HDD Operator Locator

Priority Dispatch Corp.; Sauk Rapids (MN); On-site; USD 60,000 - 85,000; Full time

Job summary

Priority Dispatch Corp. is seeking an HDD Operator / Locator for a travel-based field role in Sauk Rapids, MN. The position requires operating HDD equipment, reading prints, and coordinating with a traveling crew to install underground utilities. Travel on a rotating schedule and per diem are provided where applicable.

Responsibilities include equipment inspections, trenching support, and maintaining bore logs and daily reports, with emphasis on safety and precise bore paths in utility projects.

Qualifications

• Previous HDD operating and/or locating experience.
• Experience in underground utility construction, telecom, fiber, or related field work.
• Ability to read prints, follow bore plans, and understand underground utility markings.
• Strong communication skills and ability to work closely with a traveling crew.
• Ability to work safely around live utilities, equipment, traffic, and active construction sites.
• Valid driver's license with acceptable driving record.
• Willingness to travel on a rotating schedule based on project needs.
• Ability to work overtime and occasional Saturdays as required.

Responsibilities

• Operate horizontal directional drilling equipment to install underground utilities, conduit, and fiber.
• Use locating equipment to track drill head position, depth, pitch, and bore path.
• Read and follow prints, bore plans, utility maps, and jobsite instructions.
• Assist with jobsite setup, bore preparation, potholing, pullback, and cleanup.
• Communicate clearly with drill operators, locators, foremen, and crew members.
• Identify and work safely around existing underground utilities.
• Perform daily inspections and basic maintenance on drilling equipment, support equipment, tools, and vehicles.
• Assist laborers and operators with trenching, conduit placement, hand digging, restoration, and general underground construction tasks.
• Follow company safety policies, OSHA standards, traffic control requirements, and jobsite procedures.
• Maintain accurate field documentation as needed, including production notes, bore logs, and daily reports.

Skills

HDD operation

Locating equipment

Read prints/bore plans

Communication skills

Safety compliance

Travel willingness

Valid driver's license

Overtime / Saturdays

Education

CDL preferred

Tools

Vermeer HDD equipment

Ditch Witch HDD equipment

Job description

Job Details: Job Location: Sauk Rapids, MN 56379, Position Type: Full Time, HDD Operator / Locator

Location: Sauk Rapids, MN / Travel-Based

Key Responsibilities

• Operate horizontal directional drilling equipment to install underground utilities, conduit, and fiber.
• Use locating equipment to track drill head position, depth, pitch, and bore path.
• Read and follow prints, bore plans, utility maps, and jobsite instructions.
• Assist with jobsite setup, bore preparation, potholing, pullback, and cleanup.
• Communicate clearly with drill operators, locators, foremen, and crew members.
• Identify and work safely around existing underground utilities.
• Perform daily inspections and basic maintenance on drilling equipment, support equipment, tools, and vehicles.
• Assist laborers and operators with trenching, conduit placement, hand digging, restoration, and general underground construction tasks.
• Follow company safety policies, OSHA standards, traffic control requirements, and jobsite procedures.
• Maintain accurate field documentation as needed, including production notes, bore logs, and daily reports.

Required Qualifications, Skills & Abilities

• Previous HDD operating and/or locating experience.
• Experience working in underground utility construction, telecommunications, fiber, or related field work.
• Ability to read prints, follow bore plans, and understand underground utility markings.
• Strong communication skills and ability to work closely with a traveling crew.
• Ability to work safely around live utilities, equipment, traffic, and active construction sites.
• Valid driver's license with acceptable driving record.
• Willingness to travel on a rotating schedule based on project needs.
• Ability to work overtime and occasional Saturdays as required.

Preferred Qualifications

• CDL preferred.
• Experience operating Vermeer, Ditch Witch, or similar HDD equipment.
• Experience with fiber, conduit, telecom, or power utility installation.
• Knowledge of potholing, utility daylighting, pullback procedures, and restoration.
• Previous experience working on travel crews.

Schedule & Travel

This is a travel-based field position supporting Anderson Underground projects. Crews typically work a rotating travel schedule, with transportation and lodging provided. Per diem is available for working days while traveling, based on company policy.