Description
Operate horizontal directional drilling (HDD) rigs to install underground utilities and conduits along planned bore paths, steering and tracking drill heads to avoid existing utilities, managing drilling fluids, and performing pilot bores, reaming, pullback, and equipment maintenance for construction and civil projects.
- • Communicate with the locator to maintain the planned bore path and avoid utilities.
- • Review site plans, permits, utility locates, and proposed bore paths to determine feasibility and risks.
- • Verify bore depth, pitch, and alignment with locator readings and design targets.
- • Operate drill rig controls to steer and adjust thrust, rotation, and fluid flow.
- • Regulate drilling fluid pressure, flow rate, rotary speed, and push/pull based on ground conditions.
- • Select, inspect, and attach drill heads, housings, sondes, reamers, swivels, and drill rods; add rods as the bore advances.
- • Calibrate and use walkover or wireline locating systems to track tool face, depth, and position.
- • Perform pilot bores, staged back-reams, and product pullbacks per specifications.
- • Set up, level, and anchor rigs; position support trucks and vacuum systems.
- • Mix, test, and maintain drilling fluids; manage recycling and containment.
- • Implement frac-out monitoring and response procedures to protect the environment.
- • Pothole or daylight utilities using vacuum or hydro excavation to confirm clearances.
- • Record drilling progress, as-builts, depths, and alignments.
- • Document soils, obstructions, and changing conditions; adjust tooling and parameters.
- • Inspect and maintain rods, tooling, pumps, and rigs; lubricate and replace wear parts.
- • Troubleshoot loss of returns, stuck pipe, and steering issues; execute recovery methods.
- • Install product pipe, conduit, or casing; attach swivels and breakaways; monitor pullback tension and torque.
- • Assemble and disassemble drill strings, reamers, and pulling assemblies with hand and power tools.
- • Prepare launch and exit pits, traffic control, and erosion control measures.
- • Conduct pre-job safety meetings and utility markouts; follow one-call and permit requirements.
- • Monitor gauges and telemetry; listen for equipment cues to adjust drilling parameters.
- • Load, transport, and secure drills, rods, and support equipment to and from sites.
- • Operate vacuum excavation units to manage spoils and clean pits.
- • Prepare and maintain JSAs, bore logs, as-builts, and fluid usage reports.
- • Replace or rebuild reamers, bits, and housings; build up worn cutting surfaces.
- • Fabricate or cut casing, pull heads, and adapters as needed.
- • Signal crane or boom truck operators during equipment moves.
- • Check locator batteries and replace sondes during bores.
- • Verify bend radii, minimum cover depths, and clearances meet specifications.
- • Coordinate with inspectors, clients, and other crews on schedules and clearances.
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Last reviewed: Jan 2026
