Senior Horizontal Directional Drill (HDD) Operator / Locator III

Job Description Summary:

TriTechne is seeking a Senior Horizontal Directional Drill (HDD) Operator / Locator III to serve as the lead drilling expert and crew leader on our most complex and critical underground utility projects. This role owns the planning and execution of demanding bores — including long crossings, large-diameter installations, environmentally sensitive areas, and congested utility corridors — while leading and developing the crew, interfacing with project stakeholders, and setting the standard for safety and quality in the field. The ideal candidate is a seasoned operator and locator with proven leadership ability, strong technical judgment, and a track record of delivering difficult bores safely and on schedule.

Job Description:

The Senior HDD Operator / Locator III is the lead technical authority and crew leader for horizontal directional drilling operations, responsible for planning and executing the company's most complex and critical underground utility installations. This role combines expert-level drilling and locating skill with field leadership — directing crews, developing bore plans, coordinating with project stakeholders, and setting the standard for safety, quality, and production. The Senior Operator works with minimal supervision and exercises significant independent judgment on high-risk work.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities

• Lead and operate HDD equipment on the most complex, deep, long, or high-risk bores, adjusting methods for difficult ground and environmental conditions.
• Plan and design bore paths, develop bore plans, and conduct pre-construction risk assessments using drawings, utility maps, and site evaluations.
• Lead utility verification and locating using systems such as DigiTrak or Subsite, ensuring clearances and resolving conflicts on critical installations.
• Establish and oversee drilling fluid programs tailored to geological and environmental requirements.
• Direct, train, mentor, and evaluate Level I and II operators, locators, and ground crew.
• Lead advanced equipment diagnostics, troubleshooting, and maintenance planning to maximize uptime.
• Own the accuracy and completeness of bore logs, daily production reports, inspections, and as-built documentation.
• Coordinate with project managers, engineers, inspectors, clients, locators, and other trades on scheduling and field resolution.
• Lead safety briefings, enforce OSHA regulations and company policies, and initiate corrective action when standards are not met.
• Maintain a clean, organized, safe, and productive work environment across the crew.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSAs)

• Expert knowledge of HDD equipment, methods, and locating systems across varied conditions.
• Ability to develop, interpret, and validate construction drawings and bore plans.
• Expert mechanical aptitude and advanced troubleshooting capability.
• Strong leadership, mentoring, and crew management skills.
• Sound, independent decision-making on complex and high-risk work.
• Effective communication and coordination with crews, stakeholders, and clients.
• Deep commitment to and ownership of safety, quality, and environmental compliance.