Key Responsibilities and Required Skills for Horizontal Technician (Directional Drilling)

🎯 Role Definition

As a Horizontal Technician, you are the skilled specialist at the forefront of modern infrastructure installation. This role is not just about operating machinery; it's about precision, problem-solving, and safety. You will be responsible for the entire trenchless installation process, from interpreting bore plans and locating existing utilities to expertly guiding the drill head along a pre-determined subterranean path. Your work is critical to expanding networks for fiber optics, gas, water, and electricity, directly contributing to connecting communities and powering progress without the disruption of traditional open-cut excavation. You are a key member of a field crew, ensuring projects are completed safely, efficiently, and to the highest quality standards.

📈 Career Progression

Typical Career Path

Entry Point From:

Construction Laborer or Groundhand
Equipment Operator (Backhoe, Excavator)
Utility Locator Assistant

Advancement To:

Drill Crew Foreman or Lead Technician
Project Superintendent
Construction or Operations Manager

Lateral Moves:

Dedicated Utility Locator Specialist
Hydro-Excavation Operator

Core Responsibilities

Primary Functions

Safely operate Horizontal Directional Drilling (HDD) rigs and associated support equipment, including mud mixing systems, reclaimers, and locators.
Expertly pilot the drill head along the designated bore path, making real-time adjustments for depth, pitch, and direction to avoid obstacles and existing utilities.
Utilize advanced electronic locating equipment (e.g., Digitrak, Subsite) to precisely track the drill head's position and ensure adherence to the bore plan.
Read, interpret, and analyze complex project blueprints, bore logs, and utility maps to plan and execute drilling operations effectively.
Conduct thorough pre-job site walks and risk assessments to identify potential hazards, underground obstructions, and challenging soil conditions.
Perform pre-trip and post-trip inspections on all machinery and vehicles, documenting and reporting any maintenance needs to ensure equipment safety and reliability.
Skillfully mix drilling fluids (bentonite, polymers) to the correct viscosity based on ground conditions to ensure bore stability and efficient spoil removal.
Manage and mitigate the risk of inadvertent returns (frac-outs) by monitoring drilling pressures and fluid returns, and executing containment and cleanup procedures when necessary.
Communicate constantly and clearly with crew members, including spotters and laborers, using hand signals and radio communication to ensure synchronized and safe operations.
Oversee the pullback process, ensuring conduit, cable, or pipe is pulled through the bore path without damage and at the correct tension.
Meticulously maintain a daily bore log, documenting drilling progress, depths, product installed, and any notable events or difficulties encountered.
Uphold all company and industry safety standards, including participating in daily toolbox talks, Job Safety Analyses (JSAs), and wearing all required Personal Protective Equipment (PPE).
Troubleshoot and resolve common drilling challenges in the field, such as steering difficulties, loss of circulation, or unexpected ground formation changes.
Perform routine maintenance and minor repairs on drilling equipment and tooling to minimize downtime and maximize operational efficiency.

Secondary Functions

Support the safe excavation and verification of existing utilities through methods like potholing or hydro-excavation.
Assist in the setup and teardown of the job site, including traffic control, erosion control, and site restoration upon project completion.
Train and mentor junior crew members on the fundamentals of safe drilling operations, equipment maintenance, and locating techniques.
Collaborate with project managers and clients to provide updates on progress and address any on-site concerns or scope changes.
Ensure all drill tooling (bits, reamers, collars) is properly maintained, organized, and accounted for.
Support ad-hoc data requests and exploratory data analysis.
Contribute to the organization's data strategy and roadmap.
Collaborate with business units to translate data needs into engineering requirements.
Participate in sprint planning and agile ceremonies within the data engineering team.

Required Skills & Competencies

Hard Skills (Technical)

HDD Rig Operation: Proven ability to operate various models of directional drills (e.g., Vermeer, Ditch Witch) with precision and control.
Electronic Locating: Proficiency with HDD locating systems (such as Digitrak Falcon F5 or Subsite TK-series) for tracking and steering the drill head.
Blueprint & Plan Reading: The ability to read and accurately interpret civil engineering drawings, utility maps, and bore path designs.
Drilling Fluid Management: Knowledge of mud mixing principles and the ability to adjust fluid properties for different soil conditions.
Equipment Maintenance: Mechanical aptitude for performing daily checks, preventative maintenance, and minor field repairs on heavy equipment.
Utility Identification: Strong understanding of utility color codes and experience with utility locating and damage prevention (One-Call/811 process).
CDL (Commercial Driver's License): A valid Class A CDL is often required for transporting the drill rig and heavy equipment to and from job sites.

Soft Skills

Problem-Solving: The ability to think critically and adapt quickly when faced with unforeseen underground conditions or equipment malfunctions.
Situational Awareness: A constant and keen awareness of the job site environment to proactively identify and mitigate safety hazards for the entire crew.
Communication: Clear, concise communication skills are essential for coordinating with spotters, foremen, and other team members in a noisy environment.
Attention to Detail: Meticulous focus on tracking depth, pressure, and location to ensure the bore path is accurate and damage to existing infrastructure is avoided.
Teamwork & Collaboration: Ability to work effectively as part of a close-knit crew, supporting other members and contributing to a positive team environment.
Strong Work Ethic: Dependability and a commitment to working diligently, often in challenging weather conditions, to meet project deadlines.

Education & Experience

Educational Background

Minimum Education:

High School Diploma or GED equivalent.

Preferred Education:

Vocational or Technical Certificate in Heavy Equipment Operation or a related field.
Completion of a certified HDD operator/locator training program.

Relevant Fields of Study:

Construction Management
Civil Engineering Technology

Experience Requirements

Typical Experience Range:

2-5+ years of direct, hands-on experience as an HDD locator or drill operator in the utility or telecommunications construction industry.

Preferred:

A portfolio of successfully completed projects involving complex bores, such as rock drilling, long-distance shots, or installations in congested urban environments. Experience leading a 3-4 person drill crew is highly desirable.