How to hire a horizontal drill operator

How to hire a horizontal drill operator, step by step

Here's a step-by-step horizontal drill operator hiring guide:

• Step 1: Identify your hiring needs
• Step 2: Create an ideal candidate profile
• Step 3: Make a budget
• Step 4: Write a horizontal drill operator job description
• Step 5: Post your job
• Step 6: Interview candidates
• Step 7: Send a job offer and onboard your new horizontal drill operator
• Step 8: Go through the hiring process checklist

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1. Identify your hiring needs

   First, determine the employments status of the horizontal drill operator you need to hire. Certain horizontal drill operator roles might require a full-time employee, whereas others can be done by part-time workers or contractors.

   Determine employee vs contractor status

   Is the person you're thinking of hiring a US citizen or green card holder?

   Yes

   No

   You should also consider the ideal background you'd like them a horizontal drill operator to have before you start to hire. For example, what industry or field would you like them to have experience in, what level of seniority or education does the job require, and how much it'll cost to hire a horizontal drill operator that fits the bill.

   This list presents horizontal drill operator salaries for various positions.

   Type of Horizontal Drill Operator	Description	Hourly rate
   Horizontal Drill Operator		$12-25
   Blasting Production Technician	A blasting production technician is primarily responsible for the installation and upkeep of production equipment and tools. They are in charge of inspecting machinery for any damages, performing upgrades or adjustments, repairing or fixing components, and maintaining records... Show more	$12-22
   Operator	Operators are skilled workers who are in charge of working on an industrial machine or a specific aspect of the manufacturing business. They are trained to operate machines, learning how to use them... Show more	$12-25

2. Create an ideal candidate profile

   Common skills:

   • CDL
   • Directional Drill
   • Fiber Optic
   • Hand Holes
   • Routine Maintenance

   Responsibilities:

   • Maintain fluid weights by careful mixing of chemicals using PPE and careful mathematical calculations in collaboration with engineers.
   • Operate heavy machinery such as bobcat equipment and also operate and pave asphalt perform demolition work.

3. Make a budget

   Including a salary range in your horizontal drill operator job description is a great way to entice the best and brightest candidates. A horizontal drill operator salary can vary based on several factors:

   • Location. For example, horizontal drill operators' average salary in south carolina is 22% less than in oregon.
   • Seniority. Entry-level horizontal drill operators earn 48% less than senior-level horizontal drill operators.
   • Certifications. A horizontal drill operator with a few certifications under their belt will likely demand a higher salary.
   • Company. Working for a prestigious company or an exciting start-up can make a huge difference in a horizontal drill operator's salary.

   Average horizontal drill operator salary

   $38,118yearly

   $18.33 hourly rate

   ---

   Entry-level horizontal drill operator salary

   $27,000 yearly salary

   Updated December 17, 2025

4. Writing a horizontal drill operator job description

   A horizontal drill operator job description should include a summary of the role, required skills, and a list of responsibilities. It's also good to include a salary range and the first name of the hiring manager. Below, you can find an example of a horizontal drill operator job description:

   Horizontal drill operator job description example

   Primoris Distribution Services is a division of Primoris Services Corporation, is a publicly owned and operated construction contracting company that provides both specific and turnkey services for its customers in the gas, oil, electric and telecommunications industry. We are headquartered in Dallas, with branch offices in multiple states.
   
   Are you looking for a job with a future? It's an exciting time to join Primoris Distribution Services Our goal is to exceed customer expectation with superior service, workmanship and innovative problem solving. If you are a hard-worker looking for a job with the opportunity to advance and grow with a company with takes pride in its workmanship and innovative problem solving, look no further!
   
   We have immediate openings for Horizontal Directional Drill (HDD) Operator and/or Locators in Dallas, TX area of DFW
   
   As the Horizontal Directional Bore Operator/Locator, you possess a high level of expertise in locating and product support equipment, as well as running horizontal/directional drill rigs prefer 9X13 Vermeer horizontal directional drill rig.You will have experience performing all duties of a Horizontal Directional Bore Operator/Locator and will have advanced skills in horizontal directional boring. As the lead, you will supervise employees on how to operate a horizontal directional bore machine and locating box. Your overall goal is to strive for optimal production while working safely and performing quality work.
   Qualifications and Experience
   
   * Required:
   * 2 + years of verifiable directional bore experience.
   * CDL Class A/B with Tanker Endorsement
   * Experience with different size Vermeer or Ditch Witch units.
   * Practical experience of underground construction for gas. City, county and state clearance code. knowledge and related.
   * Practical working experience of underground construction
   * Willing to travel.
   
   Desire
   
   * Knowledge of utility industry safety practices and requirements.
   * Knowledge of utility depths and placement practices and procedures.
   * Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
   * Ability to effectively supervise a 2 man crew independently.
   * Ability to read and understand maps, drawings and diagrams for project build process.
   * Ability to work outdoors in all weather conditions.
   * Ability to handle stressful situations and come up with solutions in a timely manner.
   * Ability to use a computer/smart phone/tablet.
   * Ability to lift and carry up to 50 lbs.
   * Required: Successful candidates must pass the following pre-employment requirements prior to beginning employment: drug screen and background check. Background checks include, but are not limited to, Social Security Verification, Prior Employment Verification, Motor Vehicle Records, Personal and Professional References, Criminal History.
   
   Education
   
   * High School Diploma or GED equivalent
   
   EEO Statement:
   
   We are an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.
   
   Third Party Agency Notice:
   
   Primoris will not accept any unsolicited resumes from any third-party recruiting agencies either domestic or international. Primoris nor its subsidiaries will be responsible for any fees from the use of any unsolicited resumes either through our ATS or via electronic mail systems from any agency representative or agency consultant unless your firm is an approved vendor partner with a current executed agreement.
   
   IND1

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5. Post your job

   There are various strategies that you can use to find the right horizontal drill operator for your business:

   • Consider promoting from within or recruiting from your existing workforce.
   • Ask for referrals from friends, family members, and current employees.
   • Attend job fairs at local colleges to find candidates who meet your education requirements.
   • Use social media platforms like LinkedIn, Facebook, and Twitter to reach potential job candidates.

   Post your job online:

   • Post your horizontal drill operator job on Zippia to find and recruit horizontal drill operator candidates who meet your exact specifications.
   • Use field-specific websites such as constructionjobs.
   • Post a job on free websites.

6. Interview candidates

   To successfully recruit horizontal drill operators, your first interview needs to engage with candidates to learn about their interest in the role and experience in the field. You can go into more detail about the company, the role, and the responsibilities during follow-up interviews.

   You should also ask about candidates' unique skills and talents to see if they match the ideal candidate profile you developed earlier. Candidates good enough for the next step can complete the technical interview.

   The right interview questions can help you assess a candidate's hard skills, behavioral intelligence, and soft skills.

7. Send a job offer and onboard your new horizontal drill operator

   Once you have selected a candidate for the horizontal drill operator position, it is time to create an offer letter. In addition to salary, the offer letter should include details about benefits and perks that are available to the employee. Ensuring your offer is competitive is vital, as qualified candidates may be considering other job opportunities. The candidate may wish to negotiate the terms of the offer, and it is important to be open to discussion and reach a mutually beneficial agreement. After the offer has been accepted, it is a good idea to formalize the agreement with a contract.

   It's also important to follow up with applicants who do not get the job with an email letting them know that the position is filled.

   After that, you can create an onboarding schedule for a new horizontal drill operator. Human Resources and the hiring manager should complete Employee Action Forms. Human Resources should also ensure that onboarding paperwork is completed, including I-9s, benefits enrollment, federal and state tax forms, etc., and that new employee files are created.

8. Go through the hiring process checklist

   • Determine employee type (full-time, part-time, contractor, etc.)
   • Submit a job requisition form to the HR department
   • Define job responsibilities and requirements
   • Establish budget and timeline
   • Determine hiring decision makers for the role
   • Write job description
   • Post job on job boards, company website, etc.
   • Promote the job internally
   • Process applications through applicant tracking system
   • Review resumes and cover letters
   • Shortlist candidates for screening
   • Hold phone/virtual interview screening with first round of candidates
   • Conduct in-person interviews with top candidates from first round
   • Score candidates based on weighted criteria (e.g., experience, education, background, cultural fit, skill set, etc.)
   • Conduct background checks on top candidates
   • Check references of top candidates
   • Consult with HR and hiring decision makers on job offer specifics
   • Extend offer to top candidate(s)
   • Receive formal job offer acceptance and signed employment contract
   • Inform other candidates that the position has been filled
   • Set and communicate onboarding schedule to new hire(s)
   • Complete new hire paperwork (i9, benefits enrollment, tax forms, etc.)

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