Mainline Construction Technician

Socket Telecom LLC; New York (NY); On-site; USD 30,000 - 47,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical insurance

Dental insurance

Vision insurance

Life insurance

401k with match

Free fiber service

Tuition reimbursement

Performance-based bonus

Job summary

Socket Fiber in New York, NY is seeking a Mainline Construction Worker to join a field team performing underground telecom construction, including locating utilities, installing conduit, and operating HDD bore equipment.

You will be part of a fast-moving crew, translating plans into safe, high-quality fiber infrastructure while complying with safety standards and DOT requirements.

Qualifications

• Experience in telecom mainline or underground utilities.
• Hands-on experience performing utility locates.
• Ability to operate HDD bore rigs or assist with them.
• Ability to read and interpret construction drawings and utility maps.

Responsibilities

• Perform accurate utility locates using locating equipment before excavation.
• Operate or assist with HDD bore rigs.
• Install mainline conduit, handholes, pedestals, and related telecom infrastructure.
• Support trenching, plowing, potholing, and excavation work.
• Read and interpret construction plans, prints, and locate markings.
• Safely expose existing underground utilities using dig-safe techniques.
• Set up and maintain HDD work zones and equipment.
• Load, unload, and maintain tools, machinery, and materials.

Skills

Telecom mainline/construction

Utility locates

HDD bore rig operation

Read construction drawings/utilityMaps

Tools

HDD bore rigs

Mini-excavator/ skid steer

Job description

Description

We are looking for a hardworking and skilled Mainline Construction Worker to support underground telecom construction projects. This role requires experience performing utility locates, installing conduit, and operating horizontal directional drilling (HDD) bore equipment. If you enjoy hands-on field work and being part of a fast-moving construction crew, this role is a great fit.

A Day in the Life

You’ll start your day reviewing jobsite tasks, gathering equipment, and assisting with utility locates to ensure safe digging. Throughout the day, you’ll help install conduit, expose existing utilities, operate (or assist with) HDD bore rigs, and support the crew in building high-quality telecom infrastructure. Your work directly impacts safe and efficient fiber-optic installation.

What You’ll Do

• Performing accurate utility locates using locating equipment before excavation
• Operating or assisting with horizontal directional drilling (HDD) bore equipment
• Installing mainline conduit, handholes, pedestals, and related telecom infrastructure
• Supporting trenching, plowing, potholing, and excavation work
• Reading and interpreting construction plans, prints, and locate markings
• Safely exposing existing underground utilities using dig-safe techniques
• Setting up and maintaining HDD work zones, drill paths, and equipment
• Loading, unloading, and maintaining tools, machinery, and materials
• Backfilling and restoring work areas to required specifications
• Following all safety and DOT requirements on job sites
• Working closely with crew members, operators, and supervisors to complete builds on schedule

What We’re Looking For

• Experience in telecom, underground utilities, or construction fieldwork
• Hands-on experience performing utility locates
• Ability to operate or assist with HDD bore rigs
• Knowledge of underground utility safety procedures and dig laws
• Ability to read and follow construction drawings and utility maps
• Strong work ethic with the ability to perform physical labor outdoors
• Reliable transportation and consistent attendance
• Ability to work in varying weather conditions

Physical Requirements:

• Ability to lift 50–75 lbs regularly
• Ability to walk, bend, kneel, dig, and work in trenches
• Ability to operate construction tools and equipment safely
• Ability to stand for long periods and perform repetitive physical tasks
• Valid driver’s license; and the ability to obtain a Class E license if offered

What Will Help You Stand Out

• Previous telecom mainline or fiber construction experience
• Experience operating HDD bore rigs independently
• Experience with mini-excavators, skid steers, or plows

Desired Attributes

• Strong safety mindset
• Team player with a positive, can-do attitude
• Dependable and committed to high-quality work
• Good communication and situational awareness
• Ability to adapt to changing jobsite conditions
• Takes pride in completing work accurately and efficiently

Why Join Socket Fiber?

At Socket Fiber, we're redefining what it means to connect communities. We share a mission-driven culture focused on bringing high-speed internet to areas that need it most. We're not just selling a service—we're providing access, opportunity, and real change. Socket Fiber offers a culture where employee strengths are highlighted and recognized.

A few of the key ways we strive to make employees feel valued include:

• Competitive pay + bonus potential or performance-based commission
• Medical, dental, vision, life, and 401k with match
• Free coaching/counseling for employees & families
• Free fiber service (if available in your area)
• Tuition reimbursement for personal and professional growth
• Community engagement opportunities
• Culture that values results, effort, and integrity

Our Core Values

• Respect: Toward all customers, communities, property, and coworkers.
• Advocacy: In-person, online, or by phone—we go beyond support to serve as customer advocates.
• Transparency: In our commitments, service experiences, and business relationships.
• Progress: Growth is proof of our dedication to improving lives and communities.
• Winning: Every conversation is a chance to gain a customer for life.

This role is not eligible for Visa sponsorship.

This role is not eligible for relocation.

Salary and benefits commensurate with experience.

Equal Opportunity Employer.

This employer uses E-Verify.