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Directional Drill Locator Jobs (NOW HIRING)

$24 - $29.75/hr

TAK Broadband is seeking a Directional Drill Locator to join our Missoula, MT team. You will operate drilling equipment and locate utilities to guide drill paths, ensuring safe, accurate bore ...

Directional Drilling Locator

Harmony, MN · On-site

$23.25 - $28.75/hr

Position Overview We are seeking an experienced Directional Drill Locator to join a two-person horizontal directional drilling crew. This individual will work closely with an experienced drill ...

$24 - $29.75/hr

TAK Broadband is seeking a Directional Drill Locator to join our Missoula, MT team. You will operate drilling equipment and locate utilities to guide drill paths, ensuring safe, accurate bore ...

$22 - $27/hr

Position Overview We are seeking an experienced Directional Drill Locator to join a two-person horizontal directional drilling crew. This individual will work closely with an experienced drill ...

$22 - $27/hr

Position Overview We are seeking an experienced Directional Drill Locator to join a two-person horizontal directional drilling crew. This individual will work closely with an experienced drill ...

GridSource is seeking a full-time need for a Directional Drill Locator in West Monroe, LA Pay Rate $25 per hour What You'll Do * You'll be responsible for identifying and mapping underground utility ...

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Directional Drill Locator information

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$13

$26

$34

How much do directional drill locator jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 17, 2026, the average hourly pay for directional drill locator in the United States is $26.10, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $23.32 and $28.85 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a directional drill locator?

A Directional Drill Locator is responsible for guiding the drill operator by using locating equipment to track the underground drill head's position and depth. They help ensure that underground utilities are avoided and that the borehole follows the planned path. This role requires strong attention to detail, communication skills, and knowledge of underground utility safety. Locators work outdoors in various weather conditions and collaborate closely with the drill crew to complete projects efficiently and safely.

What are the typical daily responsibilities of a directional drill locator on a job site?

As a Directional Drill Locator, your main role is to operate electronic locating equipment to track and guide the drill head's path during horizontal directional drilling, ensuring it avoids existing underground utilities. You will work closely with drill operators and site foremen to interpret utility maps, mark underground lines, and communicate critical depth and alignment data in real-time. Daily tasks may also include safety briefings, inspecting equipment, and documenting bore logs for each project. This position involves both fieldwork—often outdoors in various weather conditions—and regular teamwork to keep projects progressing smoothly and safely.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the directional drill locator position, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Directional Drill Locator, you need strong knowledge of underground utility locating, reading and interpreting construction plans, spatial awareness, and often a high school diploma or equivalent. Proficiency with electronic locating equipment, transmitters/receivers, and sometimes certifications like OSHA10 or NULCA are commonly required. Attention to detail, effective problem-solving, and clear communication are crucial soft skills for collaborating with drill operators and crew members. These abilities are essential for safely guiding drilling operations, preventing utility strikes, and ensuring project efficiency.

How much do directional drill locators make?

Directional drill locators typically earn between $50,000 and $80,000 annually, depending on experience, certifications, and location. Experienced technicians with specialized skills can earn higher wages, especially in areas with high demand for underground utility installation and construction projects.

Is a directional drill locator a good career?

A directional drill locator is a skilled tradesperson responsible for detecting underground utilities and guiding drilling equipment. The role offers steady employment opportunities, often requires technical training or certification, and involves working outdoors with physical demands. It can be a stable career path for those interested in construction, utilities, and underground infrastructure work.

What cities are hiring for Directional Drill Locator jobs?

Cities with the most Directional Drill Locator job openings:

What are the most commonly searched types of Directional Drill Locator jobs?

The most popular types of Directional Drill Locator jobs are:

What states have the most Directional Drill Locator jobs?

States with the most job openings for Directional Drill Locator jobs include:

Infographic showing various Directional Drill Locator job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 88% Full Time, 5% Part Time, 4% Contract, and 2% Nights. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $54,296 per year, or $26.1 per hour.

$24 - $29.50/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 9 days ago


Job description

Reports To: Construction Manager

Company Profile:
Congruex provides digital infrastructure solutions through engineering and construction services that connect communities nationwide. This includes wireline, wireless, data centers, and utility services from initial concept to market go-live.

With employees across the United States and India, the work we do enables essential infrastructure for the future of communications.

Build a Career. Build What Matters.

Job Summary:
As the Directional Drill Locator, you will be responsible for identifying and locating underground utilities to support safe and efficient excavation, drilling, and construction operations. You will utilize specialized locating equipment, mapping tools, and field expertise to prevent damages and maintain compliance with safety standards. Your customers include internal construction crews, leadership teams, and external utility partners, and you will contribute to project success through accurate utility locating, risk mitigation, and operational efficiency.

Key Responsibilities (Including, but not limited to):
• Utilize mapping tools, utility records, and locating equipment to identify underground electric, gas, telephone, and communication lines.
• Mark utility locations accurately using paint and flags to ensure safe excavation and drilling operations.
• Operate and maintain assigned company vehicles, locating equipment, and tools.
• Perform locating work in both standard and high-risk environments while adhering to safety protocols.
• Support construction crews by providing accurate and timely utility information to avoid service interruptions and damages.
• Perform physical tasks required to complete day-to-day field operations safely and efficiently.
• Additional responsibilities within functional scope based on business needs.

Required Qualifications:

Education, Licensing, and Certifications
• High school diploma or GED preferred.
• Valid unrestricted Driver’s License required.
• OSHA 10 certification required.
• CDL preferred.

Experience
• Minimum of 2 years of recent underground utility locating experience.
• Experience supporting directional drilling, excavation, or construction operations preferred.

Skills and Abilities
• Basic computer proficiency for reviewing maps, work orders, and project documentation.
• Ability to safely operate locating equipment and related field tools.
• Strong interpersonal communication skills with the ability to work effectively with crews, leadership, and clients.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively as part of a team.
• Strong attention to detail and commitment to safety standards.

Preferred Qualifications:
• Experience in telecommunications or utility construction environments.
• Familiarity with directional drilling and underground utility infrastructure.

Physical Requirements:
• Ability to lift and carry up to 50 lbs.
• Ability to stand, walk, bend, squat, climb, kneel, push, pull, and work in physically demanding positions for extended periods.
• Work performed outdoors in all weather conditions and around heavy equipment.
• Ability to maintain visual and audible awareness of surrounding personnel, vehicles, and equipment.
• Must be able to pass a pre-employment background check, drug screen, and Motor Vehicle Record (MVR) review.

Congruex Culture & Benefits:
Congruex’s culture of safety and performance is built on the 4X Factor core values of Be Safe, Be Accountable, Be Respectful, and Earn Trust. These values guide how we work with one another and how we interact with our customers.

We are committed to building a workplace where employees feel supported and recognized. We invest in employees through a comprehensive approach, including the benefits below with eligibility on Day 1 of employment:

• Medical, Dental & Vision benefits with 70% paid by the company
• 401(k) with company match up to 4% and immediate vesting
• Competitive PTO accrual for non-exempt roles
• 10 company paid holidays (9 standard and 1 floating)
• Company Paid Short-Term and Long-Term Disability coverage
• Company Paid Basic Life Insurance (with employee paid voluntary options)
• Annual Safety Boot Program of up to $150 per eligible field employee per year
• Safety Points Program for eligible field employees redeemable in the company store
• Free wellness benefits like counseling, financial planning, and more

Additional Employment Information:
We will determine salary based on skills and experience in relation to the function of the role, as well as equity to employees in similar roles. Some benefits have eligibility criteria. All requirements are subject to possible modification to reasonably accommodate individuals with disabilities.

This job description in no way states or implies that these are the only duties to be performed by the employee occupying this position. This document does not create an employment contract, implied or otherwise, other than an “at-will” employment relationship. Conditions to hiring may include but are not necessarily limited to background checks and drug testing.