Position Summary
The Horizontal Directional Driller is responsible for safely operating horizontal directional drilling equipment to install underground telecommunications conduit, fibre-optic infrastructure and related utilities.
The Driller works closely with the HDD Locator, Crew Supervisor and ground crew to plan and complete bore paths safely, accurately and efficiently. This position requires strong equipment-operating skills, a thorough understanding of underground utility risks and the judgment to stop work when conditions are unclear or unsafe.
The successful candidate must understand that production never takes priority over worker safety, utility protection, bore accuracy or installation quality.
Key Responsibilities
- Safely operate horizontal directional drilling equipment, including Vermeer drills or comparable machinery.
- Complete pilot bores, reaming and product pullbacks for underground telecommunications and utility installations.
- Install conduit, fibre-optic infrastructure, tracer wire and related underground systems.
- Review construction drawings, utility locates, bore plans, permits and project specifications before drilling begins.
- Participate in daily hazard assessments, toolbox meetings and pre-drill planning.
- Work with the HDD Locator and Supervisor to determine entry points, exit points, bore depth and proposed alignment.
- Confirm that required underground utilities have been located and daylighted before drilling begins.
- Follow steering instructions provided by the Locator and maintain constant communication throughout the bore.
- Monitor drill pressure, rotation, thrust, pullback force, fluid flow and equipment performance.
- Adjust drilling techniques based on ground conditions, bore length, congestion and product requirements.
- Select and use appropriate drill heads, reamers, tooling and drilling-fluid mixtures.
- Maintain required bore depths, bend radiuses, alignments and utility clearances.
- Stop drilling immediately when communication is lost, locating information is unreliable or safe clearance cannot be confirmed.
- Recognize signs of utility contact, inadvertent returns, loss of drilling fluid or changing ground conditions.
- Assist with drilling-fluid preparation, mixing and disposal.
- Monitor drilling-fluid volumes and help prevent uncontrolled returns or environmental impacts.
- Assist with potholing, daylighting, excavating entry and exit pits and preparing bore locations.
- Assist with conduit preparation, product fusion, pullback setup and installation.
- Inspect drill rods, tooling, swivels, reamers and other components before and during use.
- Complete daily equipment inspections and report defects, leaks, damage or maintenance concerns.
- Perform routine equipment maintenance, greasing, cleaning and minor repairs.
- Maintain accurate daily production records, bore logs, equipment inspections and material records.
- Report utility strikes, near misses, property damage and unsafe conditions immediately.
- Communicate professionally with supervisors, inspectors, customers, property owners and members of the public.
- Follow company safety policies, safe work procedures and client requirements.
- Comply with Manitoba Workplace Safety and Health requirements and applicable utility-owner standards.
- Assist with general labour and other equipment-operating duties when required.
Required Qualifications
- Previous experience operating horizontal directional drilling equipment.
- Experience installing telecommunications conduit, fibre-optic infrastructure or underground utilities.
- Ability to understand utility drawings, construction plans, bore profiles and underground utility markings.
- Strong understanding of pilot boring, reaming and product pullback procedures.
- Working knowledge of drill head pitch, steering, depth, bend radius and bore-path limitations.
- Understanding of underground utility hazards, daylighting requirements and safe ground-disturbance practices.
- Ability to follow precise instructions from the HDD Locator.
- Ability to recognize changing ground conditions and adjust drilling techniques accordingly.
- Knowledge of drilling fluids, tooling selection and bore-hole stability.
- Ability to complete equipment inspections and basic preventative maintenance.
- Strong communication and teamwork skills.
- Valid Class 5 driver’s licence with an acceptable driving record.
- Ability to work outdoors in varying weather and ground conditions.
- Ability to work extended hours, weekends and out-of-town assignments when required.
Preferred Qualifications
- Three or more years of HDD operating experience.
- Experience operating Vermeer horizontal directional drills, including the Vermeer 20x22 or similar equipment.
- Experience completing fibre-to-the-home, backbone and commercial telecommunications installations.
- Previous experience completing work for Valley Fiber or other telecommunications providers.
- Familiarity with Valley Fiber construction standards, documentation and inspection requirements.
- Experience drilling in clay, sand, gravel, rock and congested urban utility corridors.
- Experience completing long, deep or technically challenging bores.
- Experience operating electronic bore-planning or drilling-data systems.
- Experience installing conduit, vaults, pedestals and handholes.
- Experience operating mini excavators, skid steers, hydrovacs or vibratory plows.
- Ground Disturbance Level II certification.
- First Aid and CPR certification.
- WHMIS certification.
- Confined-space or traffic-control training.
- Class 3 driver’s licence with air-brake endorsement.
Skills and Competencies
- Strong equipment-operating skills.
- Excellent hand-eye coordination and equipment control.
- Strong situational awareness.
- Safety-focused decision-making.
- Ability to follow precise locating and steering instructions.
- Ability to recognize abnormal drill behaviour.
- Strong mechanical aptitude.
- Ability to troubleshoot equipment and drilling problems.
- Clear communication with the Locator and ground crew.
- Attention to detail and installation quality.
- Ability to remain calm under pressure.
- Dependability, punctuality and accountability.
- Willingness to stop work when conditions are unsafe or unclear.
- Respectful and professional conduct.
Physical Requirements
The employee must be able to:
- Sit and operate drilling equipment for extended periods.
- Enter and exit equipment repeatedly throughout the workday.
- Stand and walk for extended periods.
- Work on uneven, muddy, wet or frozen ground.
- Bend, kneel, climb and perform repetitive physical tasks.
- Lift and carry tools, drill components and materials weighing up to approximately 50 pounds.
- Work around traffic, noise, vibration, drilling fluids and active construction equipment.
- Work outdoors during hot, cold, wet and windy conditions.
- Wear all required personal protective equipment.
Work Schedule
This is a seasonal construction position. Hours may vary depending on project requirements, weather conditions and customer schedules. Employees should expect early starts, extended workdays, occasional weekend work and potential travel throughout Winnipeg, southern Manitoba and other project locations.
Performance Expectations
Performance will be evaluated based on:
- Safe and competent operation of directional drilling equipment.
- Prevention of utility strikes, worker injuries and property damage.
- Accuracy of completed bore paths.
- Compliance with required depths, alignments, bend radiuses and utility clearances.
- Quality of conduit and product installations.
- Proper coordination with the HDD Locator and ground crew.
- Productivity without compromising safety or installation quality.
- Appropriate use of tooling and drilling fluids.
- Care and maintenance of drilling equipment.
- Accuracy of production records and equipment inspections.
- Attendance, reliability and professional conduct.
Pay: $27.50-$34.00 per hour
Work Location: In person
