Horizontal Directional Drilling (HDD) Operator
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Location: Tacoma, WA
Pay: $30–$40 per hour, depending on experience and CDL qualifications
Schedule: Monday–Friday, approximately 7:00 AM–6:00 PM; occasional weekends
Travel: Up to 75%
Why This Opportunity?
- $30–$35/hour for experienced HDD Operators
- $35–$40/hour for HDD Operators with a Class A CDL
- Long-term project work in the Tacoma area, expected to last 3–4 years
- Growing company with steady work and opportunities for advancement
- Medical, dental, vision, 401(k), PTO, and bonus incentives
- Opportunity to bring an experienced drilling crew
About the Position
We are seeking an experienced Horizontal Directional Drilling (HDD) Operator to join a growing underground utility construction team supporting fiber optic infrastructure projects.
This is a hands-on field position requiring experience operating directional drilling equipment, understanding underground utilities, and safely completing bore installations in challenging soil and rocky terrain.
The ideal candidate is a skilled operator who takes pride in maintaining equipment, working safely, and leading a productive crew.
Key Responsibilities
- Operate horizontal directional drilling equipment to install underground conduit and fiber infrastructure.
- Set up drilling rigs, water tanks, grounding systems, and supporting equipment.
- Coordinate with locators to confirm bore paths and safely guide drilling operations.
- Perform potholing, trenching, vacuum excavation, and utility exposure.
- Install pulling equipment and complete conduit pullbacks.
- Assist with hand holes, tie-ins, backfilling, and site restoration.
- Perform routine equipment maintenance, lubrication, inspections, and winterization.
- Supervise and coordinate laborers and crew members.
- Complete bore logs, equipment inspections, and daily job documentation.
- Maintain safe, productive operations in challenging ground and weather conditions.
Required Qualifications
- Minimum 3 years of hands-on HDD operating experience.
- Experience with underground utility installation, trenching, and potholing.
- Ability to independently set up, operate, troubleshoot, and maintain directional drilling equipment.
- Knowledge of underground utilities, bore paths, and safe excavation practices.
- Experience working with vacuum excavation equipment.
- Ability to communicate effectively with locators, supervisors, and field crews.
- Willingness to work outdoors in all weather conditions, including rocky terrain.
- Ability to travel up to 75% as required.
- Acceptable driving record and ability to pass required background, drug screening, and pre-employment physical.
Preferred Qualifications
- Class A CDL with air brake endorsement (higher pay range).
- Experience operating HDD equipment in rocky or difficult soil conditions.
- Experience leading drilling crews.
- Knowledge of DOT regulations and equipment inspections.
- English/Spanish bilingual skills. xhqgsiq
What We're Looking For
We want a dependable, hardworking operator who knows how to run a drill, solve problems in the field, communicate with the locator, and keep a crew productive and safe.
If you have strong HDD experience, take care of your equipment, and enjoy working with a team that gets the job done right, we'd like to hear from you.
Horizontal Directional Drilling (HDD) Operator in tacoma at Unknown Company
This position is listed as full time and onsite.