Horizontal Directional Drill Foreman

HDD Foreman

Every bore your crew finishes puts fiber in the ground that a community depends on, and that's what lies behind Telecon's promise to connect people. If you've put real years in the seat on a directional drill and you've already led the crew around it, this role is for you. As HDD Foreman, you'll lead a Horizontal Directional Drilling (HDD) crew and run the drill on mainline installs and road crossings.

Your day starts with planning the work, reviewing bore plans and locates, and running the morning safety briefing. On site you'll set up the job, keep the bore path and production on track, and make the calls when the ground doesn't cooperate, which in cobble happens often. Bores run from about 50 to 500 feet. You'll lead a crew of 4 to 6 with a locator, vac operator, and laborers. This is a local role, not a traveling crew, and you're home every night. Foremen here have a path to supervisor roles with a proven track record.

This role is for drillers who've led a crew as their main job, not filled in for a foreman now and then. You'll need to read bore plans, know your bend radius and grade math cold, and keep a crew safe and productive under pressure. If you hold your crew to a high standard and lead by showing up prepared, this is steady local work worth a look.

Quick Facts

• Location: Tacoma, WA (report to the Tacoma yard, with local projects in the Federal Way and Issaquah areas; company truck provided to job sites)
• Wage: $38.00 - $45.00 per hour DOE, with potential for overtime
• Shift/Schedule: Full-time, Monday-Friday, 6:30 a.m.-5:00 p.m., no weekends

Responsibilities

• Lead the HDD crew on mainline installs and road crossings, assigning daily tasks and making sure timelines and daily production goals are met safely
• Review bore plans and confirm utility locates are marked and clear before drilling begins
• Run daily safety briefings and enforce Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) and Telecon safety standards on site
• Operate the directional drill, selecting bore heads and back reamers to place cable and/or duct along the planned bore path, and work with the locator to keep the bore on plan and clear of existing utilities
• Prepare drilling fluid based on soil and site conditions, including cobble, before boring begins
• Train and mentor your crew on safe, efficient HDD practices
• Provide regular updates to management on project status, issues, and needs
• Load, unload, and secure the drill, tools, materials, and equipment safely and damage-free, and transport the drill if you hold a CDL
• Complete daily equipment inspections before starting work; CDL holders also complete driver logbook and vehicle inspections (pre-trip, en-route, post-trip)
• Keep equipment and trucks clean and maintained, make sure your crew does the same, and troubleshoot issues and relay them to a service technician for support or repair
• Complete daily reports, and maintenance, repair, accident, and incident reports accurately
• Coordinate with inspectors and customer representatives on site

Required Qualifications

• 2+ years leading an HDD drill crew, directing work, and being responsible for daily production goals
• HDD experience on underground utility installs; fiber, natural gas, pipeline, and electrical work all count (vertical oil, gas, or water well drilling is not a match)
• Ability to read bore plans and prints and mix drilling fluid independently from day one
• Working knowledge of drill pipe bend radius, grade calculations, and reamer sizing
• Ability to drill patiently and effectively in cobble and other difficult ground
• Basic computer skills to submit daily reports to management
• Valid driver's license with a clean driving record
• Working knowledge of OSHA requirements and a strong commitment to safety
• Strong leadership and communication, with the ability to keep a crew productive under pressure

Preferred Qualifications

• Class A Commercial Driver's License (CDL) with tanker endorsement
• Experience on Vermeer drills and DigiTrak Falcon F5 and F5+ locating systems from Digital Control Incorporated (DCI)

This position requires successful completion of a background check, motor vehicle record (MVR) review, Department of Transportation (DOT) Clearinghouse query, and pre-employment drug screening, as applicable.

Physical Requirements

This role requires the ability to perform physically demanding tasks, including operating drill controls for extended periods, handling drill rods, bore heads, and reamers, loading and securing equipment, and walking uneven job sites. Employees must be able to safely lift and/or move up to 50 lbs. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of this role.

Work Environment

This role is primarily performed outdoors on active job sites, including road crossings, with regular exposure to weather, heavy equipment, noise, drilling fluid, and roadway traffic. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of this role.

Benefits

• Weekly Pay
• Full-Time Year-Round Work
• Medical, Dental & Vision- Cigna and Guardian, HSA-eligible option available
• 401(k) with Company Match- 100% on your first 1%, plus 50% on the next 5% contributed
• Paid Time Off & 10 Paid Holidays
• Company-Paid Life, AD&D, and Short- & Long-Term Disability
• Employee Assistance Program- Confidential support anytime, anywhere, for stress, sleep, financial concerns, and more
• Company Discount Program- Savings on insurance, wireless, travel, entertainment, and more
• Employee Referral Program
• Voluntary Benefits Available- Accident, critical illness, hospital indemnity, identity theft, legal
• Sign-On Bonus - $1,000

WELCOME TO TELECON

We Connect People. We Connect the World.

Our mission is to be the most innovative and valued communications infrastructure services partner to our customers, enabling them to play a key role in the transformation of infrastructure. From a regional telecom network builder in 1967 in Quebec (Canada), Telecon has grown into a world-class industry-leading telecom network design, locate, infrastructure and connectivity services provider. We deliver diversified and scalable best-in-class services and turnkey solutions to North American telecom operators and businesses. Our highly skilled team is firmly committed to supporting our customers in propelling tomorrow's connectivity in our communities, businesses and homes. Learn more at telecon.com.

Telecon values different views and new ideas, and is committed to providing a fair, inclusive, equitable, accessible, and respectful workplace for all as an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law.

We welcome and encourage applications from people with disabilities. Reasonable accommodations are available upon request throughout the application and interview process.

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