HDD Drill Operator - Directional Boring / Underground Utilities

Job Summary

We are seeking experienced HDD Drill Operators and Locators to support directional boring projects throughout Southern Maryland, Maryland, Washington, DC, and Virginia.

The HDD Drill Operator / Locator will be responsible for safely operating horizontal directional drilling (HDD) and locating equipment, supporting directional bore operations, operating small dirt equipment, and helping ensure projects are completed safely, efficiently, and to high-quality standards.

Key Responsibilities

• Safely set up and operate HDD equipment to maximize daily productivity and quality.
• Perform directional drilling for conduit installations up to 8 inches.
• Monitor the locating process and equipment throughout drilling operations.
• Troubleshoot and resolve a variety of issues that may arise at drill sites.
• Add and remove drill rods as required during boring operations.
• Perform basic drill maintenance, including cleaning and lubrication, and promptly report mechanical issues.
• Operate additional equipment as needed, including trenchers, mini excavators, and backhoes.
• Load, unload, mobilize, set up, and tear down equipment.
• Maintain professionalism and courtesy when interacting with customers, vendors, suppliers, and subcontractors.
• Follow direction and adapt to changing priorities and project schedules.
• Perform all work according to established safety procedures and use appropriate safety equipment.
• Perform additional duties as assigned while maintaining a positive, team-oriented attitude.

Physical & Work Requirements

• Comfortable working outdoors in varying weather conditions.
• Able to work safely in confined spaces.
• Able to perform physically demanding fieldwork associated with HDD and underground construction operations.
• Willing and able to work as part of a field-based team.
• Must maintain a strong safety record and follow all required safety procedures.
• Must be able to pass pre-employment and random company drug testing.
• Clean driving record required.

Experience

• 1–5 years of experience operating HDD equipment.
• Strong experience and skill drilling conduit of various sizes, up to 8 inches.
• Experience operating and/or monitoring HDD locating equipment.
• Experience with trenchers, mini excavators, backhoes, or similar construction equipment is preferred.
• Valid CDL Class A with Tanker Endorsement.
• Strong communication and teamwork skills.
• Demonstrated ability to work safely and effectively in an active construction environment.

Why Join Us?

• Competitive salary of $30–$40 per hour.
• Sign-on bonus of up to $2,500 after successful completion of the 90-day probationary period.
• Paid Time Off (PTO).
• Paid holidays.
• Health and dental benefits.
• Disability benefits.
• 401(k) retirement plan.
• Opportunity to join an established company and work on HDD and underground construction projects throughout the MD/DC/VA region.

Equal Opportunity Employer

We are an Equal Opportunity Employer and value diversity. All employment is decided based on qualifications, merit, and business need.

SMC Infrastructure Solutions (SMCiS) is built on the people who design, build, and deliver Strategic Mission Critical Infrastructure Solutions every day.

Our teams bring decades of experience across outside plant, inside plant, mechanical systems, fire life safety, and operational technology, working together to execute in environments where performance is not optional.

We are engineers, technicians, project managers, and field crews who understand how systems actually come together. From trenching and duct banks to data center buildouts and integrated controls, our work is grounded in real-world execution.