Directional Drill Operator

Omni Underground, Inc. is seeking a Directional Drill Operator to safely operate horizontal directional drilling equipment for underground utility installation on commercial, municipal, and infrastructure projects. Responsibilities include reading plans and locating utilities, setting up and operating drill rigs and locating systems, monitoring bore paths, mixing and managing drilling fluids, and performing basic equipment maintenance. The operator will work closely with the crew to ensure safety, quality, and productivity while meeting project specifications, maintaining a clean jobsite, and representing the company professionally to clients and inspectors.

Responsibilities

• Safely operate horizontal directional drilling (HDD) equipment for utility installation
• Read and interpret plans, profiles, and locate marks to determine bore paths
• Set up, align, and break down drill rigs, mud systems, and support equipment
• Operate locating systems to track and steer drill head
• Monitor bore progress and adjust drilling parameters to protect existing utilities
• Mix, monitor, and manage drilling fluids for safe and efficient operations
• Perform daily inspections and basic maintenance on drilling equipment and tools
• Complete required logs, tickets, and documentation for each job
• Coordinate with crew members, foremen, and inspectors to meet project specs
• Follow all safety policies and maintain a clean, organized jobsite

Required Skills

• Horizontal directional drilling (HDD) operation
• Utility locating and damage prevention
• Reading construction plans and utility maps
• Drill head tracking and steering systems
• Drilling fluid (mud) mixing and management
• Heavy equipment operation (excavator, vac truck, etc.)
• Basic mechanical and equipment maintenance
• Traffic control and safe work zone setup
• Jobsite safety procedures and OSHA standards
• Recordkeeping and daily reporting for construction projects