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Horizontal Directional Drill Locator Jobs (NOW HIRING)

VERITA TELECOMMUNICATIONS

Directional Drill Locator

Becker, MN · On-site

$24.75 - $30.50/hr

The Directional Drill Locator is responsible for operating locating equipment to track and guide the drill head during horizontal directional drilling (HDD) operations. This role ensures accurate ...

Turner Mining Group

$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 ...

Turner Mining Group

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 ...

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Horizontal Directional Drill Locator information

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$13

$26

$34

How much do horizontal directional drill locator jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 31, 2026, the average hourly pay for horizontal 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 are some common challenges faced by Horizontal Directional Drill Locators on the job, and how can they be managed?

Horizontal Directional Drill Locators often encounter challenges such as identifying and avoiding underground utilities, interpreting complex drilling plans, and adapting to variable soil conditions. Managing these challenges requires strong communication with the drill operator, careful use of locating equipment, and staying updated on local utility maps. Proactive planning and ongoing training in safety protocols are also essential to minimize risks and ensure successful project completion.

What is a Horizontal Directional Drill Locator?

A Horizontal Directional Drill (HDD) Locator is a professional who operates specialized equipment to track and guide the drill head during underground drilling projects. Their main responsibility is to ensure the drill follows the planned path, avoiding obstacles like utilities and maintaining correct depth and alignment. HDD Locators work closely with drill operators to communicate real-time information, helping to prevent damage and ensure safe, efficient installation of pipelines, cables, or conduits. This role requires attention to detail, knowledge of underground mapping, and familiarity with electronic tracking systems.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Horizontal Directional Drill Locator, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Horizontal Directional Drill Locator, you need strong understanding of underground utility mapping, drilling operations, and safety standards, often supported by a high school diploma or technical training. Familiarity with locating equipment (such as DigiTrak or Subsite), GPS systems, and utility detection tools is typically required. Attention to detail, problem-solving, and effective teamwork are vital soft skills in this role. These competencies ensure safe, precise drilling operations and help prevent costly or dangerous utility strikes.

What is the difference between Horizontal Directional Drill Locator vs Pipe Locator?

AspectHorizontal Directional Drill LocatorPipe Locator
CredentialsOSHA certification, technical trainingOSHA certification, technical training
Work EnvironmentConstruction sites, underground drillingConstruction sites, underground utilities
Industry UsageDirectional drilling projects, underground infrastructureUtility installation, pipeline detection

Both Horizontal Directional Drill Locators and Pipe Locators require similar certifications and are used in underground utility work. The main difference is that Drill Locators focus on locating and guiding horizontal drilling equipment, while Pipe Locators are used to detect existing underground pipes and utilities. Understanding these distinctions helps in selecting the right professional for specific underground projects.

More about Horizontal Directional Drill Locator jobs
What job categories do people searching Horizontal Directional Drill Locator jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Horizontal Directional Drill Locator jobs are:
Horizontal Directional Drill Locator jobs near you
Infographic showing various Horizontal Directional Drill Locator job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 67% Full Time, 32% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 76% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 23% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $54,296 per year, or $26.1 per hour.

Horizontal Directional Drill Locator

NTI Connect LLC

Manassas, VA • On-site

$22.75 - $28/hr

Full-time

Medical, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 17 days ago

Job description

Job Title: HDD Locator (Horizontal Directional Drilling Locator)

Position Type: Full-Time

Reports To: HDD Foreman

Location: Manassas VA

If being a part of a world-class organization that operates in some of the most advanced technological environments around the world sounds like a dream job, Network Connex might be the right fit for you! You’ll be part of a team working together to solve customer problems every day, with compensation and benefits that are an investment in your career, financial future, and overall well-being.

Position Summary

The HDD Locator is responsible for monitoring and guiding horizontal directional drilling operations by accurately reading and interpreting locating equipment. This role ensures bore paths are completed safely, efficiently, and according to engineered design. The Locator works closely with the HDD Operator, Foreman, and field crew to avoid underground utilities, maintain proper depth and alignment, and ensure successful completions of pilot bores and pullbacks.

Key Responsibilities

Locating & Bore Guidance

  • Operate and interpret HDD locating equipment to track drill head position, depth, pitch, and direction.
  • Communicate continuous drilling feedback to the HDD Operator.
  • Guide bores according to design specifications, prints, and utility locates.
  • Adjust bore path in real-time to avoid conflicts with existing underground utilities.

Safety & Compliance

  • Maintain strict adherence to OSHA, company, and industry safety standards.
  • Participate in daily safety meetings and job hazard analyses (JHAs).
  • Ensure safe digging practices around active utilities and sensitive infrastructure.
  • Assist with potholing, hand-digging, and exposure of utilities as required.

Documentation & Reporting

  • Record bore logs, depth measurements, shots, and tracking information.
  • Assist with as‑built documentation and production records.
  • Report deviations, obstructions, or abnormal conditions to the Foreman.

Construction Support

  • Assist with setup of drilling equipment, mud systems, and work areas.
  • Support the crew during pullback, reaming, and equipment movement activities.
  • Help maintain a clean and organized job site.

Equipment Care

  • Maintain locating equipment (transmitters, receivers, batteries, chargers) in good working order.
  • Perform daily function checks to ensure accuracy and calibration.
  • Report equipment issues immediately.

Required Qualifications

Experience

  • 1–3 years of locating experience in HDD, utilities, or underground construction.
  • Experience with Ditch Witch, Subsite, DigiTrak, or Vermeer locating systems preferred.
  • OSP telecommunications experience strongly preferred.

Skills & Competencies

  • Strong understanding of bore planning, underground utilities, and safe digging practices.
  • Ability to read construction prints, utility locates and bore path designs.
  • Excellent communication skills for real-time coordination with the Operator.
  • Strong situational awareness and problem-solving ability.
  • Ability to work in fast‑paced outdoor environments.

Licenses & Certifications

  • Valid driver’s license required (Class A CDL preferred).
  • OSHA 10 or OSHA 30 certification preferred.
  • Manufacturer training on locating equipment (preferred).

Physical Requirements

  • Ability to lift 50–75 lbs regularly.
  • Work outdoors in varying weather and terrain conditions.
  • Ability to walk long distances, bend, stoop, and stand for extended periods.
  • Ability to work in trenches, near roadways, and around active equipment.

Work Environment

  • Outdoor construction environments with exposure to weather, heavy equipment, mud, and traffic.
  • Travel between job sites may be required.

In addition to competitive base pay, Network Connex offers a comprehensive benefits package designed to support your physical, mental, and financial health and you can begin participating in our programs on the first of the month following your start date.

Join our Vanguard 401(k) plan, with immediate vesting and a generous 5% company match to help you build long-term financial security. Our team also enjoys 10 paid company holidays, a generous PTO accrual schedule, and access to discounts on useful products and services.


EEOC-Minority/Female/Disability/Veteran 

Network Connex believes all persons are entitled to equal employment opportunities and does not discriminate against employees or job applicants because of race, color, gender, affectional or sexual orientation, domestic partnership status, ancestry, religion, national origin, citizenship status, marital status, disability, veteran status, age or any other protected group status. Upon acceptance of an offer, all candidates will be required to pass a background check and drug screening.