What are the responsibilities and job description for the Directional Drill Operator position at Northcore USA LLC?
Overview
Join our dynamic team as a Directional Drill Operator and become a vital part of innovative underground construction projects! In this energetic role, you will operate specialized horizontal drilling equipment to install utilities, pipelines, and conduits with precision and efficiency. Your expertise will help shape infrastructure development while ensuring safety and quality at every step. While the drill is your primary responsibility, this is a hands-on crew position — when the job calls for it, you'll also be expected to step off the drill to perform general labor, work in the ditch, or operate other equipment such as excavators, vac trucks, loaders, or dump trucks to keep the project moving. If you thrive in a fast-paced environment and enjoy working with heavy machinery, this opportunity is perfect for you to showcase your skills and grow your career.
Duties
- Operate directional drilling machines and related heavy equipment such as excavators, dozers, loaders, backhoes, graders, water trucks, vac trucks, and dump trucks to execute precise underground installations.
- Perform general labor and ditch work as needed, including hand-digging, potholing, pipe handling, backfill, and site cleanup, to support crew operations beyond the drill itself.
- Flex into other equipment roles (excavator, vac truck, loader, etc.) when project demands shift or when not actively drilling.
- Read and interpret project plans, blueprints, and technical drawings to ensure accurate alignment and depth during drilling operations.
- Conduct routine inspections of equipment to maintain optimal performance and safety standards.
- Coordinate with team members to set up work zones, prepare site logistics, and execute drilling sequences efficiently.
- Monitor drilling parameters continuously to detect issues early and adjust operations accordingly for safety and accuracy.
- Maintain detailed logs of daily activities, equipment usage, and project progress for reporting purposes.
- Follow all safety protocols and environmental regulations to minimize risks on construction sites.
- Assist with concrete work as needed, including forming, pouring, and finishing pole bases and related structures.
Requirements
- Proven experience operating heavy construction equipment including horizontal drills, excavators, dozers, loaders, backhoes, graders, water trucks, and vac trucks.
- Willingness and physical ability to perform manual labor in the ditch and take on non-drilling tasks as part of a working crew — this is not a "drill operator only" position.
- Strong mechanical knowledge of heavy machinery maintenance and troubleshooting.
- Valid driver's license with an acceptable driving record per company and insurance standards.
- Construction site experience with familiarity in utility installation or underground construction projects.
- Knowledge of horizontal directional drilling techniques and equipment operation.
- Ability to read technical drawings, blueprints, and project specifications accurately.
- Excellent communication skills to collaborate effectively with team members and supervisors.
- Experience with or willingness to perform concrete work (pole bases, forming, pouring, finishing) as part of crew duties.
Nice-to-have skills include experience with Caterpillar machinery, construction safety certifications, or additional skills in paving or grading operations. Your enthusiasm for working outdoors in diverse conditions combined with your technical expertise will make you a valuable asset to our team!
Pay: $27.14 - $32.69 per hour
Benefits:
- 401(k)
- 401(k) matching
- Dental insurance
- Health insurance
- Health savings account
- Paid time off
- Retirement plan
- Vision insurance
Work Location: In person
Salary : $27 - $33