Directional Drill Operator

NPL Construction, Co • Hampton, VA, US • 3w ago

Who We Are

At NPL, part of The Centuri Organization, our employees are part of an established team working to support America’s natural gas utility and energy infrastructure. Working at NPL means you are joining a company with over 50 years of experience, long-standing customer relationships, and one that is deeply integrated into our host communities. Come grow your career with us and be a part of something bigger.

As a Directional Drill Operator with NPL Construction, you’ll play a critical role in safely installing underground natural gas infrastructure. Working closely with a Locator as your counterpart, you will operate horizontal directional drilling (HDD) equipment to bore, place conduit, and support underground utility installation. This position requires strong technical skill, high situational awareness, and the ability to work safely within active job sites. All crew members contribute to general labor duties as needed to get the job done safely and efficiently.

We welcome applicants from the surrounding Hampton Roads area, including:
Newport News, Poquoson, Yorktown/York County, Norfolk, Portsmouth, Chesapeake, Virginia Beach, and Suffolk.

What You'll Do

• Operate horizontal directional drilling equipment to complete bore shots safely and accurately.
• Work in tandem with a Locator to plan bore paths, avoid conflicts, and ensure safe excavation.
• Read and interpret maps, blueprints, and utility locate marks to support drilling operations.
• Identify, locate, and avoid underground natural gas lines and other utilities.
• Load, transport, and unload HDD equipment, tooling, and materials (requires CDL-A).
• Perform daily pre-trip, post-trip, and equipment inspections; document any issues.
• Conduct routine maintenance and cleaning on drilling equipment, trucks, and tooling.
• Maintain all required Operator Qualifications (OQs) and safety certifications.
• Communicate clearly with the crew, leadership, and customers when applicable.
• Assist with general labor as needed, including excavation, site clean-up, and restoration.
• Follow all safety protocols while working within the red zone of heavy equipment.
• Complete all required production and documentation logs.

What You'll Have

• CDL-A required (ability to haul drilling rigs and support equipment).
• Prior experience operating horizontal directional drilling equipment.
• Knowledge of cross-bore awareness and safe digging practices.
• Ability to read and interpret maps, blueprints, and locate marks.
• 1+ year experience operating heavy equipment near underground utilities.
• Ability to work safely in fast-changing field conditions.
• Strong communication skills and a commitment to teamwork.
• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Valid driver’s license with a clean driving record.
• Ability to obtain and maintain OQ qualifications.

What You'll Get

Join the Largest Natural Gas Distribution Contractor in the United States
Weekly Payroll
Paid, on-the-job training: natural gas distribution, utility excavation, safety
Employee Assistance program benefit
Health Insurance Plan benefit
Retirement Plan benefit

Work Environment

Work sites are outdoors in potentially extreme weather conditions
All worksite safety instructions are written and spoken in English; must be fluent in English
Work includes prolonged and repeated: lifting (including overhead, up to 50lbs); standing; climbing; kneeling; reaching and feeling; crouching and crawling
Work is performed within the “red zone” of heavy equipment
Working safely requires quick/accurate hand-eye coordination and the ability to work in a constant state of alertness and safe manner

Legal Stuff

Pass pre-employment, random, post-accident, and reasonable suspicion drug screens
Provide valid US work authorization documents for E-Verify
Satisfactory results of pre-employment background check results
Valid driver’s license with clean driving record
Pre-employment medical fit-for-duty test; hold/obtain DOT medical card
Join and maintain Union membership

Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Commitment

This job description is subject to change at any time. It reflects management’s assignment of essential functions, and does not exclude or restrict the tasks that may be assigned. Centuri and its subsidiary companies will provide equal employment opportunities to all applicants without regard to an applicant’s race, color, religion, sex, gender, genetic information, national origin, age, veteran status, disability, or any other status protected by federal, state or local law. Centuri will provide reasonable accommodations to allow an applicant to participate in the hiring process (e.g., accommodations for a test or job interview) if so requested.

Centuri is a Department of Transportation regulated employer. Certain safety-sensitive positions are covered under the DOT Drug and Alcohol Testing Regulations, 49 CFR Part 40. It is important to note that marijuana remains a drug listed in Schedule I of the Controlled Substances Act. It remains unacceptable for any safety-sensitive employee subject to drug testing under the company’s Drug Free Workplace Policy to use or test positive for marijuana.

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