Horizontal Directional Drill Locator

Network Connex; Manassas (VA); On-site; USD 60,000 - 90,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Dental insurance

Vision insurance

401(k) with match

Paid time off

Job summary

Network Connex is seeking a HDD Locator to guide horizontal directional drilling operations safely and efficiently. You will read locating equipment, track bore paths, and communicate continuously with the HDD Operator to avoid underground utilities.

The role emphasizes OSHA safety compliance, on-site teamwork, and accurate documentation. Experience with Ditch Witch/Subsite/DigiTrak is preferred, with a CDL being a plus. This is an on-site position in Manassas, VA, with competitive benefits.

Qualifications

• 1–3 years locating experience in HDD, utilities, or underground construction.
• Experience with industry locating systems preferred (Ditch Witch, Subsite, DigiTrak, Vermeer).
• OSP telecommunications experience strongly preferred.

Responsibilities

• Operate HDD locating equipment and track bore head position, depth, and direction.
• Provide real-time drilling feedback to the HDD Operator and adjust paths.
• Ensure safety, OSHA standards, and compliance on site.
• Record bore logs, depth measurements, and reporting deviations to Foreman.
• Assist with setup of drilling equipment and keep a clean, organized site.

Skills

Bore planning

Underground utilities

Safe digging practices

Communication skills

Outdoor work adaptability

Education

OSHA certification (10/30)

Tools

Ditch Witch locators

Subsite

DigiTrak

Vermeer locating systems

Job description

Network Connex has been servingthe telecom industry for more than 20 years, Network Connex accelerates the performance of fiber and wireless network service providers, data center operators, hyperscale cloud companies, cable MSOs, utilities, government entities, and Fortune 500 enterprises. We offer a full range of turnkey capabilities through seasoned professionals in all ranks to provide our customers with a competitive edge in today’s rapidly evolving markets. Our services include state-of-the-art design and engineering; wireless and fiber construction; fiber placement, testing, and acceptance; construction management; and integration.

In addition to competitive base pay, Network Connex offers a robust set of benefits from health, dental, vision, short & long-term disability and more. What sets us apart is you are eligible to participate in our benefits programs the first of the month following your start date. One of the shortest benefits eligibility waiting periods in the industry!

Our Vanguard 401(k) plan comes with a 5% company match, which you are immediately vested in, and you can start participating at the same time as all the other benefits! We have 10 (ten) paid company holidays, a generous PTO (Paid Time-Off) accrual schedule, and robust health & wellness programs that can help you earn discounts on your health premiums and more! We go beyond base compensation and give you total rewards!

Position Summary

The HDD Locator is responsible for monitoring and guiding horizontal directional drilling operations by accurately reading and interpreting locating equipment. This role ensures bore paths are completed safely, efficiently, and according to engineered design. The Locator works closely with the HDD Operator, Foreman, and field crew to avoid underground utilities, maintain proper depth and alignment, and ensure successful completions of pilot bores and pullbacks.

Key Responsibilities

Locating & Bore Guidance

• Operate and interpret HDD locating equipment to track drill head position, depth, pitch, and direction.
• Communicate continuous drilling feedback to the HDD Operator.
• Guide bores according to design specifications, prints, and utility locates.
• Adjust bore path in real-time to avoid conflicts with existing underground utilities.

Safety & Compliance

• Maintain strict adherence to OSHA, company, and industry safety standards.
• Participate in daily safety meetings and job hazard analyses (JHAs).
• Ensure safe digging practices around active utilities and sensitive infrastructure.
• Assist with potholing, hand-digging, and exposure of utilities as required.

Documentation & Reporting

• Record bore logs, depth measurements, shots, and tracking information.
• Assist with as‑built documentation and production records.
• Report deviations, obstructions, or abnormal conditions to the Foreman.

Construction Support

• Assist with setup of drilling equipment, mud systems, and work areas.
• Support the crew during pullback, reaming, and equipment movement activities.
• Help maintain a clean and organized job site.

Equipment Care

• Maintain locating equipment (transmitters, receivers, batteries, chargers) in good working order.
• Perform daily function checks to ensure accuracy and calibration.
• Report equipment issues immediately.

Required Qualifications

Experience

• 1–3 years of locating experience in HDD, utilities, or underground construction.
• Experience with Ditch Witch, Subsite, DigiTrak, or Vermeer locating systems preferred.
• OSP telecommunications experience strongly preferred.

Skills & Competencies

• Strong understanding of bore planning, underground utilities, and safe digging practices.
• Ability to read construction prints, utility locates and bore path designs.
• Excellent communication skills for real-time coordination with the Operator.
• Strong situational awareness and problem-solving ability.
• Ability to work in fast‑paced outdoor environments.

Licenses & Certifications

• Valid driver’s license required (Class A CDL preferred).
• OSHA 10 or OSHA 30 certification preferred.
• Manufacturer training on locating equipment (preferred).

Physical Requirements

• Ability to lift 50–75 lbs regularly.
• Work outdoors in varying weather and terrain conditions.
• Ability to walk long distances, bend, stoop, and stand for extended periods.
• Ability to work in trenches, near roadways, and around active equipment.

Work Environment

• Outdoor construction environments with exposure to weather, heavy equipment, mud, and traffic.
• Travel between job sites may be required.

Network Connex believes all persons are entitled to equal employment opportunities and does not discriminate against employees or job applicants because of race, color, gender, affectional or sexual orientation, domestic partnership status, ancestry, religion, national origin, citizenship status, marital status, disability, veteran status, age or any other protected group status. Upon acceptance of an offer, all candidates will be required to pass a background check and drug screening.