HDD Directional Driller / Locator in Floresville, Texas at Cascade Process Controls dba Mako CPC

CPC is hiring a HDD Directional Driller / Locator that will operate and maintain Ditch Witch horizontal directional drilling equipment to install conduit, fiber, pipeline, and utility crossings safely and on-profile. This is a dual-capability role: the successful candidate can run the rig and walk the bore with a locator, and is expected to move between both seats as crew needs dictate. Work is performed on oilfield, midstream, industrial, municipal, and telecom projects.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Drilling Operations

• Operate Ditch Witch JT-series HDD rigs (JT20–JT40 class) for pilot bore, back-ream, and pullback.
• Execute bores to the designed plan and profile — depth, alignment, entry/exit angles, and clearance from existing utilities.
• Select and change downhole tooling: bits, housings, transmitters, reamers, swivels, and pullback assemblies.
• Mix, monitor, and manage drilling fluid (bentonite/polymer) to match soil conditions; adjust ratios for sand, clay, caliche, and rock.
• Monitor thrust, pullback, rotation torque, and mud pressure; recognize and respond to downhole problems before they become failures.
• Identify and control inadvertent returns (frac-outs); execute containment and cleanup per project plan and permit conditions.
• Maintain accurate bore logs and as-built records for every shot.

Locating

• Operate walkover locating systems (Subsite, DigiTrak Falcon F5/F2, or equivalent); calibrate transmitters and verify accuracy before entry.
• Track and communicate pitch, roll, depth, and temperature; call steering commands clearly to the rig operator.
• Identify and work through active interference (power lines, traffic loops, cathodic protection, rebar, fiber).
• Mark the bore path on the surface and confirm depth of cover at all crossings.
• Verify and sign off on as-built bore data at completion.

Site & Utility Protection

• Submit and manage 811 / One Call tickets; verify locate marks before breaking ground.
• Pothole and daylight existing utilities at all crossings per company and client damage-prevention requirements.
• Install tracer wire, warning tape, and markers as specified.
• Set traffic control per MUTCD and client requirements; restore work areas and right-of-way to specification.

Equipment & Maintenance

• Perform daily pre-trip and post-trip inspections on the rig, mud system, support equipment, and trailers.
• Perform routine maintenance: greasing, fluid checks, drill rod inspection and rotation, mud pump and mixer service.
• Load, secure, and transport the drill and support equipment between job sites.
• Report damage, wear, and mechanical issues promptly; keep equipment records current.

Safety

• Lead or participate in daily JSAs and tailgate safety meetings.
• Comply with all Cascade, client, and OSHA requirements including PPE, LOTO, excavation and trench safety, gas monitoring, and confined space entry where applicable.
• Exercise stop-work authority without hesitation when conditions are unsafe.
• Support Cascade's standing in ISNetworld, Avetta, and Veriforce-governed client programs through clean incident and compliance performance.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

• 3+ years operating HDD equipment (Ditch Witch preferred; Vermeer or equivalent considered).
• 2+ years walkover locating experience with proven ability to keep a bore on profile.
• Ability to read and work from bore plans, plan-and-profile drawings, and utility as-builts.
• Working knowledge of drilling fluid theory and soil conditions across Gulf Coast, Permian, and desert Southwest geology.
• Valid driver’s license with an acceptable motor vehicle record; reliable transportation to the yard or reporting location.
• Drug and alcohol testing is a condition of employment. Candidates must pass a pre-employment screen and remain enrolled in Cascade’s ongoing testing program, including random, post-incident, reasonable-suspicion, and client-mandated site testing.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Class A CDL with air brake endorsement — a plus, not required.
• DOT Operator Qualification (OQ) covered tasks for pipeline work.
• OSHA 10 or 30, Safeland / Safety Council, first aid and CPR, competent person training.
• Rock drilling and mixed-face experience.
• TWIC card.
• Bilingual English / Spanish.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS & WORK ENVIRONMENT

• Regularly lift, carry, and maneuver 50–75 lbs; occasional team lifts above that weight.
• Stand, walk, bend, and kneel on uneven terrain for the duration of a shift.
• Work outdoors in extreme heat, cold, wind, rain, and dust.
• 10–12 hour shifts, six days per week during active projects; night and weekend work as scheduled.
• Extended travel with overnight stays; multi-week hitches on remote projects.

COMPENSATION & BENEFITS

• Hourly rate depending on experience; overtime after 40 hours.
• Per diem and lodging on out-of-town work.
• Company truck or vehicle allowance and fuel card for qualifying roles.
• Medical, dental, and vision coverage.
• 401(k) with company match.
• Paid time off and holidays.

Mako CPC LP dba Cascade Process Controls is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to any characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law. Cascade Process Controls is a drug-free workplace and participates in E-Verify.