The Opportunity Glass Roots Construction (GRC) is seeking an experienced, hands-on
Directional Drill Operator Superintendent to build and lead our self-performed horizontal directional drilling (HDD) program. You will start in the drill seat, operating a rig while training the operators who will take it over, then step into leading multiple drill crews as those operators qualify. This role is central to GRC's goal of performing 60-70% of its construction work in-house.
Responsibilities- Hands-On Drilling & Field Leadership: Operate a drill rig while overseeing daily drilling; transition to leading multiple crews while staying ready to return to the controls when needed.
- Operator Training & Development: Develop operators and locators through hands-on training, competency assessments, and progression plans until they can run a rig independently.
- Production & Improvement: Set daily and weekly drilling goals, coordinate priorities with Construction Managers and General Foremen, and standardize drilling practices across projects.
- Technical Drilling Expertise: Lead bore planning; guide tooling and drilling-fluid selection; troubleshoot difficult ground conditions, steering issues, and failed pullbacks.
- Equipment & Tooling Readiness: Ensure rigs, locators, mud systems, and tooling are inspected, maintained, and on site before work begins; recommend equipment purchases.
- Safety & Utility Protection: Verify locates, potholing, and crossing clearances; enforce safe work practices and exercise stop-work authority. Production never takes priority over safety.
- Quality, Cost & Reporting: Verify bore depth, alignment, and separation; track footage, downtime, and cost per linear foot; report results to the Senior Director of Construction.
Required Qualifications - 15+ years of hands-on experience operating horizontal directional drilling equipment.
- Strong knowledge of bore planning, steering and locating systems, tooling, and drilling fluids.
- Demonstrated ability to train operators and locators to work independently.
- Thorough understanding of underground utilities, the 811 locate process, and potholing.
- Proven ability to direct, coach, and hold crews accountable while working alongside them.
- Working knowledge of OSHA requirements, including excavation safety. OSHA 30 certified.
- A valid driver's license is required.
Directional Drill SuperIntendent Physical Requirements:- Lift 50 lbs individually and up to 75 lbs in team lifts
- Work in dust and silica environments with mandatory respirator fit clearance
- Navigate active drill sites on foot over varied terrain
Driving & Travel Requirements- This position requires a valid driver's license to operate company vehicles, transport equipment, and manage daily travel between client locations and field operational sites throughout the region.
Preferred Qualifications- Class A Commercial Driver's License (CDL).
- Experience building a self-performed drilling program or leading multiple drill crews.
- Experience in underground fiber or telecommunications construction.
Additional InformationHourly Range: $125,000 - $165,000 Salary, based on experience
Schedule: Day Shift, Monday - Friday & Night Shift, Sunday - Thursday
Travel Requirements: Required daily between job sites within the assigned market
Role Openings: 1
Target Start Date: 2-3 weeks from offer
Exempt Status: This position is classified as
Exempt under the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) and is eligible for overtime compensation in accordance with applicable federal, state, and local laws.
Interview Process- Recruiter Screen
- Hiring Manager Interview
- Final Interview
- Conditional offer upon successful completion of background check, occupational health screening, and drug test.
The pay range for this role is:
125,000 - 165,000 USD per year (Samoa, CA)
