Job Title: HDD Ground Hand
Department: OSP Services
Reports To: Construction Manager / HDD Foreman
Location: Southeastern US, open to any state from Alabama to Texas
About us
At TXO, we are transforming technology for a more sustainable future. Our people enable organisations worldwide to optimise and transform technology across its entire lifecycle, helping customers unlock value while reducing environmental impact through circular economy solutions.
Working at TXO means contributing to real-world change. Our global teams support critical infrastructure for customers in more than 140 countries, extending the life of technology, reducing waste, and helping organisations operate more sustainably. From engineering and operations to sales, finance, supply chain and corporate functions, every role plays a part in delivering meaningful impact.
We combine global reach with local expertise, creating opportunities to work on complex challenges across technology, commercial, operational, and business disciplines. Our culture is built on collaboration, innovation, and technical excellence, empowering our people to deliver practical solutions that make a measurable difference.
As we continue to grow globally, backed by TowerBrook Capital Partners' impact strategy, we are committed to building an inclusive environment where our people can develop, thrive and help shape the future of sustainable technology.
Position Summary
The HDD Ground Hand is responsible for supporting Horizontal Directional Drilling (HDD) crews in the installation of underground telecommunications, fiber optic, and utility infrastructure. This role assists with drill setup, conduit installation, utility verification, potholing operations, tooling changes, equipment staging, and job site safety. The ideal candidate is safety-focused, dependable, and willing to work in a physically demanding construction environment while supporting all phases of HDD operations.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities
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Assist HDD Drillers and Locators with daily drilling operations and job site activities.
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Spot for mini excavator and hydrovac operators during potholing activities to ensure safe excavation around existing underground utilities.
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Assist with utility verification and exposure activities using approved excavation methods.
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Support the setup, operation, and breakdown of HDD equipment and support vehicles.
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Assist in changing HDD tooling, including drill heads, reamers, swivels, pulling assemblies, and related drilling components.
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Set up conduit, pull heads, swivels, and related equipment for HDPE conduit pullback operations.
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Assist with conduit handling, staging, coupling/fusion preparation, and installation activities.
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Load, unload, transport, and organize materials, tools, equipment, and drilling supplies.
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Safely handle drilling rods, tooling, drilling fluids, and construction materials.
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Assist with mixing drilling fluids and maintaining drilling fluid systems as directed.
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Read and understand utility locates, construction plans, and project specifications.
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Maintain proper clearance from underground and overhead utilities during construction activities.
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Assist with traffic control, job site setup, restoration, and cleanup activities.
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Perform hand digging as required to expose utilities, complete tie-ins, and support construction activities.
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Conduct daily inspections of tools, equipment, and vehicles.
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Report equipment deficiencies, maintenance needs, utility conflicts, and safety concerns promptly.
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Ensure compliance with OSHA regulations, company safety policies, customer requirements, and damage prevention laws.
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Travel as required to project locations.
Required Qualifications
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Valid driver's license with acceptable driving record.
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Ability to work safely in underground utility, telecommunications, or construction environments.
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Knowledge of basic construction tools and equipment.
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Ability to understand utility locate markings and damage prevention practices.
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Ability to follow verbal and written instructions.
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Strong work ethic, reliability, and attention to detail.
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Ability to work as part of a team in a fast-paced construction environment.
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Ability to work outdoors in varying weather conditions.
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Willingness to work overtime and occasional weekends as needed.
Preferred Qualifications
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Experience supporting HDD, telecommunications, fiber optic, or utility construction projects.
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Class A or Class B Commercial Driver's License (CDL).
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Experience working around underground utilities.
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OSHA 10 or OSHA 30 certification.
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Experience operating construction equipment, including mini excavators, skid steers, vacuum excavators, and loaders.
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Experience with HDPE conduit installation and fiber optic construction.
Physical Requirements
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Ability to lift and carry up to 75 pounds.
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Ability to stand, walk, bend, kneel, squat, and climb throughout the workday.
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Ability to perform repetitive lifting, pulling, pushing, and digging activities.
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Ability to work in outdoor environments and varying terrain conditions.
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Ability to work near active construction equipment and utility infrastructure.
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Ability to enter and exit construction vehicles and equipment repeatedly.
Safety Responsibilities
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Follow all company safety policies and procedures.
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Participate in safety meetings and training programs.
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Wear required personal protective equipment (PPE) at all times.
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Stop work and report unsafe conditions immediately.
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Maintain awareness of underground utility hazards and safe excavation practices.
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Ensure all utility locate and potholing requirements are followed before excavation activities begin.
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Promote a safety-first culture and actively support safe work practices on all job sites.
Compensation and Benefits
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Competitive hourly wage based on experience.
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Overtime opportunities.
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Health, dental, and vision insurance.
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401(k) with company match.
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Paid time off and holidays.
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Career advancement opportunities within telecommunications construction.
