Directional Drilling Locator

North Sky Communications, LLC; Sacramento (CA); Hybrid; USD 41,000 - 50,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Weekly Paychecks

PTO, Parental Leave & Holidays

Health/Dental/Vision Insurance

401(k) with Company Match

Stock Purchase Plan

Education Reimbursement

Legal Insurance

Gym Discounts

Job summary

North Sky Communications, LLC is seeking a Directional Drill Locator to operate electronic locating devices and track bore depth, pitch, and path in real time. The role ensures the bore path follows design schematics while avoiding underground utilities and infrastructure.

The successful candidate will read utility prints, map safe routes, and communicate continuously with the drill operator to adjust speed and steering. Lifting up to 50–55 lbs and outdoor work are common. Benefits included.

Qualifications

• Experience as a Directional Drill Locator or HDD crew member preferred.
• Proficiency with electronic locating equipment such as Digitrak and Ditch Witch Subsite systems.
• Licensing: valid driver's license; CDL Class A is often preferred or required depending on truck weight classes.

Responsibilities

• Field Operations & Bore Tracking: operate locating equipment to monitor depth, pitch, orientation, and temperature of the drill head.
• Bore Path Planning: read prints and drawings to map the safest underground path.
• Real-Time Communication: coordinate with the drill operator for movement and adjustments.
• Documentation: record as-built bore path measurements after each drill shot.

Skills

Electronic locating equipment

Utility blueprints

CDL Class A (preferred)

Tools

Digitrak

Ditch Witch Subsite

Job description

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.

• 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.

The wage range for Directional Drilling Locator is $30.00 - $36.00.

Why work 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.