The entry point for most great HDD careers is the simple, humble shovel. Learn while you earn and develop your skills from the ground up. Laborers and shovel hands are routinely given opportunities to develop greater skills and responsibilities. Most people stay at this level for a period of six months to one year.

The next step in your career development involves mixing and management of drilling fluids that are critical for a successful project. The Mud Hand is responsible for preparing and mixing drilling fluids. Operation of vacuum excavation equipment and disposal and remediation of fluids.

Moving to the locating position is a big step forward in your career progression. Locating is a mix of science & math with a long list of variables that make real word experience invaluable. Locators are the eyes and ears of the Directional Drilling operation. They operate the walkover locating equipment used to track the drill head underground and give steering commands to the drill operator. The locator has the ultimate responsibility for the safe and accurate delivery of the drill head to the target.

It takes on average between 1-3 years to gain the knowledge and experience to prepare yourself for advancement to the Drill Operator level.

The top of the heap in the HDD Crew hierarchy sits In the drill seat. Drill Operators have a keen understanding of all functions on an HDD job site and operate the expensive, powerful drilling equipment during the pilot bore and pull back. They also serve as the leader for the HDD Crew in most cases. Drill Operators are knowledgable not only in the operation of the machine but also in its maintenance and repair. This knowledge combined with their knowledge of the other duties on an HDD crew make the Drill operator the go-to guy when something goes wrong on an HDD Job. HDD Operators can progress into foreman and superintendent leadership positions after an average of 3-5 years in the seat.