About this role
Job Summary
We are looking for a skilled and safety-focused Foreman / Drill Operator to lead our underground utility and drilling crew. In this role, you will operate horizontal directional drills, guide your team on-site, and ensure projects are completed safely, on time, and to quality standards. [ 1 ]
Key Responsibilities
- Operate Equipment: Safely run horizontal directional drill rigs, locators, and associated equipment (water trucks, mini-excavators, or mixing systems) to place underground utilities.
- Lead the Crew: Supervise, train, and direct crew members on day-to-day job site operations.
- Track & Locate: Use locating equipment to track the drill head, monitor depth and elevation changes, and avoid existing underground utilities.
- Safety & Compliance: Lead daily Job Safety Analysis (JSA) meetings and ensure all crew members follow OSHA and company safety rules.
- Maintenance: Perform daily equipment inspections, routine maintenance, and minor repairs on the drill rig and support trucks.
- Reporting: Record daily production progress, material usage, and project logs for management.
Project Execution
- Read and interpret bore plans, utility maps, and job specifications
- Manage drill setups, fluid systems, and bore paths
- Troubleshoot drilling issues including rock conditions, frac-outs, and utility conflict
Equipment & Fleet Management
- Oversee maintenance and condition of drills, trucks, and support equipment
- Coordinate repairs and preventative maintenance schedules
- Ensure crews maintain clean, organized job sites and equipment
- CDL is plus
Production & Performance
- Track daily production (footage, time, materials, crew efficiency)
- Monitor job costs including labor, materials, fuel, and subcontractors
- Provide daily and end-of-job reports to management
- Identify opportunities to improve efficiency and reduce costs
Qualifications & Requirements
- Experience: Minimum of [2–4] years of hands-on experience operating directional drills and locating underground utilities.
- Leadership: Proven experience acting as a lead hand, foreman, or crew supervisor in construction or utility installation.
- Physical Demands: Ability to work outdoors in various weather conditions, lift heavy objects, and stand for long periods.
- Education: High school diploma or equivalent.
- Licenses: Valid driver's license [Insert if CDL is required].
Qualifications
Qualifications
- 5+ years of HDD / drilling experience required
- 2+ years in a leadership role (Foreman, Lead Operator, or Manager)
- Strong knowledge of directional drilling in both dirt and rock conditions
- Experience with various drill rigs and locating systems
- Ability to read bore profiles and utility plans
- CDL preferred (or ability to obtain)
- Strong problem-solving and decision-making skills
- Willingness to travel and work extended hours as needed
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Preferred Experience
- Rock drilling experience (mud motors, air hammer, etc.)
- Fiber, gas, water, and sewer installation projects
- Experience managing multiple crews or projects simultaneously