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Hdd Locator Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

A Successful HDD Locator is specially trained and has expertise in locating horizontal/directional drill rigs from Vermeer 24x40 up to Vermeer 330x500 and product support equipment utilizing the ...

Travel HDD Locator

Sacramento, CA · On-site

$20 - $28/hr

A Successful HDD Locator is specially trained and has expertise in locating horizontal/directional drill rigs from Vermeer 24x40 up to Vermeer 330x500 and product support equipment utilizing the ...

Travel HDD Locator

Sacramento, CA · On-site

$20 - $28/hr

A Successful HDD Locator is specially trained and has expertise in locating horizontal/directional drill rigs from Vermeer 24x40 up to Vermeer 330x500 and product support equipment utilizing the ...

HDD locator

Fresno, CA · On-site

$26 - $36/hr

Horizontal Directional Drilling (HDD) Locator We are seeking a Drill Locator to join our team in Fresno, CA . In this role you will operate drilling equipment to complete assigned projects and ...

Horizontal Direction Drilling (HDD) Locator Job Summary: Essel is looking for a detail-oriented and safety-conscious Horizontal Direction Drilling Locator to join our team. In this role, you will be ...

Horizontal Direction Drilling Locator

Stockton, CA · On-site

$25.50 - $31.50/hr

Horizontal Direction Drilling (HDD) Locator Job Summary: Essel is looking for a detail-oriented and safety-conscious Horizontal Direction Drilling Locator to join our team. In this role, you will be ...

Horizontal Direction Drilling Locator

Stockton, CA · On-site

$25.50 - $31.50/hr

Horizontal Direction Drilling (HDD) Locator Job Summary: Essel is looking for a detail-oriented and safety-conscious Horizontal Direction Drilling Locator to join our team. In this role, you will be ...

Bore Drill Locator II

Selma, CA · On-site

$21 - $28/hr

Operate HDD locating and walk-over tracking equipment to guide the drill head along the designated ... The wage range for Bore Drill Locator II is $21.00 - $28.00 Why work with us Your career here is ...

The role of a Horizontal/Directional Drill Operator and Locator includes operating horizontal ... Perform semi-skilled activities related to HDD locating must be familiar with industry standards ...

The role of a Horizontal/Directional Drill Operator and Locator includes operating horizontal ... Perform semi-skilled activities related to HDD locating must be familiar with industry standards ...

The role of a Horizontal/Directional Drill Operator and Locator includes operating horizontal ... Perform semi-skilled activities related to HDD locating must be familiar with industry standards ...

The role of a Horizontal/Directional Drill Operator and Locator includes operating horizontal ... Perform semi-skilled activities related to HDD locating must be familiar with industry standards ...

The role of a Horizontal/Directional Drill Operator and Locator includes operating horizontal ... Perform semi-skilled activities related to HDD locating must be familiar with industry standards ...

The role of a Horizontal/Directional Drill Operator and Locator includes operating horizontal ... Perform semi-skilled activities related to HDD locating must be familiar with industry standards ...

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Showing results 1-20

Hdd Locator information

See California salary details

$9

$15

$21

How much do hdd locator jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 7, 2026, the average hourly pay for hdd locator in California is $15.93, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.23 and $17.07 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is an HDD locator?

An HDD Locator, or Horizontal Directional Drilling Locator, is a professional responsible for tracking and guiding the drilling head during horizontal directional drilling operations. Their main job is to use specialized electronic equipment to accurately locate the drill head underground, ensuring that it follows the planned path and avoids obstacles like utilities or rocks. HDD Locators play a critical role in the installation of underground pipelines, cables, and conduits with minimal surface disruption. They often work closely with drill operators and must interpret data from the locator device to provide real-time guidance. Strong communication, problem-solving skills, and technical knowledge of the equipment are essential for this role.

What are the typical daily interactions and collaborations for an HDD locator on a job site?

As an HDD Locator, you’ll work closely with the drill operator, site supervisors, and utility inspectors to ensure safe and precise drilling. Your day typically involves frequent communication with the drill crew to relay real-time information about underground utilities and bore path adjustments. You may also coordinate with local utility representatives and project managers to confirm utility locations and resolve any site challenges. Effective teamwork and clear communication are crucial, as your input directly impacts the accuracy and safety of horizontal directional drilling operations.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an HDD locator, and why are they important?

To thrive as an HDD Locator, you need a solid understanding of horizontal directional drilling processes, utility mapping, and equipment operation, often gained through experience or specialized training. Familiarity with locating equipment (such as DCI or Subsite locators), utility detection systems, and safety certifications like OSHA are typically required. Strong problem-solving skills, attention to detail, and effective communication are essential soft skills for working safely and accurately with crews. These abilities are crucial to prevent utility strikes, ensure project efficiency, and maintain a safe work environment.

What is the difference between Hdd Locator vs Data Center Technician?

AspectHdd LocatorData Center Technician
Required CredentialsBasic technical knowledge, certifications like CompTIA A+Technical certifications, such as CompTIA Server+ or Cisco CCNA
Work EnvironmentData centers, server rooms, hardware repair sitesData centers, server rooms, network operation centers
Employer & Industry UsageIT hardware companies, data centers, repair servicesTelecommunications, IT service providers, large enterprises

Hdd Locators primarily focus on identifying and locating hard drives within hardware setups, often requiring basic technical skills. Data Center Technicians have broader responsibilities, including hardware installation, troubleshooting, and network support. While both roles work in data centers, Hdd Locators specialize in hard drive identification, whereas Data Center Technicians handle comprehensive hardware and network tasks.

How much does a HDD locator make?

HDD locators typically earn between $30,000 and $60,000 annually, depending on experience, location, and the complexity of the equipment they work with. Entry-level positions may start lower, while experienced technicians with specialized skills can earn higher wages. Certifications and familiarity with diagnostic tools can also influence salary levels.
Infographic showing various Hdd Locator job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $33,144 per year, or $15.9 per hour.

Travel HDD Locator

FiberTel, LLC

Sacramento, CA • On-site

$20/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 4 days ago


Job description

About Us
A fully owned subsidiary of Quanta Services, Inc. (NYSE: PWR), FiberTel, LLC. is locally grown in Utah's Art City and has rapidly expanded over the Northwest and Western regions.
As an advocate for economic growth in the state of Utah, Idaho, Washington, Oregon, Nevada, and California we understand the business of conveying information. With all that is happening in our state and nationwide, we are seeing different ways of life, work, and school. The increase in work from home and online school has put a strain on internet providers and their bandwidth. Internet Providers are relying heavily on us to continue the construction and installation of fiber optics to ensure that internet service goes uninterrupted for the people of our communities.
We are a utility construction company, with a specialization in the installation of fiber optics. We offer a full turnkey experience for our clients.
For our employees, we offer rewarding benefits including medical, dental, and vision insurance, paid vacation, paid holidays, and 401k (with company match).
We are an Equal Opportunity Employer and participate in E-Verify.
About this Role
FiberTel is looking for a HDD Locator for our Sacramento, CA location. This is a travel position focused on Sacramento, Vallejo, and Santa Rosa.
A Successful HDD Locator is specially trained and has expertise in locating horizontal/directional drill rigs from Vermeer 24x40 up to Vermeer 330x500 and product support equipment utilizing the latest in electronics to navigate the drill stem in a trenchless operation. Rock experience is a major plus.
Pay: $20-28/hr, DOE
What You'll Do
Responsibilities:
  • Operate HDD locating equipment for installation of underground cable conduit or utilities
  • Ensure proper steering based on the noted job preparations and projections
  • Knowledgeable in locating to provide bend radius for steel pipe
  • Able to strictly adhere to tolerances provided on engineered profiles
  • Maintain bore profile plots and provide customer with directional drilling data
  • Assist in locating and planning bores around existing utilities
  • Assist with all aspects of the job including basic labor responsibilities
  • Maintain professionalism with the public, customers, and crew
  • Obtain prints & permits for all assigned jobs from Supervisor or customer
  • Setup & cleanup of the worksite, plan for no return trips

What You'll Bring
Qualifications:
  • Prior HDD locator experience
  • Operate DCI or Underground Magnetics locate systems
  • Experience with wireline locate systems is a plus
  • Prior drill crew experience preferred
  • Must be able to pass a pre-employment drug screen and background check.
  • Possess a valid driver's license or be eligible and willing to obtain the required license for the position.
  • A good driving record is required.
  • Comprehension of ground conditions for drilling, boring, and/or locating.
  • Basic knowledge of and ability to hand tools and equipment in a safe manner.
  • Class A Commercial Driver's License is a plus, and may be required within 6 months (Employer assistance provided)
  • Ability to communicate effectively with customers, employees, etc.
  • Willing and able to work in all weather conditions.
  • Able to lift/carry 50 lbs regularly and up to 100 lbs as needed with or without assistance

Preferred Qualifications:
  • Previous construction experience, preferably in the telecom or pipeline industry.
  • Knowledge of established Horizontal/Directional Drill Locator procedures and techniques
  • Ability to perform Horizontal/Directional Drill Locator procedures and duties.
  • Ability to travel.

Working Conditions:
This is a full-time hourly position, expected to work at least 40 hours per week. This position operates in an outdoor environment and is regularly exposed to outside weather conditions including; extreme cold, rain, sleet, snow, humidity, high temperatures, and high wind. The outside work environment will vary throughout the day including changes in terrain, traffic, urban settings, and/or rural settings. This position may occasionally be exposed to natural gas and to the risk of electrical shock. Exposure to moderate to loud noise levels.
Physical Requirements:
The employee will need to have the ability to stand for long periods of time (up to 12 hours at a time), tolerate work in extreme weather conditions, speak and hear worksite safety instructions, withstand prolonged and repeated: lifting, standing, climbing, kneeling, reaching and feeling, crouching, and crawling. The employee will need to be able to regularly lift 75 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus.
What You'll Get
Benefits Include:
  • Health Insurance: Medical, Dental, Vision Plans, Critical Illness, Hospital Indemnity, Accident
  • Flexible Spending Accounts/Health Savings Accounts
  • PWR Discounts (Flight Tickets, Amusement Park Tickets, Nike)
  • Group Discount (Pet Insurance, Auto Insurance, Home Insurance)
  • Retirement Savings Plan (401K) with company matching
  • Short & Long Term Disability
  • Supplemental Life and AD&D Insurance
  • Paid Holidays and Vacation

Pay is based on the knowledge, skills, and abilities of the employee.
Applicants are required to pass all company drug testing, submit to a background check and adhere to all OSHA, state, city/municipality safety requirements and training provided by the company as required
Our Company is an Equal Opportunity Employer and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any kind including, based on disability and protected veteran status. The Company's policy is not to discriminate against any applicant or employee based on race, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information, religion, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other basis protected by applicable federal, state, or local laws. The Company also prohibits harassment of applicants or employees based on any of these protected categories. It is also the Company's policy to comply with all applicable state and federal laws respecting consideration of unemployment status in making hiring decisions. Please visit the following URL to view the EEO is the Law poster and the Supplement. (https://www.dol.gov/ofccp/regs/compliance/posters/ofccpost.htm)
The Company also does not consider criminal convictions to be an absolute bar to employment and will consider qualified applicants with criminal histories.
Applicants applying for positions in Illinois are not required to disclose arrests or sealed or expunged records of convictions.
FiberTel, LLC
Compensation Range
The anticipated compensation for this position is USD $20.00/Hr. - USD $28.00/Hr. depending on experience and qualifications.
Equal Opportunity Employer
All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment and will not be discriminated against on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin or ancestry, sex (including gender, pregnancy, sexual orientation, and/or gender identity), age, disability, genetic information, veteran status, and/or any other basis protected by applicable federal, state or local law.
We are an Equal Opportunity Employer, including disability and protected veteran status.
We prohibit all types of discrimination and are committed to providing access and equal opportunity for individuals with disabilities. For additional information or if reasonable accommodation is needed to participate in the job application, interview, or hiring processes or to perform the essential functions of a position, please contact us the Company's Human Resources department.