Rig Operator

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About Us
Welcome to United Utility, a dynamic player in the electric utility industry, headquartered in the vibrant city of New Orleans, LA. As a trailblazer, we provide comprehensive and innovative offerings that bolster power infrastructure investments across the U.S. We proudly serve as the parent company to industry-leading utility service contractors specializing in transmission, substation, distribution, and grid hardening projects. Our Core Values are clear and simple:
Safety, Quality, Integrity, and Professionalism. At United Utility, we craft power delivery solutions – built safe, engineered smart, and driven by what customers demand – fueling communities with reliable energy. We are the best-in-class, trusted partner delivering customer-centric Power Delivery Construction and Engineering solutions.

About The Role

Under the direction of the Foreman, the operator must safely and efficiently transport HDD equipment from job to job and be competent in the physical operation of HDD units.

Key Responsibilities

• Thorough knowledge of company safety rules, policies, processes, work practices, goals, and objectives
• Transport HDD equipment, mix drilling fluids and operate all equipment required to complete HDD projects from start to finish.
• Drive heavy trucks towing HDD equipment to and from various locations.
• Conduct inspections and routine daily maintenance of all HDD equipment.
• Use hand digging tools to locate existing underground utilities prior to beginning work.
• Assist in organization and safekeeping of all tools and equipment related to HDD tasks.
• Be familiar with safe trench and excavation practices as well as the rules and laws that govern them.
• Provide on-the-job training for apprentices.
• Competencies
• Possess ability to learn the use of HDD locating equipment and ability to read basic prints and drawings.
• Possess strong equipment operating skills
• Possess knowledge of HDD drilling fluid products along with proper mixing procedures for the products.
• Must be able to respond to emergency situations, hazardous conditions, multiple priorities, frequent interruptions, and time constraints.
• Must be able to understand and use the English language, both oral and written, to communicate information, instructions, and ideas to other personnel.
• Must be able to properly fill out documents and assist with Job Hazard Analysis pre-job and post job meetings
• Must be dependable and trustworthy

Work Environment

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is occasionally exposed to a variety of extreme conditions at construction job sites. The noise level in the work environment and job sites can be loud. The position regularly works near moving mechanical parts and in outside conditions that include inclement weather, heat and humidity, and exposure to outdoor elements.

Physical Demands

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. The position must have the ability to lift heavy objects weighing up to 50 pounds and carry that weight a minimum of 20 feet on a regular, recurring basis. Must have the ability to walk over uneven, steep, or difficult terrain for distances of approximately a quarter mile on a regular, recurring basis and perform strenuous physical labor under adverse field conditions.

The employee must be able to lift, push, pull or carry objects; uses abdominal and lower back muscles to provide support over time without fatigue. The position requires good manual dexterity and multi-limb coordination. The employee must have excellent stamina. Must have the ability to hear long distances, see long distances and differentiate between colors, and have depth perception.

Position Type/Expected Hours of Work

This is a full-time position. This position frequently requires long hours and weekend work. MUST be willing to travel for storm recovery or emergency utility repair or replacement. Length of stay will depend on volume of work.

Travel

The position primarily works at a customer premise during the workweek which may require weekly…