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Hdd Locator Jobs (NOW HIRING)

HDD Locator - CDL

Abilene, TX · On-site

$14.50 - $17.50/hr

HDD Locator Our Core Values: Guided by Safety. Focused on Communities. Powered by Care. Classification: Non-Exempt Essential Functions: Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals ...

HDD Operator/Driller

Saint Joseph, MO · On-site

$22.25 - $30.25/hr

Collaborate with the HDD locator to ensure alignment with the planned route and enforce safety protocols for a secure working environment. * Perform routine maintenance on the HDD rig, conduct ...

HDD Drill Operators

Joplin, MO · On-site

$30 - $36/hr

Collaborate with the HDD locator to ensure alignment with the planned route and enforce safety protocols for a secure working environment * Safely operate assigned equipment, conduct pre-trip ...

HDD Drill Operators

Henderson, CO · On-site

$30 - $36/hr

Collaborate with the HDD locator to ensure alignment with the planned route and enforce safety protocols for a secure working environment * Safely operate assigned equipment, conduct pre-trip ...

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 ...

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Hdd Locator information

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How much do hdd locator jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 9, 2026, the average hourly pay for hdd locator in the United States is $16.15, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.42 and $17.31 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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.

What is an HDD Locator and what do they do?

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.
More about Hdd Locator jobs
What cities are hiring for Hdd Locator jobs? Cities with the most Hdd Locator job openings:
What states have the most Hdd Locator jobs? States with the most job openings for Hdd Locator jobs include:
Infographic showing various Hdd Locator job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% As Needed, 94% Full Time, and 4% Part Time. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $33,584 per year, or $16.1 per hour.
HDD Locator - CDL

$14.50 - $17.50/hr

Full-time

Posted 5 hours ago


Job description

Position Title: HDD Locator
Our Core Values: Guided by Safety. Focused on Communities. Powered by Care.
Classification: Non-Exempt
Essential Functions:
Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.
The HDD Locator is Responsible for assisting Drill Operator in locating drill head and drilling in accordance with blueprints. Verify locate marks and confirm location of existing facilities. Assist with clean-up and other duties as assigned. The Locater is responsible for maintaining equipment per manufacturer's specifications and safety guideline
Roles and Responsibilities:
  • Ensures safety of the public and other utilities underground facilities.
  • Perform duties according to prescribed safety procedures and uses appropriate safety equipment.
  • Reads utility, locates and coordinating day lighting of these facilities.
  • Ensures all applicable permits and locates are complete and on site.
  • Inspect the work that is in progress to ensure that the workmanship conforms to specifications.
  • Operates vehicles and equipment operations from trucks to other equipment as directed and certified.
  • Leads team in the field effectively and efficiently as needed and directed by supervisor.

Success Factors:
  • Ability to perform heavy manual labor for extended periods, often under adverse climatic conditions.
  • Capacity to read and understand blueprints; knowledge of utility depths and placements; general knowledge of construction practices is required
  • Ability to work in trenches, manholes, tunnels and confined spaces in work settings with moderate to loud noise levels
  • Ability to lift up to 80 lbs. multiple times during a work shift
  • Ability to climb, dig, work in tight spaces, on uneven surfaces, walking, stooping, and kneeling
  • Ability to understand and follow specific oral and written instructions
  • Ability to work well independently and as a part of a team with co-workers
  • Ability to pass motor vehicle, criminal background check, and comply with drug-free workplace policy
  • English usage sufficient to keep records, place orders, and prepare simple narrative reports
  • Willingness and ability to learn additional skills

Experience and Education:
  • High school diploma or equivalent desired
  • Experience working with underground utilities desired
  • Bilingual English/Spanish is a plus

Additional Requirements/Licenses/Certifications:
  • Possession of, or ability to obtain, a valid State of Residence Driver's License is required within two weeks of employment.
  • Candidates must pass criminal and Motor Vehicle Record (MVR) background checks and pass a pre-employment drug screen.

Notes:
The statements herein are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by employees and are not to be construed as an exhaustive list of responsibilities, duties, and skills required of personnel so classified. Furthermore, they do not establish a contract for employment and are subject to change at the discretion of the employer.
Equal Opportunity Employer
This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws.
For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.