HDD Operative

HDD Operative

Temporary 37350 - 45650 £ / year (est.) No working from home possible
Ogenus Offshore

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Execute trenchless drilling activities safely and efficiently on exciting offshore projects.
  • Company: Join Ogenus Offshore, a leader in the energy sector with a global reach.
  • Benefits: Enjoy a competitive contract with a rotation schedule for work-life balance.
  • Other info: Opportunity to work with cutting-edge technology and develop your skills in a dynamic environment.
  • Why this job: Be part of innovative drilling operations that shape the future of energy.
  • Qualifications: Experience in HDD operations and a valid UK driving licence required.

The predicted salary is between 37350 - 45650 £ per year.

Ogenus Offshore is a specialist recruitment and manpower partner supporting the offshore energy sector across oil & gas, marine, and renewables. With strong operational understanding and an international network of talent, we help clients build reliable crews and project teams fast, safely, and with full compliance. We support our clients with workforce solutions for offshore and onshore projects worldwide. This position is being offered on behalf of one of our trusted clients.

The HDD Operative is responsible for executing trenchless drilling activities safely and efficiently in line with company procedures, project specifications, and industry best practices.

Location: United Kingdom – Scotland

Rotation: Typically 2 weeks on / long weekend off (subject to project requirements)

Employment Type: Contract

Start Date: To be confirmed

Key Responsibilities:

  • Support the safe set-up, operation, and shutdown of HDD rigs and associated plant
  • Assist with or lead horizontal directional drilling operations, including pilot bore, reaming, and pullback activities
  • Work closely with the locator / steering function to maintain the planned bore alignment and depth
  • Support drilling fluids (mud) systems and assist with mixing, monitoring, and basic maintenance
  • Assist with pipe or duct handling, tooling changes, and rig equipment maintenance
  • Maintain accurate drill logs, as-built documentation, and quality assurance checks
  • Follow project RAMS, method statements, and safety procedures
  • Maintain strong awareness of buried utilities, environmental controls, and safe plant movement
  • Contribute to general site housekeeping and equipment inspections

Qualifications & Certifications (Mandatory):

  • Proven experience working in Horizontal Directional Drilling (HDD) operations
  • Demonstrable involvement in pilot bore, reaming, and pullback operations
  • Experience operating or supporting HDD drilling rigs and trenchless equipment
  • Right to Work in the United Kingdom
  • Valid driving licence

Preferred Experience:

  • Experience working with medium to large HDD drill spreads, including 250t or 500t rigs
  • Familiarity with equipment from manufacturers such as Vermeer, Ditch Witch, Grundodrill
  • Experience in utilities, fibre rollout, gas, water, or power infrastructure projects
  • Exposure to complex crossings (roads, rail, rivers, urban environments)
  • Experience working alongside locators / tracking / steering systems

HDD Operative employer: Ogenus Offshore

Ogenus Offshore is an exceptional employer for Recruitment Consultants, offering a fully remote work environment that promotes flexibility and independence. With a strong focus on the offshore energy sector, employees benefit from competitive remuneration, performance-based commissions, and opportunities for career growth while collaborating with a supportive team dedicated to delivering high-quality recruitment solutions globally.

Ogenus Offshore

Contact Details:

Ogenus Offshore Recruitment Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫

We think this is how you could land HDD Operative

Get Your Foot in the Door

Temporary roles in construction often rely on quick recruitment, so make sure to visit local recruitment agencies that specialise in the construction sector. They usually have a go-to list of companies that need staff urgently, helping us connect with potential employers faster.

Leverage Community Connections

Construction is all about connections! Check out local trade events, networking gatherings, or even social media groups focused on your area. Engaging with the community can lead to insider knowledge about temporary job openings that might not be advertised anywhere else.

Showcase Your Skills with a Solid Portfolio

Even for temporary gigs, a visual portfolio can really set you apart. Take photos of previous projects you’ve worked on, or if you're fresh in the industry, show examples of your work during training. This can help us demonstrate our hands-on experience to potential employers, like Ogenus Offshore.

Apply Directly at Construction Sites

Don’t overlook the power of walking directly into construction sites. Many temporary positions are filled on the spot, so it’s worth popping by local sites and having a face-to-face chat. Bring your CV and be ready to impress, as companies like Ogenus Offshore appreciate proactive candidates ready to jump in when needed.

We think you need these skills to ace HDD Operative

Horizontal Directional Drilling (HDD)
Trenchless Drilling Operations
Pilot Bore Operations
Reaming Operations
Pullback Operations
Drilling Rig Operation
Drilling Fluids Management

Some tips for your application 🫡

Highlight Your Relevant Experience:In the construction game, having hands-on experience matters! Be sure to showcase any previous temporary roles or projects you've worked on in your CV. Mention specific skills like safety protocols, tools you're familiar with, or types of construction work you've done – this will help you stand out!

Showcase Certifications and Training:If you've got any relevant certifications or training like a CSCS card or health and safety courses, flaunt them! Include them in your CV and mention them in your cover letter. It shows that you're not just ready to get to work but that you've got the essential safety knowledge, which is super important in the construction industry.

Emphasise Flexibility and Availability:For a temporary role, flexibility is key! In your cover letter, make sure to clearly state your availability – are you ready to start immediately? Can you work various shifts? Letting Ogenus Offshore know how adaptable you are might just get you the edge over other candidates.

Keep it Concise and Clear:When applying for temporary roles in construction, employers often appreciate brevity. Keep your CV and cover letter clear and to the point. Focus on the skills and experiences that align most with what Ogenus Offshore is looking for. Avoid unnecessary fluff to make it easier for them to see why you’re the perfect fit!

How to prepare for a job interview at Ogenus Offshore

Show Off Your Safety Knowledge

In construction, health and safety is non-negotiable. Get comfortable with specific safety regulations like COSHH or Working at Height – you might get asked how you’d handle risk assessments or unsafe conditions. We need to show that we prioritise safety above all else.

Be Ready for Hands-On Scenarios

Expect practical questions or even a mini test where you’ll need to demonstrate basic skills. They might set up a scenario and ask how you would approach a specific task. Let’s prepare by brushing up on our trade skills and thinking through past projects we’ve worked on.

Flexibility is Key

Since this is a temporary role, they’ll want to know if you can adapt quickly to different teams and situations. Let's think about past experiences where we've had to adjust on the fly. This will show we’re ready to hit the ground running!

Highlight Your Previous Experience

Temporary roles often require hitting the ground running, so make sure to have a few stories lined up that showcase your relevant experience in construction. We want to emphasise skills that might not be on our CV—like teamwork and problem-solving when things don't go to plan.