HDD Locator (Fredericksburg, VA)

Drill Tech, LLC; Fredericksburg (VA); On-site; USD 70,000 - 100,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health, dental, vision insurance

Overtime opportunities

Per diem for overnight travel

Paid time off and holidays

Opportunities for advancement

Job summary

Drill-Tech is seeking a highly experienced Horizontal Directional Drill (HDD) Locator to support mid-size and maxi rig operations on underground utility projects. This is a hands-on field role based in the Mid-Atlantic region, with project-based travel to Maryland and Virginia as needed.

The candidate will track drill head position and depth, guide pilot bores, read bore plans, and troubleshoot issues while maintaining accurate bore logs.

Qualifications

• Minimum of 7 years of HDD locating experience, preferably 10+ years.
• Direct experience locating on mid-size and/or maxi HDD drilling rigs.
• Proficiency with HDD locating and guidance systems and maintaining bore paths.

Responsibilities

• Operate HDD locating and guidance equipment to track drill head position, depth, pitch, and direction.
• Guide drill operators through pilot bores and maintain bore paths with steering adjustments.
• Read bore plans, utility drawings, and underground markings.
• Troubleshoot locating challenges and document bore logs and field data.
• Collaborate with drill operators and field crews to support safe, efficient drilling operations.

Skills

HDD locating

Field operations

Drill head steering

Troubleshooting

Communication

Tools

DigiTrak

Subsite

Wireline

Vermeer

Ditch Witch

American Augers

Job description

Company Headquarters: Chester, MD

Project Location: Fredericksburg, VA

Travel: Project-based travel throughout Maryland and Virginia as needed

Job Type: Full-Time

Overview

Drill-Tech is seeking a highly experienced Horizontal Directional Drill (HDD) Locator to support mid-size and maxi rig operations on underground utility projects.

Headquartered in Chester, Maryland, Drill-Tech performs HDD and underground utility work throughout the Mid-Atlantic region.

This is a hands-on field position responsible for accurately tracking and guiding HDD drill heads, maintaining planned bore paths, and working closely with drill operators and field crews to safely complete complex underground installations. Extensive locating experience on mid-size or maxi HDD rigs is required.

Responsibilities

• Operate HDD locating and guidance equipment to accurately track drill head position, depth, pitch, and direction throughout drilling operations

• Guide drill operators through pilot bores, maintain planned bore paths, and make necessary steering adjustments based on ground conditions and existing utilities

• Read and interpret bore plans, utility drawings, profiles, elevations, and underground utility markings

• Troubleshoot locating challenges, signal interference, equipment issues, and other guidance-related problems while maintaining accurate bore logs and field documentation

• Work closely with drill operators, foremen, and field crews to support safe and efficient drilling, reaming, pullback, and general jobsite operations

Qualifications

• Minimum of 7 years of hands-on HDD locating experience, preferably 10+ years

• Direct experience locating on mid-size and/or maxi HDD drilling rigs required

• Proficiency with HDD locating and guidance systems, including the ability to maintain accurate bore paths and troubleshoot locating challenges

• Strong understanding of HDD operations, bore plans, underground utilities, drill head steering, and changing ground conditions

• Valid driver's license, strong communication skills, and ability to perform physically demanding outdoor work with occasional overnight travel

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with DigiTrak, Subsite, wireline, or similar HDD locating and guidance systems

• Experience working with Vermeer, Ditch Witch, American Augers, or similar mid-size and maxi HDD rigs

• Experience completing long-distance, large-diameter, rock, or technically challenging HDD bores

• OSHA 10 or OSHA 30 Certification

• Class A CDL

Benefits

• Health, dental, and vision insurance

• Overtime opportunities

• Per diem for qualifying overnight travel

• Paid time off and paid holidays

• Opportunities for advancement within a growing HDD contractor