Manager - Directional Drilling / HDD Field Operations

TekCom Resources, Inc.

Little Rock, AR

JOB DETAILS
SALARY
$120,000
SKILLS
Bidding, Broadband, Budgeting, Business Growth, Business Support, CDL Driver's License, Construction, Construction Management, Construction Planning, Corporate Policies, Customer Relations, Customer Satisfaction, Directional Drilling, Drilling, Drilling Equipment, Driver's License, Equipment Maintenance/Repair, Fiber Optics, Identify Issues, Industry Standards, Leadership, Maintain Compliance, Mentoring, Metrics, Multitasking, Operational Improvement, Operations Management, Operations Processes, Problem Solving Skills, Process Improvement, Production Control, Production Management, Production Schedule, Profit & Loss, Project Estimates, Project Schedule, Project/Program Management, Safety Compliance, Safety Standards, Safety/Work Safety, Sales Management, Sales Prospecting, Schedule Development, Staff Training, Systems Administration/Management, Time Management, Training/Teaching, Willing to Travel
LOCATION
Little Rock, AR
POSTED
30+ days ago
Our client is seeking an experienced HDD Operations Manager / Lead Directional Drilling Manager to take ownership of its growing Horizontal Directional Drilling (HDD) division.

This is much more than a drill operator position. The selected individual will be responsible for leading two HDD crews;operating and managing JT20 and JT9 directional drills;training and developing field personnel;overseeing daily production;bidding on projects;and helping to grow the company's underground construction operation.

The company has already invested in equipment, crews, and infrastructure and is looking for a proven leader who can build processes, drive production, manage projects, and help identify new business opportunities. This is an opportunity to join a growing organization and play a key role in establishing and expanding its HDD division.
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Responsibilities
  • Lead and manage all HDD field operations across multiple projects
  • Operate and oversee JT20 and JT9 directional drilling equipment
  • Manage and coordinate two drilling crews
  • Train, mentor, and develop field personnel
  • Plan and oversee bore paths, drill operations, and pullback activities
  • Ensure projects are completed safely, efficiently, and on schedule
  • Coordinate with customers, contractors, municipalities, and project stakeholders
  • Prepare project estimates and assist with bidding on new work opportunities
  • Monitor production metrics and project profitability
  • Manage equipment utilization, maintenance schedules, and operational readiness
  • Troubleshoot field challenges and make real-time operational decisions
  • Prepare daily, weekly, and project production reports
  • Ensure compliance with company safety policies and industry standards
  • Support business growth by identifying opportunities for additional HDD work
Expectations
  • Serve as the operational leader for the company's HDD division
  • Maintain high production levels while ensuring quality and safety standards
  • Successfully manage multiple crews and projects simultaneously
  • Develop strong relationships with customers, contractors, and project partners
  • Build and improve operational processes as the HDD division grows
  • Take ownership of project performance, crew productivity, and customer satisfaction
  • Help position the company for future fiber, utility, and grant-funded infrastructure projects
Top Skills Needed: Horizontal Directional Drilling (HDD), JT20 and JT9 Drill Operation, Crew Leadership & Training, Bore Planning & Execution, Project Estimating & Bidding, Mud Systems Management, Fiber Optic Construction, Underground Utility Construction, Production Management, Customer & Contractor Relations, Project Scheduling, Operational Leadership.

Required Qualifications
  • 5+ years of Horizontal Directional Drilling experience
  • Experience operating JT20, JT9, or comparable HDD equipment
  • Proven experience leading drilling crews and managing field operations
  • Strong understanding of bore planning, mud systems, locating, and pullback operations
  • Experience managing project schedules, production goals, and job-site activities
  • Ability to train and mentor field personnel
  • Experience interacting directly with customers, contractors, and project stakeholders
  • Strong troubleshooting and problem-solving skills
  • CDL license required
  • Valid driver's license and ability to travel extensively as needed
Preferred Qualifications
  • Experience managing multiple HDD crews
  • Experience bidding on projects and preparing estimates
  • Knowledge of project costing, budgeting, and production metrics
  • Fiber optic construction experience
  • CDL license
  • Utility construction experience
  • Experience helping build or grow an HDD operation
  • Background working on broadband, fiber deployment, or grant-funded infrastructure projects
Key Terms: Horizontal Directional Drilling, HDD Operations Manager, HDD Superintendent, Directional Drilling Manager, HDD Field Operations Manager, JT20, JT9, Fiber Construction, Underground Utilities, Bore Planning, Utility Construction, HDD Supervisor, Crew Management, Telecom Construction, Directional Drill Foreman, Fiber Deployment, Project Estimating, Underground Infrastructure

What Will Catch Our Eye: We're looking for someone who thinks like an owner and understands that this role extends far beyond operating a drill. The ideal candidate has successfully led HDD crews, managed projects, trained personnel, and contributed to the growth of an HDD operation. Candidates with experience estimating work, bidding on projects, and building a profitable drilling business will stand out immediately. We're seeking a leader who can help shape the future of the company's directional drilling division while driving production, quality, and customer satisfaction.

TekCom Resources is an Equal Opportunity Employer.


 

About the Company

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TekCom Resources, Inc.