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Horizontal Directional Drill Locator Jobs (NOW HIRING)

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

$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 ...

MasTec Communications Group

Directional Drill Locator

Tucson, AZ · On-site

$26 - $30/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Locate a Horizontal Directional Driller for the installation of underground conduit and fiber optic cable * Operate a horizontal directional bore in collaboration with the Drill Locator to ...

MasTec Communications Group

Directional Drill Locator

Tucson, AZ · On-site

$26 - $30/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Locate a Horizontal Directional Driller for the installation of underground conduit and fiber optic cable * Operate a horizontal directional bore in collaboration with the Drill Locator to ...

MasTec Inc

Directional Drill Operator/Locator

Salt Lake City, UT · On-site

$28 - $32/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Locate a Horizontal Directional Driller for the installation of underground conduit and fiber optic cable * Operate a horizontal directional bore in collaboration with the Drill Locator to ...

MasTec Communications Group

Directional Drill Locator

Tucson, AZ · On-site

$26 - $30/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Locate a Horizontal Directional Driller for the installation of underground conduit and fiber optic cable * Operate a horizontal directional bore in collaboration with the Drill Locator to ...

MasTec Inc

Directional Drill Operator/Locator

Baton Rouge, LA · On-site

$23 - $28/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Locate a Horizontal Directional Driller for the installation of underground conduit and fiber optic cable * Operate a horizontal directional bore in collaboration with the Drill Locator to ...

MasTec Communications Group

Directional Drill Locator

Tucson, AZ · On-site

$26 - $30/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Locate a Horizontal Directional Driller for the installation of underground conduit and fiber optic cable * Operate a horizontal directional bore in collaboration with the Drill Locator to ...

Prim

Horizontal Directional Drill (HDD) Locator

Balch Springs, TX · On-site

$20.75 - $25.75/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

As the Horizontal Directional Bore Operator/Locator, you possess a high level of expertise in locating and product support equipment, as well as running horizontal/directional drill rigs prefer 9X13 ...

MasTec Communications Group

Directional Drill Locator

Tucson, AZ · On-site

$26 - $30/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Locate a Horizontal Directional Driller for the installation of underground conduit and fiber optic cable * Operate a horizontal directional bore in collaboration with the Drill Locator to ...

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Showing results 21-40

All JobsHorizontal Directional Drill Locator Jobs

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 Aug 13, 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 challenges do horizontal directional drill locators face, 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 skills and qualifications are needed to be a horizontal directional drill locator?

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 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.

Directional Drilling Locator

Turner Mining Group

On-site

$22 - $27/hr

Full-time

Re-posted yesterday

Job description

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 operator to safely and accurately install underground fiber conduit and larger-diameter pipe.

The ideal candidate can independently locate the drill head, operate supporting equipment, and transport the drill package using a Class A CDL.


Responsibilities

  • Track the drill head and communicate depth, pitch, roll, direction, and steering corrections to the drill operator.
  • Operate DCI/DigiTrak and Underground Magnetics locating systems.
  • Review bore paths, utility markings, entry points, exit points, and required depths.
  • Maintain safe clearance from existing underground utilities.
  • Assist with pilot boring, backreaming, conduit installation, and pullback.
  • Operate a mud vacuum and support potholing, drilling-fluid management, and jobsite cleanup.
  • Assist with directional drill setup, operation, inspections, and basic maintenance.
  • Drive a Class A truck and trailer with air brakes to transport an approximately 40,000-pound drill package.
  • Complete approximately five drill shots per day, depending on project conditions.
  • Perform general field duties necessary to support the two-person crew.


Qualifications

  • Previous HDD drill-locating experience.
  • Experience with DCI/DigiTrak or Underground Magnetics locating equipment.
  • Valid Class A CDL with air-brake experience.
  • Experience towing heavy equipment using a truck and trailer.
  • Familiarity with directional drilling, underground fiber, conduit, and utility construction.
  • Ability to operate a mud vacuum and assist with directional drill operations.
  • Strong communication skills and the ability to work effectively in a two-person crew.
  • Dependable attendance and the ability to report to the Harmony shop each morning.
  • Ability to work outdoors and perform physically demanding fieldwork.