Horizontal Directional Driller - Fiber Construction - Plymouth and Appleton, WI

Search Partner Group; Appleton (WI); On-site; USD 39,000 - 50,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Weekly incentive bonuses

Sign-on bonus

Relocation assistance

Paid training

Job summary

Search Partner Group, LLC in Wisconsin is seeking Horizontal Directional Drillers / Construction Technicians to support the build-out of high-speed fiber networks. This full-time, year-round role offers competitive pay and strong benefits, with paid training and clear long-term career advancement.

Local work with minimal travel, hands-on outdoor duties, and opportunities to operate drilling equipment, install and test fiber, and contribute to network reliability.

Qualifications

• 6+ months of hands-on horizontal directional drilling experience.
• 18+ months of telecom construction experience with heavy equipment.
• Valid driver’s license and ability to meet DOT requirements.
• Reliable attendance and strong work ethic.
• Willingness to learn and work outdoors year-round.

Responsibilities

• Operate or assist with horizontal directional drilling (HDD).
• Install, maintain, test, and repair underground and aerial fiber lines.
• Operate construction equipment including trenchers, plows, excavators, and mini-excavators.
• Set pedestals, vaults, handholes, and associated infrastructure.
• Climb poles and ladders; operate bucket trucks as needed.
• Assist with fiber splicing, testing, and repairs.
• Accurately use dispatching, marking, and labeling tools.
• Restore job sites to original condition.

Skills

HDD experience

Telecom construction

Reliability

Outdoor work readiness

Education

CDL Class A (nice to have)

Job description

Horizontal Directional Driller / Construction Technician

Locations: Plymouth, WI & Appleton, WI

Pay: $28–$36/hour (based on experience)

Overtime: Up to 10 hours per week, paid at 1.5x

Bonuses: Weekly incentive bonuses + $5,000 sign‑on bonus

Bonus & Incentive Highlights: $5,000 Sign‑On Bonus, Weekly incentive bonuses up to $75/week

Relocation assistance available

Paid, industry‑leading training

Overtime paid at time and a half

About the Opportunity

A leading nationwide telecommunications provider is expanding its Outside Plant (OSP) Construction Team and is seeking experienced Horizontal Directional Drillers / Construction Technicians to support the continued build‑out of high‑speed fiber networks across Wisconsin. This is a full‑time, year‑round position offering competitive pay, strong benefits, paid training, and clear long‑term career advancement.

Why You’ll Love This Role

• Competitive hourly pay with bonus opportunities
• Full‑time, year‑round employment
• Local work—minimal travel
• Hands‑on, outdoor work (no desk job)
• Paid training on fiber, equipment, safety, and CDL
• Long‑term career growth with a telecom leader with 50+ years in business

What You’ll Do

• Operate or assist with horizontal directional drilling (HDD)
• Install, maintain, test, and repair underground and aerial fiber lines
• Operate construction equipment including trenchers, plows, excavators, and mini‑excavators
• Set pedestals, vaults, handholes, and associated infrastructure
• Climb poles and ladders; operate bucket trucks as needed
• Assist with fiber splicing, testing, and repairs
• Accurately use dispatching, marking, and labeling tools
• Restore job sites to original condition

This role involves team‑based construction work in varying outdoor environments and weather conditions.

Paid Training & Development

Training length varies based on experience and assignment and may include:

• Required safety training
• Construction equipment operation
• Fiber fundamentals (OTDR, fusion splicing, troubleshooting)
• Pole climbing and bucket truck operation
• CDL Class A training & certification for eligible employees
• Ongoing skills development and defined career advancement paths

Required Qualifications (Please read carefully)

• 6+ months of hands‑on horizontal directional drilling experience
• 18+ months of telecom construction experience using heavy equipment
• Valid driver’s license and ability to meet DOT requirements
• Reliable attendance and strong work ethic
• Willingness to learn and work outdoors year‑round

Nice to Have (Not Required)

• CDL Class A (or willingness to obtain)
• Fiber, telecom, or OSP construction experience
• Ability to work overtime or occasional swing shifts
• Comfort operating manual‑transmission vehicles

Physical Requirements

• Regular lifting up to 50 lbs; occasional lifting 100+ lbs
• Standing, kneeling, digging, pulling, and climbing
• Ability to work outdoors in all seasons
• Exposure to construction sites, heavy equipment, noise, and confined spaces

Benefits

• Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance
• Life Insurance
• 401(k) with company match
• Paid Vacation & Sick Time
• 7 Paid Holidays + 1 Floating Holiday
• Paid Parental Leave
• Adoption & Surrogacy Assistance
• Short‑ & Long‑Term Disability
• Employee Assistance & Wellness Programs
• Discounts on company services
• Education Assistance
• Paid Volunteer Time
• Employee Resource Groups

Ready to Build a Career—Not Just a Job?

Experience matters—but attitude, reliability, and the drive to learn matter just as much.