment, required or
  preferred based on project needs
  
• Experience
  with specific rig makes and models
  
• Operator
  Qualification (OQ) for gas work, with covered tasks varying by gas company
  
• Experience
  with rock bores, wet bores, or long crossings under roadways, railroads,
  or water
  
• OSHA
  10 and Competent Person training preferred; additional training provided
  
• Manufacturer or equipment-specific training
  
• Experience
  training and developing locators and ground crew
  
• Bilingual
  English and Spanish
  

Physical Demands and Work Environment

• Work
  outdoors year-round in all weather conditions
  
• Lift,
  carry, push, or pull up to 50–75 pounds, including drill rod and tooling
  
• Sit
  and operate controls for extended periods and stand, bend, and kneel as
  needed
  
• Work
  in and around active roadways, heavy equipment, and existing underground
  utilities
  
• Wear
  required personal protective equipment, including flame-resistant clothing
  where required
  

What You Can Expect

• Competitive
  Compensation
  
• Overtime
  paid at Time and a half
  
• Life,
  dental, and vision insurance available the first of the month following 60
  days of employment
  
• After
  1 year: 3 paid holidays, 1 week of vacation, and bereavement pay
  
• After 4 years: 2 weeks of
  vacation
  

If you
are an experienced Directional Driller ready to put your HDD expertise to work
on challenging fiber optic and natural gas projects, we want to hear from you.
Join a team where skilled operators are trusted to take ownership, work safely,
and help deliver quality results from the first bore to final pullback. Apply today
!