Directional Drill Operator/Locator
Independent Contractor
Illinois
Indiana
Michigan
Starts
as soon as possible
Pay
Negotiable based on experience
Qualifications
Candidates must have experience in underground utility or construction work, a strong understanding of OSHA safety standards and DOT compliance, and be physically fit to work outdoors in varying conditions. Strong communication, teamwork, and problem-solving skills are essential, along with consistent use of PPE and adherence to safety protocols.
Other Requirements
HDD Operators should have experience with HDD rigs (Vermeer 20x22, Ditch Witch JT20), bore planning, depth control, and basic mechanical maintenance. Locators should be familiar with locating tools (e.g., DigiTrak, Subsite), guide the drill head accurately, and support bore planning. Laborers should assist with drilling, site setup, material handling, conduit/cable placement, and traffic control or light excavation.
Job Description
We are seeking a reliable and skilled in-house crew to perform underground utility installations using Horizontal Directional Drilling (HDD). The team—consisting of an HDD Operator, Locator, and Laborer—will work together to safely and efficiently install fiber, conduit, and pipelines with minimal surface disruption, in full compliance with project specs and safety standards.
HDD Operator – Key Responsibilities:
Drilling Operations:
- Operate and control horizontal directional drill rigs (e.g., Vermeer, Ditch Witch) for underground utility installations.
- Confirm bore paths with the Locator and perform pre-drill site walk-throughs.
- Set up, monitor, and tear down drilling operations in accordance with project plans.
- Ensure correct bore path alignment and depth based on bore plans and site conditions.
- Maintain a detailed and accurate daily bore log.
Equipment Maintenance & Reporting:
- Perform daily maintenance, cleaning, and minor repairs on drilling equipment.
- Submit weekly inspection reports with photos to document equipment condition.
- Conduct routine lubrication and preventive maintenance to keep equipment operational.
Communication & Documentation:
- Coordinate with the Locator and crew to solve site-specific challenges (e.g., rocky soil, unknown obstacles).
- Maintain accurate documentation of drilling activities, issues, and resolutions.
- Submit timely and thorough job reports to management.
HDD Locator – Key Responsibilities:
Locating Operations:
- Use locating tools (e.g., DigiTrak, Subsite) to track and communicate the drill head position in real-time.
- Confirm bore path, depth, and alignment with the Operator during drilling.
- Monitor the drill head trajectory and adjust as necessary to stay within design specifications.
Planning & Support:
- Assist in bore planning based on site survey and utility locates.
- Mark underground utilities using paint or flags to avoid cross bores.
- Participate in job site setup and teardown.
Documentation & Communication:
- Maintain accurate bore logs, including entry/exit points, depth, pitch, and any anomalies.
- Communicate clearly with the Operator and Project Manager regarding progress or issues.
Laborer – Key Responsibilities:
Field Support:
- Assist with the setup and breakdown of job sites.
- Operate and support tools and equipment such as trenchers, hydro-vacs, and excavators.
- Handle and install conduit, fiber optic cables, vaults, pedestals, and other materials.
Site Restoration:
- Perform cleanup and site restoration after work completion (e.g., backfill, re-seeding, compacting).
- Ensure job sites are left in safe and clean condition.
Traffic & Safety Control:
- Help implement and maintain traffic control measures as required.
- Follow all safety procedures and wear proper PPE at all times.
Safety & Compliance – All Roles:
- Strictly follow all company safety policies, OSHA standards, and job-specific procedures.
- Wear required Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) at all times on site.
- Participate in daily safety briefings and report any hazards or incidents immediately.
- Practice safe equipment handling, traffic control, and situational awareness to protect team and public safety.
Work Environment:
- Outdoor fieldwork in various weather conditions.
-Physically demanding tasks, including lifting, standing for long periods, and operating heavy equipment.
- Exposure to loud noise, dirt, mud, and potentially hazardous materials.
HDD Operator – Key Responsibilities:
Drilling Operations:
- Operate and control horizontal directional drill rigs (e.g., Vermeer, Ditch Witch) for underground utility installations.
- Confirm bore paths with the Locator and perform pre-drill site walk-throughs.
- Set up, monitor, and tear down drilling operations in accordance with project plans.
- Ensure correct bore path alignment and depth based on bore plans and site conditions.
- Maintain a detailed and accurate daily bore log.
Equipment Maintenance & Reporting:
- Perform daily maintenance, cleaning, and minor repairs on drilling equipment.
- Submit weekly inspection reports with photos to document equipment condition.
- Conduct routine lubrication and preventive maintenance to keep equipment operational.
Communication & Documentation:
- Coordinate with the Locator and crew to solve site-specific challenges (e.g., rocky soil, unknown obstacles).
- Maintain accurate documentation of drilling activities, issues, and resolutions.
- Submit timely and thorough job reports to management.
HDD Locator – Key Responsibilities:
Locating Operations:
- Use locating tools (e.g., DigiTrak, Subsite) to track and communicate the drill head position in real-time.
- Confirm bore path, depth, and alignment with the Operator during drilling.
- Monitor the drill head trajectory and adjust as necessary to stay within design specifications.
Planning & Support:
- Assist in bore planning based on site survey and utility locates.
- Mark underground utilities using paint or flags to avoid cross bores.
- Participate in job site setup and teardown.
Documentation & Communication:
- Maintain accurate bore logs, including entry/exit points, depth, pitch, and any anomalies.
- Communicate clearly with the Operator and Project Manager regarding progress or issues.
Laborer – Key Responsibilities:
Field Support:
- Assist with the setup and breakdown of job sites.
- Operate and support tools and equipment such as trenchers, hydro-vacs, and excavators.
- Handle and install conduit, fiber optic cables, vaults, pedestals, and other materials.
Site Restoration:
- Perform cleanup and site restoration after work completion (e.g., backfill, re-seeding, compacting).
- Ensure job sites are left in safe and clean condition.
Traffic & Safety Control:
- Help implement and maintain traffic control measures as required.
- Follow all safety procedures and wear proper PPE at all times.
Safety & Compliance – All Roles:
- Strictly follow all company safety policies, OSHA standards, and job-specific procedures.
- Wear required Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) at all times on site.
- Participate in daily safety briefings and report any hazards or incidents immediately.
- Practice safe equipment handling, traffic control, and situational awareness to protect team and public safety.
Work Environment:
- Outdoor fieldwork in various weather conditions.
-Physically demanding tasks, including lifting, standing for long periods, and operating heavy equipment.
- Exposure to loud noise, dirt, mud, and potentially hazardous materials.
Contact
+1 224 445 1238
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About Us
Streamline Utilities is a premier provider of infrastructure solutions, dedicated to building and maintaining robust networks that connect communities and businesses across the United States. We cater to the telecommunications and utility industries, delivering comprehensive, turnkey solutions tailored to our clients' needs.
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