Directional Drilling Laborer/Locator

Direct Communications; Pocatello, Northern (ID, KY); Hybrid; USD 57,308,000 - 71,635,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Dental insurance

Vision insurance

Telehealth

401(k) match

Life insurance

Short-term disability

Paid time off

Paid holidays

Tuition reimbursement

Job summary

Direct Communications in Pocatello, ID is seeking a skilled Directional Drill Operator/Locator to join our underground fiber deployment team. You will operate horizontal drills, splice fiber, and install telecom infrastructure across our service areas. A CDL is preferred; travel to various locations is required.

The role offers full-time hours, with overtime and a comprehensive benefits package. Join a company dedicated to safety, growth, and community impact as we expand rural connectivity.

Qualifications

• Education: High School diploma or equivalent.
• Drilling rig experience required.
• Proven experience operating directional drills (Vermeer or Ditch Witch), a mini excavator, and other machinery.
• Hands-on experience in underground construction and telephone/fiber utility work preferred.
• Valid driver's license; CDL preferred.
• Willingness to travel for extended periods to various work locations.

Responsibilities

• Directional Drilling & Locating: setup and operate horizontal drills to ensure accurate bores.
• Heavy Equipment Operations: operate mini excavator, skid steer, backhoe and related equipment.
• Fiber Optic Installation & Maintenance: lay conduit, pull/terminate fiber cables, perform maintenance and repairs.
• Fiber Splicing: perform splicing with precision to maintain signal integrity.
• Equipment Setup: assist in setting up telecom equipment and termination boxes.
• Towing Equipment & Trailers: tow equipment and trailers safely.
• Manual Labor & Safety Compliance: perform physical tasks with strict safety adherence.
• Documentation & Quality Assurance: maintain records and conduct quality checks.
• Team Collaboration: work with crew members and other departments.

Skills

Drilling experience

Equipment operation

Blueprint reading

Safety compliance

Physical stamina

Team collaboration

Travel willingness

Education

High School diploma or equivalent

Tools

Vermeer drills

Ditch Witch drills

Mini excavator

Skid steer

Job description

Location: Pocatello, ID

Position Type: Full-Time (40 hours/week, Mon-Fri, with expected overtime)

Compensation: $20-$25 per hour

Why You Want to Work for Direct Communications

Join our dynamic team at Direct Communications, where we are dedicated to delivering exceptional internet services to rural communities. We offer AMAZING benefits, including health, dental, and vision care insurance for just $1/month, telehealth services, preventative wellness programs, up to a 6% 401(k) match, company-paid life insurance and short-term disability, generous paid time off, 10 observed holidays, and a personal and professional tuition reimbursement program, among many others!

At Direct Communications, we are guided by our core values of integrity, growth, respect, sustainability, community, and strategic leadership, ensuring that every team member contributes to a culture of excellence and shared purpose. Come be a part of something great!

Position Description

We are seeking a skilled directional drill Operator or Locator to join our team. You will be responsible for key aspects of underground construction and telephone/fiber utility work, including laying, maintaining, and splicing fiber facilities within our service areas and expansion zones. This role involves operating a directional drill, using a Subsite locator to guide the drill head, operating mini excavators (mini x), hand digging, dig downs, setting hand holes (HH), and completing tie-ins. Additional core responsibilities include driving truck and trailer combinations, coupling conduit together, pulling in fiber optic cables, and assisting in the overall installation, maintenance, and repair of underground fiber infrastructure. The ideal candidate will have drilling rig experience, a CDL (preferred), a strong work ethic, attention to detail, and an unwavering commitment to safety.

Responsibilities

• Directional Drilling & Locating: Safely setup and operate horizontal directional drills - such as Ditch Witch and Vermeer rigs - or precisely locate underground utility paths to ensure accurate, damage-free bores during fiber deployments.
• Heavy Equipment Operations: Master the use of machinery for heavy equipment operations, including a mini excavator, skid steer, drop plow, backhoe, trenchers, and micro-trenchers to facilitate underground construction. Follow operating procedures, safety guidelines, and manufacturer instructions.
• Fiber Optic Installation & Maintenance: Assist in telephone/fiber utility work, including digging trenches, laying conduit, pulling/terminating fiber cables, performing routine maintenance, and troubleshooting/repairing damaged infrastructure.
• Fiber Splicing: Execute fiber splicing tasks with precision, ensuring proper alignment and connection of fiber strands to maintain signal integrity and system performance.
• Equipment Setup: Assist in setting up and installing telecom equipment, such as fiber distribution hubs, optical line terminals, optical network terminals, and fiber termination boxes.
• Towing Equipment & Trailers: Safely tow equipment and trailers using company vehicles, ensuring proper hitching, secure attachment, and strict adherence to towing regulations.
• Manual Labor & Safety Compliance: Engage in physical labor tasks (sweeping, setting up traffic control, digging, lifting materials) while strictly adhering to safety guidelines, protocols, and injury-prevention practices.
• Documentation & Quality Assurance: Maintain accurate records of work performance, installations, and repairs. Conduct quality checks to ensure all work meets company and industry standards.
• Team Collaboration: Work professionally and respectfully with crew members, other departments, and the public due to high job-site visibility.

Qualifications & Required Skills

• Education: High School diploma or equivalent.
• Drilling Experience: Drilling rig experience required.
• Equipment Proficiency: Proven experience operating directional drills (Vermeer or Ditch Witch), a mini excavator, and other machinery used in heavy equipment operations.
• Industry Knowledge: Hands-on experience in underground construction and telephone/fiber utility work preferred.
• Licensure: Valid driver's license with a good driving record required; CDL preferred.
• Physical Demands & Travel: Strong physical stamina for manual labor in various weather conditions; willingness to travel for extended periods to various work locations as required.
• Technical Skills: Ability to read and interpret construction plans, blueprints, and technical drawings, with a basic understanding of telecommunication network infrastructure.
• Screening: Will be required to pass pre-employment drug and alcohol screening.

Scheduling & Location

• Hours: Approximately 40 hours per week (8-hour shifts/day, Monday-Fri) based on seasonal schedule.
• Overtime: Expected to finish scheduled work and address emergency situations.
• Location: In-person position based out of the Livonia and Maringouin area, requiring routine daily driving over a large geographic footprint.

Full Benefits Suite

• Health/Dental/Vision Insurance: Just $1/month
• Tele-Health Services & Preventative Wellness Programs
• Retirement: 401(k) with up to 6% company matching
• Paid Time Off: Generous PTO (prorated 14 days in Year 1, earning more each year) + up to 10 observed/paid holidays
• Insurance Coverage: Company-paid Basic Life & AD&D + Company-paid Short-Term Disability (Long-Term Disability available)
• Growth: Tuition Reimbursement Program (professional and personal) + On-the-job training
• Perks: Financial Wellness Support, Voluntary Flex Spending, and Free High-Speed Internet (if living within our service footprint)

Direct Communications is an equal opportunity provider and employer