Job Description
Desert Services International (DSI) is seeking a highly experienced Directional Drill Operator (HDD) to join our growing Underground Utilities and Telecommunications Division. This is not an entry-level position. Individuals will need to have 1 years of extensive experience operating Horizontal Directional Drilling equipment and successfully completing underground utility and telecommunications installations in active construction environments.
Candidates with proven experience drilling in Arizona's challenging soil conditions—including hard caliche, rock, and congested utility corridors—are strongly preferred. Experience working throughout the Phoenix metropolitan area and surrounding Arizona communities is highly valued.
The ideal candidate will possess exceptional drilling skills, the ability to consistently complete accurate bores, and experience working safely around existing underground infrastructure. This individual must be capable of independently operating drilling equipment, reading bore plans, utilizing locating systems, and leading projects while maintaining DSI's commitment to safety, quality, and production.
If you take pride in producing accurate bores, minimizing utility conflicts, and delivering high-quality underground utility installations, we encourage you to apply.
Essential Duties & Responsibilities
- Safely and efficiently operate Horizontal Directional Drilling (HDD) equipment for underground utility, telecommunications, and fiber optic installations.
- Perform complex directional bores in various Arizona soil conditions, including rock, caliche, and congested utility corridors.
- Plan, execute, and complete bore paths while maintaining required depth, alignment, and utility clearances.
- Utilize electronic locating systems including Subsite Marksman and DigiTrak F5 to accurately monitor drill head location.
- Read and interpret utility maps, construction plans, staking sheets, blueprints, and project specifications.
- Perform potholing and utility verification to safely identify existing underground facilities.
- Maintain safe separation from existing utilities while complying with utility owner requirements.
- Install HDPE conduit, spool duct, telecommunications conduit, and other underground utility products.
- Assist with installation of fiber optic cable, handholes, vaults, pedestals, and related underground infrastructure.
- Operate support equipment including mini excavators, skid steers, hydro excavation trailers, vacuum excavation equipment, and trenching equipment.
- Perform daily inspections and preventative maintenance on HDD equipment and support machinery.
- Accurately document production, drilling logs, and daily project activities.
- Communicate effectively with project managers, supervisors, utility locators, and field crews.
- Participate in daily safety meetings, Job Hazard Analyses (JHAs), and customer safety requirements.
- Maintain compliance with OSHA regulations and all company safety policies.
- Support additional field operations as needed to ensure successful project completion.
Minimum Qualifications
Required Experience
- Minimum of three (3) years of recent experience operating Horizontal Directional Drilling (HDD) equipment.
- Extensive experience performing directional drilling for underground utility, telecommunications, and fiber optic installations.
- Experience drilling in Arizona soil conditions is strongly preferred.
- Experience operating Vermeer and/or Ditch Witch directional drill rigs.
- Strong knowledge of underground utility construction methods and utility conflict avoidance.
- Ability to independently complete bores from planning through completion.
- Ability to read utility maps, construction plans, bore profiles, and locate markings.
- Experience working around electrical, gas, water, sewer, and telecommunications utilities.
- Valid Driver's License with an acceptable driving record.
- Commercial Driver's License (CDL) required.
- Excellent problem-solving skills and ability to make sound field decisions.
- Strong commitment to safety, quality workmanship, and productivity.
Preferred Qualifications
Candidates with the following experience are highly encouraged to apply:
- Extensive experience using Subsite Marksman locating systems.
- Experience using DigiTrak F5 locating equipment.
- Hydro excavation and vacuum excavation experience.
- Experience operating skid steers and mini excavators.
- HDPE conduit installation.
- Fiber optic conduit and cable installation.
- Telecommunications infrastructure construction.
- Underground electrical utility construction.
- OSHA 10 or OSHA 30 Certification.
- Experience working on municipal, commercial, industrial, and utility projects throughout Arizona.
Physical Requirements
- Lift and carry up to 75 pounds.
- Stand, walk, bend, kneel, climb, and work in trenches for extended periods.
- Work outdoors in Arizona heat, dust, uneven terrain, and changing weather conditions.
- Work overtime, weekends, and occasional overnight travel as project demands require.
Why Join Desert Services International?
At DSI, we invest in experienced professionals who take pride in their craftsmanship and are committed to delivering quality work safely.
We offer:
- Competitive pay based on experience.
- Weekly pay.
- Opportunities for advancement within a growing Arizona contractor.
- Diverse underground utility, telecommunications, civil, and infrastructure projects throughout Arizona.
- A safety-first culture with a team committed to excellence.
Benefits
- 401(k) with Company Match
- Health Insurance
- Dental Insurance
- Vision Insurance
- Health Savings Account (HSA)
- Life Insurance
- Paid Time Off
License/Certification
- Valid Driver's License (Required)
- Class A CDL (Required)
Work Location
In Person – Projects Based Throughout Arizona
Apply Today
If you have at least three (3) years of recent Horizontal Directional Drilling (HDD) operating experience and a proven track record of completing successful bores and installing underground utilities safely and efficiently, we invite you to apply with Desert Services International. We are seeking experienced professionals who value safety, quality workmanship, teamwork, and long-term career growth.
Only applicants who meet the minimum HDD experience requirement will be considered.
Pay: $25.00 - $32.00 per hour
Benefits:
- 401(k) matching
- Dental insurance
- Health insurance
- Health savings account
- Life insurance
- Paid time off
- Vision insurance
Work Location: In person
