Horizontal Directional Drill Operator

Join Our Team as a Horizontal Directional Drill Operator: Fostering Growth, Culture, and Success!

Work Authorization & Sponsorship

• This position offers sponsorship for eligible candidates.
• Employment is contingent upon meeting all work authorization, licensing, and union eligibility requirements.

About the Team:

High Light Electric, Inc. is a family-owned and minority-led company that has earned its reputation for excellence in the construction industry. As a leading construction company known for delivering high-quality projects in the public works sectors, we are committed to excellence, teamwork, and continuous improvement. With a deep commitment to innovation, quality, and fostering a culture of growth, we are on a mission to become the largest Latino-owned construction company in the United States targeting 50% growth within the next 3-5 years. At HLE, we challenge stereotypes, drive innovation, and cultivate a culture of excellence. We believe the job is not done until it's done. Our culture encourages talent development, internal promotions, and provides a thriving workplace where every employee has an opportunity to succeed. With the right people, we are confident in achieving our ambitious growth goals while maintaining our commitment to quality and excellence. We are seeking to expand our presence from California to new markets throughout the United States that align with our core business. We are looking for our next ROCK STAR!

What We Do Here at HLE:

Over almost 30 years, we have worked in the public works sector. More precisely in highway work. Our area of concentration includes sign lighting, freeway lighting, street lighting, traffic signals, ramp metering systems. Any electrical components that are related to that scope of work fall under our specialty. Our projects physical footprint spans from our Southern California offices throughout California to its Northern Border.

Role Purpose

The Horizontal Directional Drill (HDD) Operator is responsible for safely and accurately operating directional drilling equipment to install underground utilities without trenching. This role plays a critical part in delivering high-quality infrastructure work while protecting existing utilities, maintaining equipment, and upholding strict safety standards.

The HDD Operator brings precision, awareness, and accountability to the field—working closely with the crew, locators, and leadership to ensure every bore is executed correctly, efficiently, and safely. Their work directly impacts project success, schedule reliability, and jobsite safety.

The Way We Work

HDD Operators are professionals who take pride in clean execution, preparation, and teamwork. They respect the plan, communicate clearly, and stay alert at all times. Safety is never rushed, shortcuts are never acceptable, and quality is always the standard.

They understand that underground work requires focus, trust, and discipline—and they operate with awareness of the responsibility that comes with drilling near live infrastructure.

Union Position

• This position is a Union role.
• Employment is subject to union rules, regulations, work classifications, and collective bargaining agreements.
• Candidates must be eligible to work under union requirements or be willing to join the union upon hire

Key Responsibilities

Directional Drilling Operations

• Set up, operate, and monitor Horizontal Directional Drill equipment for underground utility installation (including conduit and fiber optic lines).
• Accurately navigate the drill head following bore plans, depth requirements, and alignment tolerances.
• Read and interpret bore profiles, utility maps, and construction drawings.
• Adjust drilling techniques based on soil conditions, obstructions, and project requirements.

Safety & Utility Protection

• Coordinate closely with utility locators to identify, verify, and protect existing underground infrastructure.
• Maintain constant awareness of bore location, depth, and proximity to utilities.
• Follow all safety procedures and stop work immediately if unsafe conditions are identified.
• Participate in job briefings, tailgate meetings, and safety discussions.

Equipment & Vehicle Operation

• Operate and maintain HDD equipment, bore machinery, and support equipment.
• Operate Digger Derrick Truck as required.
• Perform daily equipment inspections and report maintenance or repair needs promptly.
• Keep equipment clean, organized, and job-ready at all times.

Team Coordination & Communication

• Work closely with the drilling crew, foreman, and superintendent to execute the work plan.
• Communicate progress, challenges, and changes clearly and professionally.
• Support crew members during setup, drilling, pullback, and restoration activities.

Quality & Jobsite Standards

• Ensure all work meets project specifications, quality standards, and company expectations.
• Protect jobsite organization, cleanliness, and professionalism.
• Support documentation efforts related to drilling operations as needed.

Required Qualifications

• Proven experience operating Horizontal Directional Drill (HDD) equipment.
• Valid Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) Class A.
• Strong understanding of underground utility installation and trenchless methods.
• Ability to read and understand bore plans, utility markings, and construction drawings.
• Knowledge of safe drilling practices near existing utilities.

Equipment & Materials

• Bore Machine: Ditch Witch D30
• Freightliner Digger Derrick (CHEDTE 6697 Pitman Pocat)
• Materials Installed:
• PVC conduits
• GRC conduits
• HDPE conduits

The operator is expected to safely and competently operate, inspect, and maintain this equipment in accordance with company standards and union safety requirements.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience installing conduit or fiber optic infrastructure.
• Familiarity with a variety of soil conditions and drilling environments.
• Bilingual (English / Spanish) a plus.
• Strong teamwork mindset with the ability to work under direction and independently.

Physical & Work Requirements

• Ability to work outdoors in varying weather conditions.
• Ability to stand, walk, bend, lift, and perform physical labor as required on active jobsites.
• Willingness to travel to project locations as assigned.
• Must be able to maintain focus and situational awareness during extended drilling operations.

EEO Statement

HLE is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, disability, protected veteran status, genetic information, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law.