Horizontal Directional Drilling (HDD) Operator/Locator

About MGE
MGE Underground is a growing utility infrastructure contractor serving utility companies from our Paso Robles headquarters and regional hubs throughout California. Our mission is to support our clients' expanding utility and infrastructure requirements by positioning MGE as the leading provider of innovative construction solutions at the best value.

Our Core Values
Safety | Continuous Development | Respect | Integrity | Performance | Trust | Fun

How You Can Make an Impact
As the Horizontal Directional Bore Operator/Locator, you possess a high level of expertise in locating and product support equipment, as well as running horizontal/directional drill rigs. You will have experience performing all duties of a Horizontal Directional Bore Operator/Locator and will have advanced skills in horizontal directional boring. As the lead, you will supervise employees on how to operate a horizontal directional bore machine and locating box. Your overall goal is to strive for optimal production while working safely and performing quality work.

How You Will Contribute

• Locate and operate for Directional Bore for the installation of underground conduit and fiber optic cable.
• Set up and cleanup of work site including traffic and pedestrian control.
• Perform Laborer duties when boring projects are not available.
• Read utility locates and coordinating day lighting of these facilities.
• Inspect the work in progress to ensure that the workmanship conforms to specifications.
• Operate construction equipment to facilitate alignment, movement, and adjustment of machinery to conform to grade specifications.
• Level earth to final grade specifications.
• Measure distances from grade stakes, lasers and GPS coordinates.
• Move and relocate RF and Fiber service.
• Ensure safety of the public and utility underground facilities.
• Performs all duties according to prescribed safety procedures and uses appropriate safety equipment.
• Ensure all applicable permits and locations are complete and on site.
• Communicate with Supervisor daily to turn in required paperwork (i.e., bore log, vehicle maintenance reports, etc.)
• Vehicle and equipment operations from trucks to other equipment as directed and certified.
• Perform proper maintenance by greasing, oiling, and making minor repairs on equipment.
• Lead teams in the field effectively and efficiently as needed and directed by supervisor.
• Familiar with NESC (National Electrical Safety Commission) safety guidelines.
• Perform other job-related duties as requested by your supervisor

What You Bring to the Table

• Knowledge of utility industry safety practices and requirements.
• Knowledge of utility depths and placement practices and procedures.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Practical experience of underground construction for both RF and fiber. City, county and state clearance code. knowledge and related.
• Practical working experience of underground construction for both RF and fiber.
• Ability to read and understand maps, drawings and diagrams for project build process.
• Ability to work outdoors in all weather conditions.
• Ability to handle stressful situations and come up with solutions in a timely manner.
• Ability to quickly learn and understand various processes regarding MGE's policies, procedures and software programs.
• Ability to use a computer/smart phone/tablet.
• Required: Ability to travel to different locations/jobs across California.
• Ability to work long days, 10+ hour days and sometimes 6 days a week.
• Ability to lift and carry up to 50 lbs.

Your Prior Experience

• High School Diploma or equivalent.
• Required: 2 years of verifiable directional bore experience in an urban environment.
• Desired: 3 years of verifiable directional bore experience in an urban environment.
• Required: Valid Class A Driver's License; no license restrictions with a tanker's endorsement.

Our Competitive Package
Pay: $54.00 to $60.00 per hour
This pay range is our competitive compensation at the time of this job posting. Your pay will be determined based on experience, education, skills, and applicable knowledge.

Above and Beyond Benefits
Full employee benefits are available for this role.

Additional Information
Job Type: Full-Time, On-Site

Affirmative Action/EEO
MGE Underground is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate based on any protected characteristics.

Pre-Employment
Successful applicants must pass a drug screen and background check.

Physical Requirements*

• Extended standing, walking, sitting, bending, and climbing.
• Occasionally required to stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl.
• Sitting for long periods of time in moving, vibrating, jerking, or stationary machinery.
• Repetitive motion from operating hand and foot controls of the equipment.
• Working in loud or noisy environments.
• Ability to perform repetitive motions.
• Ability to lift, push, pull, or carry loads (50 pounds), individually at a time.
• Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision and distance vision.
• Employees are required to drive a motor vehicle and travel to various locations.
• Must be able to access and navigate job sites and construction areas.
• Must be able to work in all weather conditions.

*The physical requirements described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform these essential functions