HDD Locator / Foreman

Hollybank Trustees Ltd; United States; On-site; USD 39,000 - 58,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

401(k) with company match

Paid time off

Job summary

TXO is seeking a skilled HDD Locator / Foreman to safely locate and direct Horizontal Directional Drilling operations for underground utility projects. You will lead crews, coordinate daily field activities, ensure quality workmanship, and maintain safety compliance across multiple sites.

The role requires extensive HDD locating experience, strong leadership, and a solid understanding of underground utilities and damage prevention practices.

Qualifications

• Valid driver's license and clean driving record.
• 2+ years HDD locating experience in telecom, fiber optic, or utility work.
• 1+ year of crew leadership or foreman experience.
• Proficient with DigiTrak, Subsite or similar HDD locating systems.
• Strong knowledge of underground utility locating and damage prevention.
• Experience reading construction plans, locates, and bore profiles.
• Good communication, leadership and problem-solving abilities.
• Able to work outdoors in varying weather and overtime as needed.

Responsibilities

• Operate and maintain HDD locating equipment to track drill head location, depth, and orientation.
• Guide drill operators along planned bore paths while avoiding utilities.
• Lead HDD crew during drilling, pullback, conduit installation, restoration, and related tasks.
• Conduct daily safety briefings and assign work to meet schedules.
• Coordinate crews to maintain production and meet deadlines.
• Verify bore path accuracy and ensure compliance with specs.
• Monitor drilling conditions and adjust as needed for alignment and efficiency.
• Report maintenance needs for equipment and ensure safety compliance.
• Travel to project locations as required.

Skills

Valid driver's license

HDD locating experience

Crew leadership

Underground utility locating

Reading construction plans

HDD drilling operations

Communication skills

Problem-solving

Outdoor work

Overtime availability

OSHA awareness

Tools

DigiTrak

Subsite

Job description

Location: Sustainable US, open to any state from Alabama to Texas

About us

At TXO, we are transforming technology for a more sustainable future. Our people enable organisations worldwide to optimise and transform technology across its entire lifecycle, helping customers unlock value while reducing environmental impact through circular economy solutions.

Working at TXO means contributing to real-world change. Our global teams support critical infrastructure for customers in more than 140 countries, extending the life of technology, reducing waste, and helping organisations operate more sustainably. From engineering and operations to sales, finance, supply chain and corporate functions, every role plays a part in delivering meaningful impact.

We combine global reach with local expertise, creating opportunities to work on complex challenges across technology, commercial, operational, and business disciplines. Our culture is built on collaboration, innovation, and technical excellence, empowering our people to deliver practical solutions that make a measurable difference.

As we continue to grow globally, backed by TowerBrook Capital Partners’ impact strategy, we are committed to building an inclusive environment where our people can develop, thrive and help shape the future of sustainable technology.

Position Summary

The HDD Locator / Foreman is responsible for safely locating and directing Horizontal Directional Drilling (HDD) operations for underground utility, telecommunications, and fiber optic construction projects. This role combines the technical responsibilities of accurately tracking drill head location and bore path alignment with the leadership responsibilities of supervising HDD crews, coordinating daily field activities, ensuring quality workmanship, and maintaining compliance with all safety standards. The ideal candidate possesses extensive HDD locating experience, strong leadership skills, and a thorough understanding of underground utility construction and damage prevention practices.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Operate and maintain electronic HDD locating equipment to accurately track drill head location, depth, pitch, and orientation.
• Guide drill operators through planned bore paths while avoiding existing underground utilities and conflicts.
• Read and interpret utility locates, construction prints, bore profiles, and project specifications.
• Lead and supervise HDD crew during drilling, pullback, conduit installation, restoration, and related construction activities.
• Conduct daily job briefings, safety meetings, and work assignments to ensure efficient project execution.
• Coordinate crew activities to maintain production schedules and meet customer deadlines.
• Verify bore path accuracy and ensure installations meet project design requirements and customer specifications.
• Monitor drilling conditions and recommend adjustments to maintain bore alignment and production efficiency.
• Identify and mitigate risks associated with underground utility crossings and congested utility corridors.
• Support setup, operation, and breakdown of HDD equipment and support vehicles.
• Inspect conduit installations to ensure compliance with project specifications and customer requirements.
• Perform quality control inspections throughout all phases of HDD operations.
• Ensure proper potholing and utility verification procedures are completed before drilling activities begin.
• Maintain communication with construction & project managers, inspectors, and utility representatives as required.
• Complete daily production reports, bore logs, safety documentation, and equipment inspection records.
• Monitor equipment condition and report maintenance needs or deficiencies promptly.
• Ensure compliance with OSHA regulations, company safety policies, customer requirements, and damage prevention laws.
• Assist with restoration, traffic control, and general construction activities as needed.
• Travel as required to project locations.

Required Qualifications

• Valid driver's license with acceptable driving record.
• Minimum 2 years of HDD locating experience in telecommunications, fiber optic, or underground utility construction.
• Minimum 1 year of crew leadership, lead locator, or foreman experience.
• Proficiency operating DigiTrak, Subsite, or similar HDD locating systems.
• Strong understanding of underground utility locating and damage prevention practices.
• Experience reading construction plans, utility locates, and bore profiles.
• Knowledge of HDD drilling operations, conduit installation, and telecommunications construction standards.
• Strong communication, leadership, and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to work outdoors in varying weather conditions.
• Willingness to work overtime and occasional weekends as needed.

Preferred Qualifications

• Class A or Class B Commercial Driver's License (CDL).
• Fiber optic construction experience.
• OSHA 10 or OSHA 30 certification.
• Experience operating HDD drilling equipment.
• Experience operating additional construction equipment including mini excavators, skid steers, vacuum excavators, and loaders.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to lift and carry up to 75 pounds.
• Ability to walk long distances over uneven terrain while tracking drill operations.
• Ability to stand, walk, bend, kneel, and climb throughout the workday.
• Ability to work in outdoor environments and varying terrain conditions.
• Ability to work near active construction equipment and utility infrastructure.

Safety Responsibilities

• Follow all company safety policies and procedures.
• Participate in safety meetings and training programs.
• Wear required personal protective equipment (PPE) at all times.
• Stop work and report unsafe conditions immediately.
• Ensure all utility locates, potholing, and hazard mitigation requirements are completed prior to drilling operations.
• Maintain awareness of underground utility hazards and safe excavation practices.
• Promote a safety-first culture among all crew members.

Compensation and Benefits

• Competitive hourly wage based on experience.
• Overtime opportunities.
• Health, dental, and vision insurance.
• 401(k) with company match.
• Paid time off and holidays.
• Career advancement opportunities within telecommunications construction.