Horizontal Directional Drill and Equipment Operator

Company: Adams, Inc.
Location: Elkhorn
Posted on: February 15, 2026

Job Description:

Job Description Job Description Benefits: 401(k) matching Company parties Competitive salary Dental insurance Free uniforms Health insurance Opportunity for advancement Paid time off Training & development Vision insurance If you are an experienced heavy equipment operator, preferably with directional drilling equipment, we would love to talk to you about our company and a new open role we have! For the past 37 years, Adams Power has provided powerful solutions to homeowners and businesses in the form of electrical, plumbing, HVAC, and home-backup generator solutions. We are expanding and looking to bring on an apprentice for our Underground Business Unit. The Horizontal Directional Drill and Equipment Operator Apprentice will assist in operating and maintaining horizontal directional drilling equipment while learning the skills necessary to become a full-fledged operator. Essential Duties and Responsibilities: Assists in the setup, operation, and breakdown of horizontal directional drilling equipment Operate various types of HDD equipment under supervision Maintains equipment, performing routine checks and basic maintenance Assists in reading and interpreting bore plans and utility maps Mix and maintain drilling fluids Helps track and document drilling progress and material usage Assists in locating and avoiding underground utilities Learns proper safety procedures and adheres to all safety protocols Participates in daily toolbox talks and safety meetings Assists in loading and unloading equipment and materials Helps maintain a clean and organized job site Performs other related duties as assigned Minimum Education and Certification Requirements: High school diploma or equivalent required Valid driver's license required with a recently clean driving record (MVR check conducted upon offer as a prerequisite) OSHA 10-Hour Construction Safety certification required within first 30-days of employment Class A CDL license a plus Minimum Experience Requirements: At least 12-months of consecutive full-time experience as a construction heavy equipment operator Must be able to haul a trailer, including backing up, coupling, and decoupling. Proven ability to follow written and oral directions Strong communication skills Basic math skills Physically fit and able to work in various weather conditions The starting pay for this role will be between $25 - $35 per hour, based on recent, relevant experience . This is a full-time position. The schedule varies, but this is mostly a first-shift role. You may be required to work later evening hours and weekends as the workload determines. Adams offers a full benefits package that includes paid time off, paid holidays, 401K employer matching, heath/dental/vision/life insurance, and fun company events! Physical Demands: While performing the duties of this job, the Employee is regularly required to stand, walk, use hands to dig/use a shovel to trench or dig holes when necessary, move equipment, drive equipment, signal other operators, etc. The Employee is frequently required to climb, balance, stoop, kneel, crouch, bend, and/or crawl. The Employee must regularly lift and/or move up to 80 pounds and occasionally lift and/or move up to 100 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus. Computer Skills: Basic computer skills are required, including the ability to use tablets or smartphones for data entry and communication Reasoning Ability: Requires the ability to follow instructions and solve basic practical problems. Must be able to interpret various instructions furnished in written, oral, diagram, or schedule form. Mathematical Skills: Must be able to add, subtract, multiply, and divide in all units of measure, using whole numbers, common fractions, and decimals. The ability to calculate volumes and areas is a plus. Language Skills: Good verbal communication skills required. Ability to read and interpret documents such as safety rules, operating and maintenance instructions, and procedure manuals. Work Environment: The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. The Employee is regularly exposed to moving mechanical parts, outside weather conditions, and vibration. The Employee is frequently exposed to wet and/or humid conditions, high, precarious places, fumes or airborne particles, and toxic or caustic chemicals. The noise level in the work environment is usually loud. Disclaimer The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by people assigned to this classification. They are not to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required of personnel so classified. All personnel may be required to perform duties outside of their normal responsibilities from time to time, as needed. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. Adams Power provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation and training

Keywords: Adams, Inc., Rockford , Horizontal Directional Drill and Equipment Operator, Manufacturing , Elkhorn, Illinois