HDD Driller; Philadelphia, PA

Company Headquarters: Chester, MD

Project Location: Philadelphia, PA

Travel: Project-based travel as needed

Job Type: Full-Time

Overview

Drill-Tech is seeking an experienced Horizontal Directional Drill (HDD) Driller to operate HDD equipment on underground utility projects in Philadelphia, PA.

Headquartered in Chester, Maryland, Drill-Tech performs HDD and underground utility work throughout the Mid-Atlantic region.

This is a hands-on field position responsible for safely operating horizontal directional drilling equipment, completing bores according to project plans, and working closely with locators, foremen, equipment operators, and laborers. Previous HDD drilling experience is required. Candidates must have experience operating Vermeer, Ditch Witch, or similar directional drilling equipment.

Responsibilities

• Operate horizontal directional drilling equipment safely and efficiently
• Complete pilot bores, reaming, pullback, and pipe installation
• Work closely with locators to maintain the planned bore path
• Read and understand project plans, utility maps, bore profiles, and utility markings
• Select appropriate drill heads, tooling, reamers, and drilling methods
• Monitor drilling pressures, fluid returns, ground conditions, and equipment performance
• Adjust drilling methods based on changing soil and ground conditions
• Perform daily equipment inspections and routine maintenance
• Troubleshoot mechanical, hydraulic, and drilling-related issues
• Assist with equipment setup, breakdown, and jobsite organization
• Communicate production progress and jobsite concerns to the foreman
• Follow all company safety policies and procedures
• Work closely with laborers, equipment operators, locators, and other crew members

Qualifications

• Minimum of 3 years of proven experience operating horizontal directional drilling equipment
• Minimum of 7 years of experience working as part of an HDD crew
• Experience operating Vermeer, Ditch Witch, or similar HDD equipment
• Experience completing pilot bores, reaming, pullback, and pipe installation
• Ability to read and understand prints, bore plans, and utility markings
• Knowledge of drill tooling, reamers, drilling fluids, and changing ground conditions
• Ability to safely maintain and troubleshoot HDD equipment
• Valid driver's license
• Ability to perform physically demanding work outdoors
• Strong communication skills and commitment to safe operations

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience operating Vermeer 23x30, 24x40, or similar HDD rigs
• Experience operating larger HDD rigs, including 100,000-pound, 300,000-pound, or 500,000-pound class equipment
• Experience completing large-diameter, long-distance, or rock bores
• Experience with mud mixing, pumping, and recycling systems
• Experience operating excavators, backhoes, skid steers, or loaders
• OSHA 10 or OSHA 30 Certification
• Class A CDL

Benefits

• Health insurance
• Dental insurance
• Vision insurance
• Opportunities for advancement within a growing HDD contractor