Horizontal Directional Drilling Operatives

HDD Drill Operator & HDD Tracker / Locator

UK Wide | Full Time | Competitive Salary + Meterage Bonus + Family Private Healthcare

Join a Multi-Award-Winning HDD Contractor

Due to continued growth and an expanding workload across the UK, MTA Drill Tec is looking to recruit both HDD Drill Operators and HDD Trackers / Locators to join our growing team.

Whether you're an experienced HDD professional or looking to build a long-term career within the industry, we'd love to hear from you.

At MTA Drill Tec, we pride ourselves on delivering high-quality specialist trenchless installations for many of the UK's leading utility companies and principal contractors. We invest heavily in our people and our equipment, creating an environment where talented individuals can develop their skills while working on major infrastructure projects nationwide.

Both roles are equally important and work together as one professional drilling crew, combining technical skill, teamwork and communication to consistently deliver safe, accurate and efficient HDD installations.

HDD Drill Operator

As an HDD Drill Operator, you will safely operate industry-leading HDD drilling equipment throughout every stage of the installation, working closely with the HDD Tracker to accurately follow approved bore profiles while maintaining safe clearances from existing infrastructure.

You'll be responsible for all aspects of the drilling operation from pilot bore through to product installation, as well as the company HGV, drilling fluid management and ensuring the drill rig, HDD tooling and support equipment are operated safely and efficiently on every project.

Responsibilities include:

• Operating modern Vermeer HDD drilling equipment.
• Pilot drilling, reaming and product pipe installation.
• Driving and maintaining the company HGV.
• Managing drilling fluid preparation and performance.
• Working to approved bore profiles, RAMS and Permit to Drill documentation.
• Carrying out routine inspections and basic maintenance of drilling equipment.
• Working closely with the HDD Tracker and wider site team to maximise safety, productivity and quality.
• Representing MTA Drill Tec professionally on every project.

Ideal candidates will have:

• A full UK HGV driving licence.
• The right to live and work in the UK.
• A willingness to work away from home during the week.
• A strong work ethic and pride in their work.
• Previous HDD, utilities, construction or plant experience is preferred but not essential.

We also welcome applications from experienced HGV drivers, grab drivers, plant operators and former Armed Forces personnel who hold an HGV licence and are looking for the opportunity to train as an HDD Drill Operator.

HDD Tracker / Locator

As an HDD Tracker, you'll work alongside the Drill Operator using industry-leading locating technology to accurately guide every installation from pilot bore through to completion.

You'll monitor the drill head throughout the installation, safely handle HDD tooling during reaming and pullback operations, oversee product pipe installation and work closely with the Drill Operator and wider site team to maximise safety, efficiency and productivity.

You'll also be responsible for driving the company support vehicle to and from projects across the UK.

Responsibilities include:

• Operating DigiTrak Falcon F5+ and DigiTrak Ares locating equipment.
• Monitoring drill head position, depth, pitch and direction.
• Guiding the Drill Operator throughout every installation.
• Recording drilling information and installation data.
• Handling HDD tooling during reaming and pullback.
• Assisting with drilling fluid preparation and management.
• Supporting safe product pipe installation.
• Working to approved bore profiles, RAMS and Permit to Drill documentation.
• Maintaining and calibrating tracking equipment.
• Representing MTA Drill Tec professionally on every project.

Ideal candidates will have:

• A full UK driving licence.
• The right to live and work in the UK.
• A willingness to work away from home during the week.
• Good communication skills and the ability to work as part of a close-knit team.
• Previous HDD, utilities, construction, surveying, locating or plant experience would be advantageous but is not essential.

Full training, ongoing development and a fully funded industry-recognised NVQ are available for the right candidate. There is also the opportunity to develop additional skills, including Drill Operator training through simulator-based and supervised on-site learning.

What We Offer

At MTA Drill Tec, we believe investing in our people is just as important as investing in our equipment. Joining our team means you'll benefit from:

• Competitive salary with a generous meterage-based bonus scheme.
• Fully funded private healthcare for you and your immediate family.
• Comprehensive training and ongoing professional development.
• Fully funded industry-recognised NVQs where required.
• State-of-the-art Vermeer drilling rigs, DigiTrak locating systems and modern support equipment.
• Opportunities to work on major infrastructure projects across the UK.
• A genuine long-term career with a respected, multi-award-winning HDD contractor where hard work, commitment and professionalism are recognised and rewarded.

Who We're Looking For

We're looking for reliable, motivated people who take pride in their work and want to build a long-term career within the HDD industry.

If you're hardworking, safety-conscious, enjoy working as part of a professional team and are willing to work away from home during the week, we'd like to hear from you.

Apply Today

To apply, please send your CV or completed application form to: Sign in to view email