Horizontal Directional Drill Operator/Locator I

TriTechne, Inc.; Missouri; On-site; USD 55,000 - 75,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health, Dental, Vision insurance

Life Insurance

Disability Insurance

401(k) retirement plan

Job summary

TriTechne, Inc. is seeking a skilled HDD Operator/Locator I to support underground utility construction and maintenance projects. You will operate HDD equipment and use locating systems to safely install fiber optic, electric, water, sewer, and gas infrastructure.

The role emphasizes safety, mechanical readiness, and the ability to read plans and logs. Join a team focused on reliable connectivity and compliant, efficient field work.

Qualifications

• 2+ years of HDD equipment operation experience in underground utility construction.
• Ability to read construction drawings and bore plans.
• Strong mechanical aptitude and troubleshooting skills.
• Valid driver’s license required.

Responsibilities

• Operate HDD equipment to drill, ream, and install underground conduits.
• Use locating systems to track bore path alignment and depth.
• Read and interpret construction drawings, bore plans, and utility maps.
• Assist with bore planning and maintain bore logs and daily reports.
• Perform equipment inspections and routine maintenance.
• Coordinate with supervisors, locators, and ground crew for safe operations.
• Follow OSHA standards and site safety policies.

Skills

HDD operation experience

Read construction drawings

Mechanical aptitude

Valid driver’s license

Equipment troubleshooting

Vermeer/Ditch Witch equipment

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Tools

Vermeer equipment

Ditch Witch equipment

Job description

Job Description Summary

TriTechne is seeking a skilled Horizontal Directional Drill (HDD) Operator / Locator I to support underground utility construction and maintenance projects. This role is responsible for operating HDD equipment and locating systems to safely install underground utilities such as fiber optic, electric, water, sewer, and gas infrastructure. The ideal candidate is safety-focused, mechanically inclined, and experienced in HDD operations.

What You’ll Do

• Operate HDD equipment to drill, ream, and install underground conduits.
• Use locating systems to track bore path alignment and depth.
• Read and interpret construction drawings, bore plans, and utility maps.
• Assist with bore planning and maintain accurate bore logs and daily reports.
• Perform equipment inspections and routine maintenance.
• Manage drilling fluids for optimal performance and environmental compliance.
• Adjust drilling methods based on ground conditions and obstacles.
• Coordinate with supervisors, locators, and ground crew to ensure safe and efficient operations.
• Follow OSHA standards, company safety policies, and job site protocols.
• Maintain a clean, organized, and safe job site.

What You’ll Bring

High school diploma or equivalent.

• 2+ years of HDD equipment operation experience in underground utility construction.
• Experience with Vermeer or Ditch Witch drilling equipment.
• Ability to read construction drawings and bore plans.
• Strong mechanical aptitude and troubleshooting skills.
• Valid driver’s license.

Preferred Qualifications

• OSHA 10 certification.
• CDL – Class A license.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to lift up to 75 pounds unassisted.
• Ability to work outdoors in all weather conditions.
• Frequent walking, standing, kneeling, crouching, and physically demanding tasks.
• Ability to safely operate heavy equipment and wear required PPE.

Why Join Us

At TriTechne, you’ll help deliver reliable connectivity that powers homes, businesses, and communities. We provide hands‑on training, career growth opportunities, and a safety‑first culture where your skills and commitment make a difference.

Note: This job posting provides a general overview of responsibilities and qualifications. Actual duties may vary depending on project and client needs.

How We Work – TriTechne’s Core Values

• Integrity: We uphold the highest standards of honesty and transparency in all of our actions and communications.
• Accountability: We commit to results and exceptional quality in our work and fully embrace accountability to our team and to our goals.
• Respect: We foster an environment of mutual respect, support, and encouragement, recognizing the value of every individual.
• Coachability: We are committed to growth and self‑directed learning, actively seeking and openly welcoming feedback on our performance and our decision‑making.
• Teamwork: We believe in the power of collaboration, leveraging our collective strengths to surpass individual capabilities in order to achieve shared objectives.

Benefits

TriTechne offers a comprehensive benefits package to all full‑time employees. The Benefit Package includes the following:

• Health, Dental, and Vision insurance
• Life Insurance
• Short‑Term & Long‑Term Disability Insurance
• a 401(k)-retirement plan with company match
• paid time off
• and other benefits that will be detailed upon your onboarding.

About TriTechne

TriTechne was established in 2015 as a Full‑Turnkey Network Services Company. Our Team spans coast to coast, specializing in creating, expanding, and maintaining Network Components for our clients.

Leveraging our meticulously crafted processes, we adeptly tailor solutions to meet their unique needs. Our hands‑on team is committed to providing support in both Wireline and Wireless Telecom Verticals, offering expertise in Planning, Site Acquisition, Engineering, Construction, Splicing, and Test & Turn‑Up.

These multifaceted capabilities position us to collaborate with utility owners, aiding them in fulfilling their network requirements and achieving strategic goals. With a combined experience of more than 50 years in the telecom industry, our leaders possess an extensive wealth of program knowledge. This expertise is actively utilized to address real‑time challenges encountered by utility owners.

TriTechne’s overarching goal is to establish meaningful partnerships, guiding utility owners through the dynamic landscape of the industry with efficiency and economic success in mind.

Thank you for your interest in TriTechne! We are thrilled that you’re interested in joining our team, where innovation, collaboration, and excellence drive everything we do.