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
!