Directional Drill Locator

Overview:

We are seeking a skilled and safety-focused Locator Technician to support Horizontal Directional Drilling (HDD) operations for underground utility construction projects. The HDD Locator is responsible for accurately tracking drill head location, depth, and alignment to ensure successful installation of underground utilities while maintaining compliance with safety standards and project specifications. This position is full‑time, year‑round, and typically works close to home with only limited travel required for training.

Pay Transparency

The pay for this position ranges from *$22.62 to $41.42 per hour. *The listed pay range reflects the minimum and maximum base salary. Actual offers will be based on factors such as skills, qualifications, experience, location, and role-specific competencies. Some positions may also offer additional compensation, such as bonuses or equity awards.

This role includes a $5,000 sign‑on bonus (payout terms apply) and may qualify for relocation assistance.

Outside Plant Construction Technicians can also earn up to $75 per week in incentives when your team meets production targets.

What You'll Do:

• Operate and maintain HDD locating equipment to accurately track drill path and depth.
• Communicate continuously with the drill operator to guide bore placement and avoid existing underground utilities.
• Install, maintain, test, and repair buried and aerial fiber lines.
• Operate construction equipment such as trenchers, plows, excavators, and locators.
• Set pedestals, vaults, handholes, and other outside plant infrastructure.
• Climb poles, ladders, and structures; operate bucket trucks as needed.
• Support fiber splicing and repair activities.
• Restore job sites and keep accurate project labels and markings.

Why You'll Love This Role:

• Hands‑on, outdoor work building real infrastructure that matters.
• Flexible, full‑time year‑round schedule.
• Work with a company that has 50+ years of telecom experience and a strong reputation for fiber innovation.

Training:

• Safety training, pole climbing, bucket truck operation.
• Fiber optic basics: fusion splicing, fault detection, OTDR.
• Construction equipment operation (drill rigs, trenchers, mini excavators).
• CDL training for qualified associates.

The duration of training varies based on the team assignment. Training for underground teams is 3 weeks, with an additional 1 week required for aerial training.

Responsibilities:

What We’re Looking For:

• Previous experience as an HDD Locator, Directional Drill Locator, or related underground utility construction role.
• Ability to operate electromagnetic and walk-over locating systems.
• Knowledge of underground utility construction practices and damage prevention procedures.
• Motivated, detail‑oriented team players with strong communication skills.
• Ability to work in various weather conditions and perform physical tasks such as climbing, kneeling, lifting, and digging.
• Valid driver’s license and DOT eligibility.
• 6+ months experience in customer service, utility or electrical work, OR a technical certification, OR military service.
• Willingness to work overtime and varied shifts as needed.

What You’ll Do:

Conduct general construction tasks in various weather conditions, adhering to safety standards.

• Aids in transporting construction equipment to and from the worksite.