HORIZONTAL DIRECTIONAL DRILLING (HDD) SUPERINTENDENT

COMPANY SUMMARY:  

The focus of Hodge Western Corp over the last 20 years started in heavy civil and evolved into technology-driven, specialty underground utility construction. We operate in three divisions: Horizontal Directional Drilling (HDD), Renewables, and Rock Trenching. Our company works on projects throughout the western, southern, and midwestern United States. We are passionate about executing and growing our specialized methods for complex utility construction to provide our partner customers with significant advantages in both safety and efficiency over traditional means and methods.

 

POSITION SUMMARY

Location: Full-time travel position throughout the United States. Initial assignment located in Lexington, Oregon.

Hodge Western Corp is seeking an experienced Horizontal Directional Drilling Superintendent to lead HDD operations on utility, renewable energy, and underground infrastructure projects throughout the United States.

The Superintendent is responsible for the safe, productive, and profitable execution of drilling operations while leading crews, managing equipment, coordinating with customers, and ensuring projects are completed on schedule and within budget.

This position requires a hands-on leader with extensive HDD field experience who can effectively manage crews, troubleshoot drilling challenges, maintain customer relationships, and drive production while maintaining the highest safety standards.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Project Leadership

• Manage all aspects of HDD construction projects from mobilization through project completion.
• Lead and supervise drill operators, locator operators, equipment operators, laborers, and subcontractors.
• Plan daily and weekly production activities to meet project schedules and production goals.
• Coordinate closely with Project Managers, customers, inspectors, utilities, and field personnel.
• Identify and resolve field issues before they impact production, schedule, or profitability.
• Maintain a strong field presence and provide leadership through active engagement with crews.

HDD Operations

• Oversee all drilling activities including pilot bores, reaming operations, pullbacks, and installation of underground utilities.
• Evaluate bore plans, utility conflicts, soil conditions, and drilling risks.
• Ensure proper drilling fluid management and bore path execution.
• Monitor production rates and implement strategies to maximize efficiency.
• Troubleshoot challenging ground conditions and utility crossings.
• Coordinate drilling support activities including vacuum excavation, hydro excavation, potholing, and utility verification.

Equipment Management

• Manage and inspect HDD equipment daily to ensure safe and efficient operation.
• Coordinate preventive maintenance and repairs with company maintenance personnel.
• Monitor equipment performance and utilization.
• Ensure proper care and accountability of all company equipment and tooling.

Safety and Compliance

• Enforce all company safety policies and procedures.
• Conduct daily Job Hazard Analyses (JHAs), safety meetings, and pre-task planning.
• Ensure compliance with OSHA, customer, and site-specific safety requirements.
• Investigate incidents, near misses, and equipment damage events.
• Promote a culture of safety, accountability, and continuous improvement.

Documentation and Reporting

• Maintain accurate daily reports, production reports, safety documentation, time records, and equipment inspections.
• Track installed quantities and production metrics for billing and project reporting.
• Identify, document, and communicate change orders and out-of-scope work.
• Provide regular updates to management regarding schedule, production, manpower, and equipment needs.

Customer Relations

• Develop and maintain strong relationships with customers, inspectors, engineers, and project stakeholders.
• Represent Hodge Western Corp professionally at all times.
• Participate in project meetings and provide technical expertise related to HDD operations.

QUALIFICATIONS

Required

• Minimum 5 years of HDD construction experience.
• Minimum 2 years as an HDD Superintendent, General Foreman, or Lead Drill Operator.
• Proven ability to lead HDD crews on utility, telecom, renewable energy, or infrastructure projects.
• Strong understanding of HDD methods, tooling, drilling fluids, and underground utility installation.
• Ability to read plans, profiles, utility drawings, and bore plans.
• Experience managing project schedules, production goals, and field reporting.
• Excellent communication and leadership skills.
• Ability to travel extensively throughout the United States.

Preferred

• Experience supervising projects utilizing Vermeer D24x40 and D40x55 directional drills.
• Air hammer and rock drilling experience.
• CDL Class A license.
• OSHA 30 Certification.

COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS

Compensation

• Annual Salary: $130,000+ depending on experience
• Per diem including housing when travelling
• Company truck and fuel cards for business use
• 100% Company-paid Medical Insurance for you and direct dependents.
• Four-week annual PTO; 40 hours of annual Sick Time
• 401K with Employer match
• Potential for performance-based bonuses