Location: Bahrain

Job Summary

We are looking for an experienced and detail-oriented HDD Tracker/Locator to join our Bahrain HDD operations team. The successful candidate will be responsible for accurately tracking and guiding the drill head along the approved bore path during Horizontal Directional Drilling operations.

The role is critical to ensuring HDD installations are completed safely, accurately and efficiently while protecting existing underground services and maintaining the required line, level and bore profile.

Key Responsibilities

• Operate electronic HDD locating and tracking equipment, including DigiTrak F5 or equivalent systems, to determine drill head position, depth, pitch and direction.

• Provide continuous, accurate information to the HDD rig operator during pilot drilling and steering operations.

• Read and interpret utility drawings, bore profiles, alignment drawings, topographical information and approved construction drawings.

• Maintain the drill head on the approved line and level and identify deviations requiring steering correction.

• Assist the HDD operator and HDD Manager in monitoring bore progress and ensuring compliance with the approved drilling profile.

• Identify and maintain awareness of existing underground services and known utility crossings throughout drilling operations.

• Mark bore paths, utility positions and tracking points where required.

• Maintain accurate bore logs, depth records, pitch readings, rod-by-rod tracking records and as-built information in accordance with the approved ITP and project requirements.

• Coordinate closely with the drill operator, mud engineer, survey team and HDD ground crew.

• Immediately communicate unexpected changes in depth, alignment, signal interference or tracking accuracy.

• Ensure locating equipment is correctly set up, calibrated and maintained.

• Work in accordance with company SHEQ requirements, project RAMS, permit-to-work systems and client requirements.

• Participate in daily briefings, toolbox talks and pre-start meetings.

• Immediately report hazards, service conflicts, near misses and unsafe conditions.

• Maintain a high standard of housekeeping and equipment care on HDD work sites.

Qualifications and Experience

• Minimum 5 years' experience working as an HDD Locator/Tracker or experienced HDD rig crew member with demonstrated locating experience.

• Proven competence using DigiTrak F5 or similar HDD tracking/locating systems.

• Practical understanding of HDD steering principles, drill head orientation, pitch, depth and bore profile control.

• Good understanding of underground utilities and safe drilling practices.

• Ability to read and understand construction drawings, utility drawings and HDD bore profiles.

• Experience maintaining accurate HDD bore and tracking records.

• Strong communication skills and the ability to communicate continuously and clearly with the HDD rig operator.

• Physically capable of working outdoors and walking the bore alignment for extended periods.

• Able to work safely in high-temperature Middle Eastern conditions, including summer working arrangements.

Preferred Skills

• Experience with medium and large HDD rigs on pipeline, water, sewer, power, telecommunications and industrial infrastructure projects.

• Previous experience working around live utility networks and congested underground service corridors.

• Familiarity with DigiTrak data logging and digital bore-recording systems.

• Experience working to client-specific ITPs, RAMS, permit-to-work and utility clearance procedures.

• Experience working on major infrastructure, industrial, utility or pipeline projects.

• Experience working within multinational HDD crews.

• Knowledge of drilling fluids, bore stability and the operational relationship between the locator, driller and mud engineer would be advantageous.

ellen.gallagher@josephgallagher.co.uk