HDD Traveling Locator I

Telcom Construction, LLC; Maple Grove (MN); On-site; USD 60,000 - 85,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Weekly Paychecks

Paid Time Off

Parental Leave

Holidays

401(k) w/ Company Match

Stock Purchase Plan

Education Reimbursement

Legal Insurance

Discounts on gym memberships

Job summary

TelCom Construction, LLC is seeking an HDD Traveling Locator I (13832) in Maple Grove, MN. You will guide the drill head during horizontal directional drilling, ensuring accurate steering, depth control, and bore path adherence using advanced locating systems.

This role partners with the Foreman and Drill Operator to execute complex bores across the Midwest. The position emphasizes safety, real-time locating, and documentation of bore paths, with overtime, travel, and on-call duties.

Qualifications

• Experience with HDD locating systems (DigiTrak, Subsite or equivalent).
• Ability to read bore plans, utility maps, and job specifications.
• Strong communication with drill operators and foremen.
• Ability to work safely around heavy machinery and active drill sites.
• Basic mechanical aptitude for understanding downhole tooling behavior.
• Ability to work outdoors in all weather conditions.
• Ability to lift 50-75 lbs as needed.
• Valid driver's license; CDL preferred but not required.

Responsibilities

• Perform real-time locating using walkover systems, receivers, and advanced tracking tools.
• Guide drill head by providing accurate depth, pitch, and steering instructions to the operator.
• Interpret bore plans and ensure the drill follows the designed path.
• Coordinate with Foreman on tooling changes, steering adjustments, and ground conditions.
• Monitor downhole conditions including soil type, steering response, and fluid returns.
• Support advanced tooling such as mud motors, grid bores, and gyro systems.
• Perform utility avoidance by identifying hazards and adjusting bore path as needed.
• Document bore path including depths, pitches, and alignment for as-built records.
• Assist with site setup including potholing, marking utilities, and staging equipment.
• Maintain safety compliance including PPE, hazard awareness, and communication protocols.
• Read utility maps to find underground utilities correctly.
• Document all locates.
• Respond promptly and courteously to excavation notices.
• Communicate well with excavators, utility representatives, and company staff.
• Dig lightly with a shovel when necessary.
• Work overtime, travel, and perform on-call/afterhours responsibilities as needed.
• Perform work in all weather conditions

Skills

HDD locating systems

Read bore plans

Communication skills

Safety awareness

Mechanical aptitude

Outdoor work

Lifting 50-75 lbs

Driver's license

CDL preferred

Job description

Career Opportunities: HDD Traveling Locator I (13832)

Requisition ID13832-Posted -Operations Production-Operations-TM021-Maple Grove,MN-Field-Individual Contributor-100%

At TelCom Construction, LLC, the HDD Locator is responsible for guiding the drill head during horizontal directional drilling operations. This role ensures accurate steering, depth control, and bore path adherence using advanced locating systems. The Locator works closely with the Foreman and Drill Operator to execute complex bores involving mud motors, grid bores, gyro systems, and large-diameter tooling. This position is critical for maintaining bore accuracy, preventing strikes, and ensuring safe, efficient drilling across the Midwest Region.

Connecting you to great benefits

• Weekly Paychecks
• Paid Time Off, Parental Leave, and Holidays
• 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

Key Responsibilities:

• Perform real-time locating using walkover systems, receivers, and advanced tracking tools
• Guide drill head by providing accurate depth, pitch, and steering instructions to the operator
• Interpret bore plans and ensure the drill follows the designed path
• Coordinate with Foreman on tooling changes, steering adjustments, and ground conditions
• Monitor downhole conditions including soil type, steering response, and fluid returns
• Support advanced tooling such as mud motors, grid bores, and gyro systems
• Perform utility avoidance by identifying hazards and adjusting bore path as needed
• Document bore path including depths, pitches, and alignment for as-built records
• Assist with site setup including potholing, marking utilities, and staging equipment
• Maintain safety compliance including PPE, hazard awareness, and communication protocols
• Read utility maps to find underground utilities correctly
• Document all locates
• Respond promptly and courteously to excavation notices
• Communicate well with excavators, utility representatives, and company staff
• Dig lightly with a shovel when necessary
• Work overtime, travel, and perform on-call/afterhours responsibilities as needed
• Perform work in all weather conditions

What you’ll need

Required Skills & Qualifications:

• Strong experience with HDD locating systems (DigiTrak, Subsite, or equivalent)
• Ability to read bore plans, utility maps, and job specifications
• Strong communication skills with drill operators and foremen
• Ability to work safely around heavy machinery and active drill sites
• Basic mechanical aptitude for understanding downhole tooling behavior
• Ability to work outdoors in all weather conditions
• Ability to lift 50-75 lbs as needed
• Valid driver’s license; CDL preferred but not required

Preferred Experience (Large-Drill Focus):

• Experience locating large-diameter bores (12-24+ inches)
• Experience supporting mud motor and rock drilling operations
• Experience with grid bores and gyro steering systems
• Experience with long shots (800-3,000 ft)
• Experience documenting as-built bore paths for municipalities
• Prior HDD, utility, or construction experience
• OSHA, First Aid, CPR certifications (company can provide)
• To be 18 years of age or older
• Authorization to work in the United States for this company
• High School Diploma, GED equivalent, or relevant work experience
• Valid State driver's license (cannot be Provisional), including an acceptable driving record

Physical abilities & exposures

• Routinely: work alone in remote locations with arms above shoulder level, operate vehicle, squeeze, fine hand motion, bend, stoop, stand, walk, lift up to 55 pounds, use keyboard and mouse
• Occasionally: use portable ladder, work in confined spaces and climb stairs
• Walking long distances while carrying locating equipment
• Exposure to mud, water, noise, vibration, and outdoor conditions
• Ability to safely work around heavy machinery and moving equipment

Why grow your career 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.