Locator Technician for Horizontal Directional Drilling- Fiber Construction

Milwaukee Succeeds; Northern (KY); Hybrid; USD 32,000 - 56,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical Coverage

Dental Coverage

Vision Coverage

401(k) Plan

Paid Holidays

Parental Leave

Education Assistance

Job summary

TDS Telecom is hiring a Locator Technician for HDD fiber construction to support underground installation projects. This fulltime, yearround role involves tracking drill head location, depth, and alignment to ensure precise bore paths and safe operations.

You will operate locating equipment, communicate with drill operators, and participate in training on safety, CDL, and fiber optics practices.

Qualifications

• Previous HDD Locator, Directional Drill Locator, or related underground utility role.
• Ability to operate locating systems and interpret subsurface layouts.
• Comfort working outdoors and in varying weather conditions.

Responsibilities

• Operate HDD locating equipment to track drill path and depth.
• Guide bore placement with continuous communication to drill operator.
• Install, test, and repair buried fiber lines and related infra.
• Operate trenchers, plows, excavators, and locators as needed.
• Set pedestals, vaults, handholes, and other outside plant infrastructure.
• Climb poles and operate bucket trucks when required.
• Support fiber splicing and repair activities.
• Restore job sites and maintain clear project markings.

Skills

HDD locating experience

Safety compliance

Valid driver’s license

DOT eligibility

Tools

EM locating systems

Walk-over locating tools

Job description

Locator Technician for Horizontal Directional Drilling - Fiber Construction

ID 2026-29619 Company TDS Telecom Pay Range $0.00 - $0.00 Sign-On Bonus 5,000

Job Locations US-WI-Plymouth | US-WI-Sheboygan | US-WI-Fond du Lac

Overview

We are seeking a skilled and safety-focused Locator Technician to support Horizontal Directional Drilling (HDD) operations for underground utility construction projects. The HDD Locator is responsible for accurately tracking drill head location, depth, and alignment to ensure successful installation of underground utilities while maintaining compliance with safety standards and project specifications. This position is fulltime, yearround, and typically works close to home with only limited travel required for training.

Pay Transparency

The pay for this position ranges from $22.62 to $41.42 per hour. The listed pay range reflects the minimum and maximum base salary. Actual offers will be based on factors such as skills, qualifications, experience, location, and role-specific competencies. Some positions may also offer additional compensation, such as bonuses or equity awards.

This role includes a $5,000 sign-on bonus (payout terms apply) and may qualify for relocation assistance.

Outside Plant Construction Technicians can also earn up to $75 per week in incentives when your team meets production targets.

Pay Range (Hr./Yr.) $0.00/Hr. - $0.00/Hr.

What You'll Do

• Operate and maintain HDD locating equipment to accurately track drill path and depth.
• Communicate continuously with the drill operator to guide bore placement and avoid existing underground utilities.
• Install, maintain, test, and repair buried and aerial fiber lines.
• Operate construction equipment such as trenchers, plows, excavators, and locators.
• Set pedestals, vaults, handholes, and other outside plant infrastructure.
• Climb poles, ladders, and structures; operate bucket trucks as needed.
• Support fiber splicing and repair activities.
• Restore job sites and keep accurate project labels and markings.

Why You'll Love This Role

• Handson, outdoor work building real infrastructure that matters.
• Flexible, fulltime yearround schedule.
• Work with a company that has 50+ years of telecom experience and a strong reputation for fiber innovation.

Training

• Safety training, pole climbing, bucket truck operation.
• Fiber optic basics: fusion splicing, fault detection, OTDR.
• Construction equipment operation (drill rigs, trenchers, mini excavators).
• CDL training for qualified associates.

The duration of training varies based on the team assignment. Training for underground teams is 3 weeks, with an additional 1 week required for aerial training.

What We’re Looking For

• Previous experience as an HDD Locator, Directional Drill Locator, or related underground utility construction role.
• Ability to operate electromagnetic and walk-over locating systems.
• Knowledge of underground utility construction practices and damage prevention procedures.
• Motivated, detailoriented team players with strong communication skills.
• Ability to work in various weather conditions and perform physical tasks such as climbing, kneeling, lifting, and digging.
• Valid driver's license and DOT eligibility.
• 6+ months experience in customer service, utility or electrical work, OR a technical certification, OR military service.
• Willingness to work overtime and varied shifts as needed.

Additional Qualifications

• Must have the ability to obtain a Class A CDL. A current CDL is preferred at hire, but TDS will train and certify eligible associates through its in-house CDL certification program after hire.
• Physical requirements may vary based on company needs: Ability to climb poles, ladders, towers, and other structures as needed. Ability to kneel, dig, lift, and pull.
• Upon hire, must successfully pass all components of the Safety Training course curriculum.
• Upon hire, must successfully complete customer-specific requirements, which may include a background check administered by the customer.
• Horizontal directional drilling experience preferred.
• Basic understanding of telecommunication products and services.
• Proven organizational skills and ability to multi-task.
• May require occasional travel.
• Must be willing to work overtime as needed. May be required to work various/swing shifts as business needs dictate.

Physical Demands and Work Environment

This role involves frequent physical activity, including standing, walking, kneeling, climbing, and lifting up to 50 pounds regularly (occasionally over 100 pounds). Vision requirements include close, distance, color, and depth perception.

Work conditions often include outdoor weather, attics, crawl spaces, and high-risk areas like high voltage zones, trenches, and manholes. Exposure to heavy equipment, fumes, vibration, extreme temperatures, and loud noise is common.

Benefits

We believe in taking care of our team, which is why we offer comprehensive benefits to support your health, financial well-being, and overall happiness. Join us and experience a work environment where your well-being is a top priority!

Associates scheduled to work 20 or more hours per week have access to:

• Medical Coverage
• Dental Coverage
• Vision Coverage
• Life Insurance
• 401(k) Plan
• Generous Vacation & Paid Sick Leave
• Seven Paid National Holidays & One Floating Holiday
• Paid Parental Leave (6 weeks after 12 months of employment)
• Adoption & Surrogacy Assistance
• Employee Assistance & Wellness Programs

Associates working 30 or more hours per week additionally have access to:

• Short‑Term & Long‑Term Disability
• TDS Service Discounts
• Education Assistance
• Paid Volunteer Time

In addition to these benefits, all associates will have the opportunity to participate in our Associate Resource Groups, which are designed to encourage community and facilitate professional development.

Who is TDS Telecom?

TDS Telecom provides high-speed internet, TV entertainment, and phone services to a diverse range of communities, including small to mid-sized urban, suburban, and rural areas across the U.S. With over 50 years of experience, TDS is committed to building and expanding fiber optic networks that bring cutting-edge connectivity to neighborhoods nationwide. Serving over 1 million connections, our mission is to create a better world by delivering innovative communication solutions that enhance the way people live, work, and connect. Visit tdstelecom.com to learn more!

Equal Employment Opportunity

At TDS, we are committed to Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) and value the difference of backgrounds, experiences and perspectives in our workforce. We consider all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, age, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, status as a protected veteran, or any other status protected by law.

Employment at TDS is subject to post-offer, pre-employment drug testing.