Horizontal drilling machine operator vacancies in Limburg, Belgium
A horizontal drilling machine operator earns on average between {min} and {max} {period}. Experience with controlled drilling, extra certificates and site allowances influence where you sit in the range.
Data last updated on 2 August 2026
What does a HorizontalDrillingMachineOperator do?
As a horizontal drilling machine operator you carry out horizontal drilling with machines to lay cables or sewers underground. Working as a drilling machine driver or drilling foreman, you install the drilling structure, organise the workstation and carry out first line maintenance on the machines and equipment. You register the drilling data, finish the boreholes and always work safely and with respect for the environment. This is outdoor, hands-on machine work on civil engineering sites. Across Belgium, construction and public works companies rely on this profile to install underground infrastructure without opening up whole streets.
Typical tasks
- Install the drilling structure
- Organise and set up the workstation
- Carry out first line maintenance on machines and equipment
- Register the drilling data
- Finish the boreholes
- Work safely and with respect for the environment
Required skills
How to apply via Werkvolk?
- Download the appInstall the free Werkvolk app for iOS or Android.
- See HorizontalDrillingMachineOperator matchesSwipe through vacancies that fit your profile and preferences.
- Chat with employersOn a match you talk directly to the employer, no middleman.
Frequently asked questions
Answers to the most common questions about applying via Werkvolk.
What does a Horizontal drilling machine operator do?
A horizontal drilling machine operator carries out horizontal drilling with machines to lay cables or sewers underground. You install the drilling structure, organise the workstation and register the drilling data. You also finish the boreholes and carry out first line maintenance on the machines, always working safely and with respect for the environment.
How much does a Horizontal drilling machine operator earn in Belgium?
In Belgium a horizontal drilling machine operator usually earns between 15 and 22 euro per hour gross. Your experience with controlled drilling, your extra certificates and the responsibility you carry on site make a difference. Site allowances and travel compensation on public works can come on top.
Is there strong demand for horizontal drilling machine operators in Flanders?
Yes, the roll out and renewal of cables, utility pipes and sewers keeps this trench free drilling work in steady demand across Flanders. Machine operators who can read the ground and drill accurately are scarce and valued on public works sites. Experience with controlled drilling and micro tunneling strengthens your position further.
What qualifications do you need as a horizontal drilling machine operator?
You usually start with a technical background and learn the machine work on the job under an experienced drilling foreman. A VCA safety certificate is standard on construction sites, and depending on the machine a specific driving or operating attestation may be required. Employers often provide the machine specific training you need for controlled drilling.
Can you start as a horizontal drilling machine operator without experience?
You can start without drilling experience as an assistant on the drilling team, provided you are technically minded and fit for outdoor work. You then learn to install the drilling structure and read the data alongside experienced colleagues before you operate the machine yourself. A willingness to learn and reliability on site matter more at the start than years of experience.