Directional Drill Operator / Locator

National Fiber Construction - 7fc3; Northfield Township (MI); On-site; USD 52,000 - 80,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive pay

Medical Insurance

Dental Insurance

Vision Insurance

401(k) with match

Paid time off

Paid holidays

CDL training

Career advancement

Modern equipment

Job summary

National Fiber Construction Co. in Michigan is hiring experienced HDD Operators and Locators to join field crews. Operate Ditch Witch HDD rigs to install fiber conduit and use locating systems to track drill head position in real time.

You will read construction prints, maintain bore logs, and ensure safe clearance from utilities. The role offers competitive pay, health benefits, and CDL training support, with opportunity for advancement.

Qualifications

• 2+ years operating HDD rigs or locating in telecom/utility construction.
• Ability to read construction drawings, bore profiles, and utility maps.
• Hands-on knowledge of Underground Magnetics, Subsite, or Vermeer tracking systems or Operating Ditch Witch Rigs.
• Strong understanding of 811 processes and underground utility identification.
• Valid driver's license (CDL preferred; willingness to obtain CDL with company support required).
• Physically able to lift 50 lbs., walk bore paths, and work outdoors in all weather.

Responsibilities

• Operate Ditch Witch HDD rigs (JT20-class) to install fiber conduit.
• Run electronic locating systems to track drill head position, depth, and pitch in real time.
• Communicate with the drill operator or locator to maintain bore path, grade, and clearance from utilities.
• Read construction prints, bore plans, utility locates, and flag discrepancies in the field.
• Perform potholing and verify underground crossings before and during the bore.
• Mix and manage drilling fluids; understand viscosity, flow rates, and mud program adjustments.
• Maintain bore logs, as-builts, redlines, and daily production documentation.
• Assist with rig setup/teardown, rod handling, tooling changes, and site restoration.
• Contribute to pre-job safety briefings and adhere to MIOSHA and company safety standards.
• Report underground conflicts, utility damage, or safety hazards immediately.

Skills

HDD operation

Utility locating

Reading blueprints

Equipment tracking systems

Valid driver's license

Safety compliance

Tools

Underground Magnetics

Subsite

Vermeer tracking systems

Ditch Witch Rigs

Job description

About National Fiber Construction

National Fiber Construction Co. (NFC) is a horizontal directional drilling contractor with over 35 years of experience. We self-perform underground and aerial telecom construction, and directional boring for major carriers and municipal clients across Michigan. Our crews run a Ditch Witch HDD fleet on a 4×10 schedule.

We're hiring experienced HDD Operators and Locators to join our field crews.

What You'll Do

• Operate Ditch Witch directional drills (JT20-class and similar) to install fiber conduit in urban, suburban, and rural environments
• Run electronic locating systems (Underground Magnetics, Subsite, or equivalent) to track drill head position, depth, and pitch in real time
• Communicate continuously with the drill operator or locator to hold bore path, grade, and safe clearance from existing utilities
• Read and interpret construction prints, bore plans, utility locates, and shot sheets - and flag discrepancies in the field
• Perform potholing and visual verification of underground crossings before and during the bore
• Mix and manage drilling fluids - understand viscosity, flow rates, and when to adjust the mud program
• Maintain bore logs, as-builts, redlines, and daily production documentation
• Assist with rig setup/teardown, rod handling, tooling changes, and site restoration
• Conduct or participate in pre-job safety briefings and adhere to MIOSHA and company safety standards
• Report underground conflicts, utility damage, or safety hazards immediately

What We're Looking For

Required:

• 2+ years operating HDD rigs or locating in telecom/utility construction
• Ability to read construction drawings, bore profiles, and utility maps
• Hands-on knowledge of Underground Magnetics, Subsite, or Vermeer tracking systems or Operating Ditch Witch Rigs.
• Strong understanding of 811 processes and underground utility identification
• Valid driver's license (CDL preferred; willingness to obtain CDL with company support required)
• Physically able to lift 50 lbs., walk bore paths, and work outdoors in all weather

Preferred:

• FTTH (Fiber to the Home) build experience
• OQ gas qualifications (Consumers Energy)
• Experience boring in high-risk areas - live gas, electric, water, and sewer
• Experience with hydro-vac, excavator, or other support equipment helpful
• Highway traffic control knowledge or flagger certification
• Knowledge of mud mixing and drilling fluid systems

Benefits

• Competitive pay based on experience with annual performance reviews and merit increases
• Co-pay Medical, dental, and vision insurance
• Retirement with company match
• Paid time off, paid holidays, paid drive time, and paid sick leave
• CDL training support
• Career advancement path - we promote from within
• Maintained Ditch Witch fleet and modern locating systems

Physical Requirements

• Able to lift 50 lbs., including tools, equipment, and drill components
• Able to stand, walk, kneel, crouch, and bend for extended periods on uneven terrain
• Comfortable working outdoors in all Michigan weather - heat, cold, rain, and snow
• Willing to work in close proximity to vehicular traffic and active utility corridors

National Fiber Construction Co. is an Equal Opportunity Employer.