Driller Locator – Excavation & Pipeline Construction

thestaffpad; Mabank (TX); On-site; USD 65,000 - 95,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive pay

Overtime pay 1.5x

Insurance: life, dental, vision

Paid holidays and vacation

Job summary

The Staff Pad, based in Mabank, TX, seeks an experienced Driller Locator to support safe, accurate horizontal directional drilling operations on pipeline and infrastructure projects. You will track the drill head, operate locating equipment, read depth and position, and guide the driller along the bore path.

Responsibilities include confirming utility clearance, potholing, setup of equipment, recording bore logs, and maintaining traffic control and safety procedures.

Qualifications

• Experience as a Driller Locator in HDD projects.
• Ability to read utility locate markings and bore plans.
• Valid driver's license with clean record and background check.

Responsibilities

• Operate walkover locating equipment to track the drill head.
• Communicate depth, pitch, roll, and position to the driller.
• Walk and mark bore path and verify utility marks before drilling.
• Confirm clearance from utilities and direct potholing at crossings.
• Set up locating equipment, change transmitters, troubleshoot interference.
• Record bore logs and support as-built documentation.
• Assist with setup, drill rod handling, mud mixing, pullback, and cleanup.
• Maintain traffic control devices and perform flagging as assigned.
• Follow all safety requirements and electrical strike procedures.

Skills

Experience as Driller Locator

Walkover locating systems

Reading utility locate marks

Driver's license

Background check clearance

Tools

DigiTrak

Falcon

Subsite

Job description

The Staff Pad has partnered with a full-service excavation and pipeline construction company providing comprehensive solutions for pipeline and infrastructure projects in Mabank, TX and we are looking to hire an experienced and qualified Driller Locator to support safe, accurate, and efficient horizontal directional drilling operations The Driller Locator plays a key role in successful drilling operations by tracking the drill head throughout the bore, operating a walkover locating system, accurately reading and communicating depth, pitch, roll, and position, and guiding the driller along the designed bore path In this role, you will also confirm clearance from existing utilities, support setup, potholing, and pullback activities, and work as an integral member of the ground crew

What You’ll Do

• Operate walkover locating equipment such as DigiTrak, Falcon, Subsite, or equivalent to accurately track the drill head throughout the bore
• Continuously communicate depth, pitch, roll, and position to the driller and call steering corrections as needed
• Walk and mark the planned bore path, verify utility locate marks, and identify potential interference before drilling begins
• Confirm clearance from existing utilities and direct potholing at all crossings
• Set up and calibrate locating equipment, change batteries and transmitters, and troubleshoot interference
• Record bore logs, including rod-by-rod depth and pitch, and support as-built documentation
• Assist the crew with setup, drill rod handling, mud mixing, reaming, pullback, and site cleanup
• Maintain traffic control devices and perform flagging duties as assigned
• Follow all jobsite safety requirements, including tolerance zone, hand-digging, and electrical strike procedures

What We Are Looking For

Required Qualifications

• Previous experience as a Driller Locator for horizontal directional drilling
• Proficiency with DigiTrak, Falcon, Subsite, or equivalent walkover locating systems
• Ability to read utility locate markings, prints, and bore plans
• Ability to work in active interference conditions and verify signal accuracy
• Valid driver’s license with no more than 2 minor violations on the motor vehicle record
• Ability to pass a pre-employment drug screen and background check, including a 10-panel non-DOT or 5-panel DOT drug screen and 10-year background check

Preferred Qualifications

• Utility locating experience with 811 or private locating
• Operator Qualification (OQ) for gas work, with covered tasks varying by gas company
• Class A or Class B CDL, required or preferred based on project needs
• Experience with vacuum excavation and potholing
• OSHA 10 or OSHA 30 and traffic control or flagger certification
• Interest and ability to progress into a Directional Driller role
• Bilingual English and Spanish
• Certifications Locating equipment training or certification, including manufacturer and level
• Required safety training, including OSHA 10, flagger, first aid, and CPR

Physical Demands and Work Environment

Walk the full bore path repeatedly throughout the shift, including across uneven terrain. Work outdoors year-round in all weather conditions. Lift, carry, push, or pull up to 50 pounds. Work around active roadways, heavy equipment, and existing underground utilities. Wear all required personal protective equipment.

What You Can Expect

• Competitive Compensation
• Overtime paid at Time and a half
• Life, dental, and vision insurance available the first of the month following 60 days of employment
• After 1 year: 3 paid holidays, 1 week of vacation, and bereavement pay
• After 4 years: 2 weeks of vacation

If you are an experienced Driller Locator who takes pride in precision, safety, and teamwork, this is an opportunity to put your expertise to work on critical pipeline and infrastructure projects. Join a team where your skills play an essential role in keeping drilling operations accurate, efficient, and moving forward.