Horizontal Directional Drill Locator

Network Connex; Manassas (VA); On-site; USD 55,000 - 75,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health, dental, vision

Disability insurance

401(k) with company match

Paid time off

Job summary

Network Connex is seeking an HDD Locator to monitor and guide horizontal directional drilling operations, reading locating equipment, and ensuring bore paths align with engineered designs. You will work with field crews to avoid utilities and maintain safety.

The role emphasizes accurate data collection, documentation, and real-time problem-solving in a fast-paced outdoor environment, with opportunities for career growth within a trusted telecom services company.

Qualifications

• 1-3 years locating experience in HDD, utilities, or underground construction.
• Experience with HDD locating systems preferred.

Responsibilities

• Operate HDD locating equipment to track bore position, depth, and direction.
• Ensure bore paths meet design specs and avoid underground utilities.
• Maintain safety standards and participate in JHAs and daily safety meetings.
• Record bore logs, measurements, and tracking information; assist with as-built docs.

Skills

Locating experience

Reading prints

Communication

Outdoor work

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

Experience

Required Qualifications

• 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.

We may use artificial intelligence (AI) tools to support parts of the hiring process, such as reviewing applications, analyzing resumes, or assessing responses and identifying potential inconsistencies or verification signals in application materials based on available information. These tools assist our recruitment team but do not replace human judgment. Final hiring decisions are ultimately made by humans. If you would like more information about how your data is processed, please contact us.