Construction Laborer

The Horizontal Directional Drilling (HDD) Laborer assists in the installation of underground utility infrastructure through trenchless drilling methods. This position supports HDD crews by preparing job sites, handling drilling materials and equipment, assisting with bore operations, maintaining safety standards, and performing general labor duties. The HDD Laborer plays a critical role in ensuring projects are completed safely, efficiently, and according to customer specifications and industry standards.

This position requires outdoor work in varying weather conditions, physical labor, attention to safety procedures, and the ability to work as part of a construction crew.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Site Preparation and Support

• Assist with mobilization and setup of drilling equipment and support vehicles.
• Prepare job sites by clearing debris, marking work areas, and establishing safe work zones.
• Load, unload, and transport tools, materials, pipe, conduit, drilling rods, and equipment.
• Set up traffic control devices, safety barriers, and erosion control measures as required.
• Perform excavation and backfilling activities using hand tools and equipment.

Drilling Operations

• Assist HDD operators during drilling, reaming, and product pullback operations.
• Handle drill rods, tooling, and drilling fluids under the direction of the drill operator.
• Monitor drilling fluid systems and assist with mixing and maintaining drilling mud.
• Support locating and tracking operations during bore installation.
• Maintain bore paths and assist with underground utility installations.
• Help stage and organize materials needed for daily production activities.

Utility Installation

• Assist in the installation of:
• Fiber optic conduit
• Telecommunications infrastructure
• Water lines
• Sewer lines
• Electrical conduit
• Natural gas distribution systems
• Assist with pipe fusion, conduit placement, and product pullback activities.
• Verify materials and equipment are available and properly prepared for installation.

Equipment and Tool Maintenance

• Clean, inspect, and maintain hand tools and construction equipment.
• Perform routine maintenance tasks on HDD support equipment.
• Fuel equipment and maintain fluid levels as directed.
• Identify damaged tools or equipment and report deficiencies to supervisors.
• Maintain a clean and organized work area, vehicles, and equipment yard.

Safety and Compliance

• Follow all OSHA, company, state, and local safety regulations.
• Participate in daily safety meetings and job hazard analyses.
• Utilize required personal protective equipment (PPE) at all times.
• Identify underground utility hazards and assist with utility verification procedures.
• Report accidents, incidents, near misses, and unsafe conditions immediately.
• Maintain compliance with environmental regulations and company policies.

General Labor Duties

• Operate hand and power tools safely and effectively.
• Perform manual excavation and restoration work.
• Assist other crew members with construction-related activities as needed.
• Work extended hours, weekends, or travel when project schedules require.
• Perform additional duties as assigned by management.

Required Qualifications

Education

• High school diploma or GED preferred.
• Relevant vocational or technical training is a plus.

Experience

• Previous construction, utility, excavation, or HDD experience preferred but not required.
• Experience working around heavy equipment is beneficial.
• Familiarity with underground utility construction is advantageous.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Basic understanding of construction safety practices.
• Ability to read and follow instructions.
• Strong work ethic and reliability.
• Ability to work effectively within a team environment.
• Mechanical aptitude and willingness to learn HDD operations.
• Ability to recognize potential job site hazards.
• Strong communication skills.
• Ability to perform physically demanding work safely.

Physical Requirements

• Frequently lift and carry up to 75 pounds.
• Ability to stand, walk, bend, kneel, squat, climb, and reach throughout the workday.
• Ability to work in confined spaces, trenches, and uneven terrain.
• Ability to work outdoors in extreme heat, cold, rain, mud, dust, and other environmental conditions.
• Ability to perform repetitive physical tasks for extended periods.
• Ability to wear required PPE including hard hats, safety glasses, gloves, high-visibility clothing, and steel-toe boots.

Certifications and Licenses Required

• Valid driver's license with acceptable driving record.

Preferred

• Commercial Driver's License (CDL).
• OSHA 10-Hour Construction Certification.
• OSHA 30-Hour Construction Certification.
• First Aid/CPR Certification.
• Competent Person Training.
• Utility Locate Awareness Training.
• Equipment Operator Certifications.

Working Conditions

• Outdoor construction environment.
• Exposure to heavy machinery, traffic, excavati…