Sr. HDD (Horizontal Directional Drill) Technician - Fiber Optics

Pillar Innovations is an Industrial Solutions and Service Company with over 15 years of experience in the Energy, Mining, Industrial Construction, Aggregate, and Renewables Industries. The Corporate Headquarters are located in Grantsville, MD with several offices throughout the country.

Are you looking for a place to expand your skills and grow in a career? Our company promotes continuous learning, diverse work opportunities, and flexibility. We also provide defined career path advancement, full benefits, and a variety of apprenticeship/continuing education programs. We pride ourselves on the versatility of our skillsets and the variety of services that we provide to our customers. We maintain a high level of respect and dignity for our employees, customers, and for the communities that we serve. We have always held a high regard for providing a flexible work-life balance for our employees and we will continue to do so.

We are a diverse and rapidly growing company that is continually on the lookout for emerging markets and opportunities. As an employee, the keys to success are maintaining a positive, can-do attitude and a strong sense of ambition and safety. These key attributes have contributed greatly to the success of our company and to the advancement of our workforce.

Openings for experienced workers and training for entry level positions are always available. Start a career with us today!

Are you a natural leader who enjoys hands-on work, solving problems in the field, and being part of a team that’s building something meaningful? We’re looking for a

Sr. HDD Technician - Fiber Optics

to take the lead on directional drilling projects that power the future of communication. In this role, you'll be responsible for safely and efficiently operating directional drills and equipment while overseeing key tasks like conduit installation, cable pulling, and network setup. From potholing and placing handholes to site prep, restoration, and equipment maintenance, you’ll be right in the middle of the action — leading by example and helping guide the crew toward success. If you're confident in your skills, comfortable working at heights and in tight spaces, and passionate about doing quality work, this is a great opportunity to grow your leadership experience while making a lasting impact in a fast-moving, high-demand industry.

- Operate directional bore equipment for underground utility construction

- Perform all aspects of the drilling machine and sound beacon operations

- Operate trenchers, plows, backhoes, excavator, and skid steer

- Install and pull underground conduit and cable without disrupting utilities

- Perform potholing to verify utilities

- Work with other crews within the fiber department to complete joint tasks including general site preparation, restoration, right of way (ROW) maintenance, etc.

- Locate and guide the drill head

- Maintain water tanks and associated water line connections to support drilling operations

- Assist with marking underground proposed design route with respect to utilities and underground systems

- Read, interpret, and modify design packages

- Make utility locate requests

- Responsible for leading multiple projects and crews

Working Conditions

- Walk / use hands to finger, handle or feel objects, tools or controls / reach with hands and arms / climb ladders and stairs / crawl / kneel

- Work indoors, outdoors, and underground in various weather conditions

- Able to work in confined spaces

- Able to walk long distances

- Able to lift up to 65 pounds without assistance

- Horizontal directional drilling experience is required with 5+ years preferred

- Mastery of HDD Technician II Job Duties

- Operate directional bore equipment for underground utility construction

- Perform all aspects of the drilling machine and sond beacon operations

- Load, secure, and mobilize equipment safely and effectively

- Operate trenchers, plows, backhoes, excavator, and skid steer

- Operate tampers, jackhammers, drills, and saws when needed

- Operate basic hand tools (Cordless Drill, Hammer, Wrench, Socket Set, Shovel)

- Install and pull underground conduit and cable without disrupting utilities

- Perform potholing to verify utilities

- Install handholes, pedestals, and marker posts

- Work with other crews within the fiber department to complete joint tasks including general site preparation, restoration, right of way (ROW) maintenance, etc.

- Perform preventative maintenance and inspections on equipment and tools

- Locate and guide the drill head

- Perform minor field repairs on equipment

- Maintain water tanks and associated water line connections to support drilling operations

- Perform worksite housekeeping duties and equipment inspections

- Provide roadway flagging support for the operation to include obtaining Flagger Certification

- Perform work site restoration

- Recognize and identify general safety hazards and electrical-specific hazards

- Assist with marking underground proposed design route with respect to utilities and underground systems

- Read and interpret design packages

- Properly winterize equipment and perform advanced safety equipment checks

- Complete documentation to include record-keeping, billing, and inventory, etc.

- Complete daily close of business (COB) reports for customers

- Make utility locate requests

- Lead and mentor less experienced coworkers

- Lead team members as required in the absence of a Sr. Technician or Manager

- Valid CDL Driver’s License is required

- Proficient with equipment (i.e., mini-excavator, forklift, bobcat, telehandler, skid steer, etc.)

- Flagger Certification required

- Advanced knowledge of excavation standards and equipment required

- Advanced knowledge of soil conditions and scenarios

- Possess advanced experience and knowledge of underground utility installations

- Ability to balance multiple projects

Perks/Benefits

- Comprehensive Benefits

- Medical, Dental, & Vision Insurance with Rx Coverage

- Life insurance

- 401(k) retirement plan with Company Match

- Short/Long term disability

- Paid time off (as outlined in the applicable Benefit's Summary) and 7 paid holidays

- Paid lodging, per diem, and transportation provided for out-of-town work

- Employee focused work environment

- On-the-job mentoring and training

- Internal job postings

- Performance and salary reviews

- Employee feedback program

- Safety-first and drug free work environments

- Bonuses and incentives for working safely

- Company provided tools and basic safety equipment

- PPE allowances with no restrictions on vendors

- Weekly pay with premium pay for Sundays and holidays

- Overtime available as applicable

- Advancement through tailored employee career paths

- Financial tools/programs to help employees reach financial goals, manage money, get out of debt, and save for the future

- Scholarship opportunities for dependent children

- Applicant may also receive additional compensation based on the Company and individual's performances

Additional Eligibility Qualifications

This position requires the completion of a thorough background and pre-employment drug and alcohol screening. In accordance with The Company’s Drug and Alcohol policy, employees are required to participate in random, post-accident and reasonable suspicion drug and alcohol testing as requested.

AAP/EEO Statement

This Company is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer that provides opportunities without regard to any protected classes under applicable law.

ADA Statement

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

USD $30.00/Hr.

USD $35.00/Hr.