Horizontal Directional Drill Operator

Responsibilities: Operate horizontal directional drilling equipment for underground fiber-optic construction. Perform pilot bores, reaming, and product pullback operations. Install conduit, duct, and Hexatronic microduct systems according to project requirements. Work closely with the HDD locator to maintain proper bore depth, pitch, alignment, and path. Read and understand construction prints, bore plans, utility maps, and project specifications. Conduct pre-job walkouts and identify proposed bore paths and potential obstacles. Assist with potholing and exposing existing utilities when required. Maintain appropriate separation from existing utilities and infrastructure. Monitor drilling conditions and make adjustments based on soil conditions, utilities, and job-site conditions. Properly mix and manage drilling fluid when required. Inspect the drill and supporting equipment before and after operation. Report equipment problems, damage, or maintenance needs immediately. Assist with loading, unloading, setup, and breakdown of drilling equipment. Coordinate with locators, laborers, supervisors, inspectors, and other project personnel. Protect existing utilities, landscaping, roads, driveways, sidewalks, and customer property. Maintain a clean and safe work area. Follow company, project, OSHA, utility-owner, and job-site safety requirements. Assist the crew with handholes, conduit, restoration, and general underground construction duties when drilling operations are complete or temporarily stopped. Complete assigned production documentation and provide accurate information regarding completed footage and work performed.

Required: Previous experience operating horizontal directional drilling equipment. Experience with underground utility, telecommunications, broadband, or fiber-optic construction. Ability to safely perform directional bores in active utility environments. Ability to read construction prints and understand bore routes. Knowledge of HDD drilling procedures, tooling, rods, reamers, and product pullback. Ability to communicate effectively with the locator and ground crew. Ability to work outdoors in Florida weather and changing job-site conditions. Ability to perform physically demanding construction work when needed. Ability to work extended hours and Saturdays when required by production or project schedules. Dependable transportation and reliable attendance. Valid driver's license and acceptable driving history for employees operating company vehicles.

Preferred: Experience with Vermeer, Ditch Witch, or similar HDD equipment. Experience with Digitrak F2, F5, or comparable locating systems. Previous fiber-to-the-home (FTTH) or broadband construction experience. Experience installing conduit or microduct systems. Experience working around handholes, pedestals, vaults, and underground telecommunications infrastructure. CDL or experience towing construction equipment is a plus.

Physical Requirements: Candidates must be able to: Work outdoors for extended periods. Lift and carry construction materials, tools, and equipment. Frequently stand, walk, bend, kneel, climb, push, and pull. Work around mud, dust, noise, traffic, heavy equipment, and varying terrain. Safely work in hot and humid Florida conditions.

What We're Looking For: We are looking for operators who take pride in their work and understand that a successful bore requires more than simply operating the machine. The right candidate will be safety-conscious, dependable, production-focused, mechanically responsible, and able to communicate effectively with the entire drilling crew. Operators are expected to respect the equipment, protect existing utilities, follow the designated bore path, communicate with their locator, and produce quality work without sacrificing safety. Schedule This is a field-based construction position. Work schedules may vary depending on project requirements, weather, inspections, production goals, and customer requirements. Candidates should be prepared for: Full-time field work Early mornings Extended workdays when necessary Occasional Saturday work Travel within assigned Florida project areas Changing job locations as the fiber build progresses Join the TeamIf you have HDD experience and are looking for an opportunity to work on a growing fiber-optic infrastructure project in Florida, we encourage you to apply. We are looking for experienced operators who can help our crews complete safe, accurate, and productive underground fiber installations.