Directional Bore Locator (Horizontal Directional Drill) (HDD)

Northstar Energy Solutions, LLC.; Grand Prairie (TX); On-site; USD 55,000 - 90,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

401(k)

401(k) matching

Dental insurance

Flexible spending account

Health insurance

Health savings account

Life insurance

Paid time off

Vision insurance

Job summary

NorthStar Energy Solutions, a Quanta Services company, is seeking an experienced Directional Drill Locator to support underground utility projects in Grand Prairie, TX. You will operate locating equipment, monitor drill paths, and assist the crew to ensure safe, accurate installations.

The role requires reading utility maps, coordinating with drill operators, and maintaining safety standards on site. OQ Gas Distribution certification and a valid Class C license are preferred.

Qualifications

• Minimum 1 year of experience as a Directional Drill Locator, Utility Locator, or HDD Crew Member.
• OQ Certification (Gas Distribution) or ability to obtain upon hire.
• Valid Class C Driver's License with acceptable driving record.
• Experience around underground gas, electric, telecom, water and sewer utilities.
• Ability to read utility maps, locate tickets, and construction drawings.

Responsibilities

• Operate and maintain directional drilling locating equipment.
• Track and guide the drill head during boring operations to ensure accurate bore paths and proper depth.
• Communicate continuously with the drill operator to maintain line and grade.
• Locate, identify, and mark existing underground utilities using locating equipment and maps.
• Interpret construction drawings, utility prints, and bore plans.
• Verify utility clearances and assist with potholing operations prior to drilling.
• Assist in setup/breakdown of drilling equipment and job sites.
• Enter and exit trenches safely and assist with conduit and pipe installations.
• Complete daily equipment inspections and safety documentation.

Skills

Directional drilling

Utility locating

Reading utility maps

Safety compliance

Team communication

Education

OQ Certification (Gas Distribution)

Tools

DigiTrak

Vermeer

Subsite

Job description

About Us

NorthStar Energy Solutions, a Quanta Services, Inc. (NYSE:PWR) company, is headquartered in Grand Prairie, TX and operates across the Central Southwest part of the United States. We are leaders specializing in transmission lines, distribution lines, substation construction, foundations, storm damage repairs, and electrical contracting.

Joining our team means being part of an organization that values drive and inclusion. We focus on career development and reward excellence, recognizing each team member's unique contributions. We're at the forefront of powering modern life. Discover how your skills and dedication can make a real difference to us.

About this Role

Northstar Energy Solutions is seeking an experiencedDirectional Drill Locator to support underground utility installation projects. This position plays a critical role in the safe and accurate placement of underground facilities by operating electronic locating equipment, monitoring the drill path, identifying existing utilities, and supporting the directional drill crew throughout the bore process. The ideal candidate has experience in gas distribution construction, HDD (Horizontal Directional Drilling) operations, utility locating, and maintaining a strong commitment to safety and production goals.

What You'll Do

• Operate and maintain directional drilling locating equipment.

• Track and guide the drill head during boring operations to ensure accurate bore paths and proper depth.

• Communicate continuously with the drill operator to maintain line and grade.

• Locate, identify, and mark existing underground utilities using appropriate locating equipment and utility maps.

• Interpret construction drawings, utility prints, and bore plans.

• Verify utility clearances and assist with potholing operations prior to drilling.

• Assist in the setup and breakdown of drilling equipment and job sites.

• Connect, disconnect, and inspect drill tooling, reamers, swivels, and associated equipment.

• Monitor drilling fluid returns and assist with mud management as required.

• Install and maintain traffic control devices to secure work zones.

• Perform hand excavation using shovels and other hand tools around existing utilities.

• Enter and exit trenches and excavations safely with or without ladders.

• Assist with conduit, pipe, and utility installations as needed.

• Complete daily equipment inspections, vehicle inspections, and required safety documentation.

• Ensure compliance with company, customer, OSHA, DOT, and environmental regulations.

• Participate in daily job briefings and safety meetings.

• Report utility conflicts, safety concerns, equipment issues, and project delays promptly.

• Support crew members with general labor activities as needed to complete project objectives.

• Travel to project sites and work overtime, weekends, or storm restoration events when required.

Required Qualifications

• Minimum 1 year of experience as a Directional Drill Locator, Utility Locator, or HDD Crew Member.

• OQ Certification (Gas Distribution) or ability to obtain upon hire.

• Valid Class C Driver's License with acceptable driving record.

• Experience working around underground gas, electric, telecommunications, water, and sewer utilities.

• Ability to read utility maps, locate tickets, and construction drawings.

• Knowledge of horizontal directional drilling equipment and locating systems.

• Understanding of utility damage prevention and safe excavation practices.

• Strong communication skills and ability to work effectively with drill operators and field crews.

• Ability to work independently while maintaining productivity and safety standards.

Preferred Qualifications

• HDD locating experience using DigiTrak, Vermeer, Subsite, or similar locating systems.

• Experience in natural gas distribution construction.

• CDL Class A or willingness to obtain.

• Experience operating support equipment such as mini excavators, skid steers, or vacuum excavation equipment.

• Current First Aid/CPR certification.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to lift and carry up to 90 pounds.

• Ability to stand, walk, bend, kneel, and work outdoors for extended periods, typically 8+ hours per day.

• Ability to work in excavations, trenches, and uneven terrain.

• Ability to safely operate jobsite equipment and power tools.

• Ability to perform manual excavation using hand tools and shovels.

• Ability to work in hot, cold, wet, humid, and adverse weather conditions.

• Ability to wear required personal protective equipment (PPE) at all times.

What You'll Get

Benefits:

• 401(k)

• 401(k) matching

• Dental insurance

• Flexible spending account

• Health insurance

• Health savings account

• Life insurance

• Paid time off

• Vision insurance

Equal Opportunity Employer

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment and will not be discriminated against on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin or ancestry, sex (including gender, pregnancy, sexual orientation, and/or gender identity), age, disability, genetic information, veteran status, and/or any other basis protected by applicable federal, state or local law.We are an Equal Opportunity Employer, including disability and protected veteran status. We prohibit all types of discrimination and are committed to providing access and equal opportunity for individuals with disabilities. For additional information or if reasonable accommodation is needed to participate in the job application, interview, or hiring processes or to perform the essential functions of a position, please contact us the Company’s Human Resources department.