Directional Drilling Locator

North Sky Communications, LLC; Reno (NV); On-site; USD 52,000 - 76,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Weekly pay

Paid time off

Medical insurance

Dental insurance

Vision insurance

Disability insurance

Life insurance

401(k) with company match

Stock purchase plan

Education reimbursement

Legal insurance

Gym discounts

Job summary

North Sky Communications, LLC in Reno, NV is seeking a Directional Drill Locator to operate electronic locating devices, monitor bore paths, and ensure alignment with design schematics while avoiding underground utilities.

You will read utility prints, plan potholing, communicate with drill operators, and record as-built bore path data. CDL-Class A is a plus; entry-level opportunities may be available with training. We offer weekly pay and comprehensive benefits.

Qualifications

• Experience as Directional Drill Locator or HDD crew member preferred, entry level/training positions sometimes offered.
• Proficiency with electronic locating equipment and utility blueprints.
• Licensing: CDL Class A preferred or required depending on truck weight classes.

Responsibilities

• Operate tracking electronics to monitor depth, pitch, orientation, and temperature of the drill head in real time.
• Read utility prints and site plans to map the safest underground bore path.
• Maintain communication with the drill operator to direct movement and speed.
• Record as-built bore path measurements and logs after each drill shot.

Skills

Directional drill locator

Utility prints reading

Electronics locating

Tools

Digitrak

Ditch Witch Subsite

Blueprints

Job description

Discover a more connected career

Under general supervision, the Directional Drill Locator operates electronic locating devices to track the depth, pitch, and precise path of the drill head in real-time. The primary objective is ensuring the bore path follows design schematics while avoiding existing underground utilities and infrastructure.

Discover a more connected career

Under general supervision, the Directional Drill Locator operates electronic locating devices to track the depth, pitch, and precise path of the drill head in real-time. The primary objective is ensuring the bore path follows design schematics while avoiding existing underground utilities and infrastructure.

Class A CDL is a HUGE plus!

Connecting You To Great Benefits

• Weekly Paychecks
• Paid Time Off, Parental Leave, and Holidays
• Insurance (including medical, prescription drug, dental, vision, disability, life insurance)
• 401(k) w/ Company Match
• Stock Purchase Plan
• Education Reimbursement
• Legal Insurance
• Discounts on gym memberships, pet insurance, and much more!

What You’ll Do

Field Operations & Bore Tracking

• Operate Tracking Electronics: Use walk-over locating receivers and transmitters (sondes) to continuously monitor and report depth, pitch, orientation, and temperature of the drill head to the drill operator.
• Bore Path Planning: Read, interpret, and work off utility prints, site plans, and engineering drawings to plan and map the safest underground path.
• Real-Time Communication: Maintain continuous 2-way radio or verbal communication with the Directional Drill Operator to direct movement, speed, and steering adjustments.
• Documentation: Record accurate as-built logs and bore path measurements upon completion of each drill shot.

Utility Safety & Excavation

• Utility Verification: Confirm marked lines and verify existing underground utilities (gas, electric, fiber, water) by potholing/vacuum excavating before and during drilling operations.
• Utility Color Codes: Apply deep knowledge of standard APWA utility color codes to identify hazards.

Safety & Maintenance

• Workplace Safety: Set up temporary traffic control signs, cones, and safety zones according to OSHA and local DOT standards.
• Equipment Care: Perform daily pre-trip inspections, cleaning, calibration, and basic maintenance on locating equipment and hand tools.

What You’ll Need

Experience:

Previous experience as a Directional Drill Locator or HDD crew member preferred (entry-level/training positions are occasionally offered).

• Technical Skills: Proficiency with electronic locating equipment (e.g., Digitrak, Ditch Witch Subsite systems) and utility blueprints.
• Licensing: Valid Driver's License required; Commercial Driver's License (CDL Class A) is often preferred or required depending on truck weight classes.

Physical Demands

• Ability to lift up to 50–55 lbs regularly.
• Walking long distances over rough, uneven outdoor terrain in various weather conditions (heat, rain, snow).
• Frequent bending, kneeling, stooping, and standing for extended shifts.

Why grow your career with us

Your career here is more than just a job — it's your pathway to opportunity. Our hands‑on training, supportive environment, and responsive leadership connect you to work with purpose. Our commitment to you extends beyond professional development to a safety‑first culture that ensures you can do what you do best, with peace of mind.

Building stronger solutions together

Our company is an equal‑opportunity employer — we are committed to providing a work environment where everyone can thrive, grow, and feel connected.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or veteran status.