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Horizontal Directional Drill Locator Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Team Fishel

Directional Drill Locator

Columbus, OH · On-site

$24 - $35/hr

A Directional Drill Locator at Team Fishel will interpret the signals sent from underground transmitters about location, angle, temperature and other factors for the drill operator, who operates the ...

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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 Sep 4, 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 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 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 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.

How much does a horizontal directional drill locator make?

A horizontal directional drill locator typically earns between $50,000 and $80,000 annually, depending on experience, certifications, and location. Skilled operators with specialized knowledge of locating underground utilities can earn higher wages, especially in regions with high demand for underground construction work.
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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.

Horizontal Directional Drill Operator

UNDERWAY FIBERAXIS LLC

Sarasota, FL • On-site

$33/hr

Full-time

PTO

Posted 22 days ago

Key responsibilities

  • Operate horizontal directional drilling equipment to install underground conduit and microduct systems for fiber-optic infrastructure.

  • Perform pilot bores, reaming, and product pullback operations while following project specifications and safety requirements.

  • Coordinate with locators, ground crew, and other project personnel to ensure proper bore depth, alignment, and safety measures.

Job description

Benefits:
  • Company housing
  • Company gas card
  • Company car
  • Paid time off
  • Training & development

VETERNAN OWED BUSINESS
Position Summary
We are seeking an experienced Directional Drill Operator (HDD Operator) to join our underground fiber construction team in Florida. We are working in various position This position will support Sedulous Broadband LLC fiber infrastructure projects utilizing Hexatronic systems and materials.
The Directional Drill Operator will be responsible for safely and efficiently operating horizontal directional drilling equipment to install underground conduit and microduct for fiber-optic infrastructure.
We are looking for someone who understands underground utility construction, can work productively with a locator and ground crew, takes care of equipment, and can consistently complete accurate bores while following project specifications and safety requirements.
Responsibilities
  • Operate horizontal directional drilling equipment for underground fiber-optic construction.
  • Perform pilot bores, reaming, and product pullback operations.
  • Install conduit, duct, and Hexatronic microduct systems according to project requirements.
  • Work closely with the HDD locator to maintain proper bore depth, pitch, alignment, and path.
  • Read and understand construction prints, bore plans, utility maps, and project specifications.
  • Conduct pre-job walkouts and identify proposed bore paths and potential obstacles.
  • Assist with potholing and exposing existing utilities when required.
  • Maintain appropriate separation from existing utilities and infrastructure.
  • Monitor drilling conditions and make adjustments based on soil conditions, utilities, and job-site conditions.
  • Properly mix and manage drilling fluid when required.
  • Inspect the drill and supporting equipment before and after operation.
  • Report equipment problems, damage, or maintenance needs immediately.
  • Assist with loading, unloading, setup, and breakdown of drilling equipment.
  • Coordinate with locators, laborers, supervisors, inspectors, and other project personnel.
  • Protect existing utilities, landscaping, roads, driveways, sidewalks, and customer property.
  • Maintain a clean and safe work area.
  • Follow company, project, OSHA, utility-owner, and job-site safety requirements.
  • Assist the crew with handholes, conduit, restoration, and general underground construction duties when drilling operations are complete or temporarily stopped.
  • Complete assigned production documentation and provide accurate information regarding completed footage and work performed.
Qualifications
Required:

  • Previous experience operating horizontal directional drilling equipment.
  • Experience with underground utility, telecommunications, broadband, or fiber-optic construction.
  • Ability to safely perform directional bores in active utility environments.
  • Ability to read construction prints and understand bore routes.
  • Knowledge of HDD drilling procedures, tooling, rods, reamers, and product pullback.
  • Ability to communicate effectively with the locator and ground crew.
  • Ability to work outdoors in Florida weather and changing job-site conditions.
  • Ability to perform physically demanding construction work when needed.
  • Ability to work extended hours and Saturdays when required by production or project schedules.
  • Dependable transportation and reliable attendance.
  • Valid driver's license and acceptable driving history for employees operating company vehicles.
Preferred:

  • Experience with Vermeer, Ditch Witch, or similar HDD equipment.
  • Experience with Digitrak F2, F5, or comparable locating systems.
  • Previous fiber-to-the-home (FTTH) or broadband construction experience.
  • Experience installing conduit or microduct systems.
  • Experience working around handholes, pedestals, vaults, and underground telecommunications infrastructure.
  • CDL or experience towing construction equipment is a plus.
Physical Requirements
Candidates must be able to:
  • Work outdoors for extended periods.
  • Lift and carry construction materials, tools, and equipment.
  • Frequently stand, walk, bend, kneel, climb, push, and pull.
  • Work around mud, dust, noise, traffic, heavy equipment, and varying terrain.
  • Safely work in hot and humid Florida conditions.
What We're Looking For
We are looking for operators who take pride in their work and understand that a successful bore requires more than simply operating the machine.
The right candidate will be safety-conscious, dependable, production-focused, mechanically responsible, and able to communicate effectively with the entire drilling crew.
Operators are expected to respect the equipment, protect existing utilities, follow the designated bore path, communicate with their locator, and produce quality work without sacrificing safety.
Schedule
This is a field-based construction position. Work schedules may vary depending on project requirements, weather, inspections, production goals, and customer requirements.
Candidates should be prepared for:
  • Full-time field work
  • Early mornings
  • Extended workdays when necessary
  • Occasional Saturday work
  • Travel within assigned Florida project areas
  • Changing job locations as the fiber build progresses
Join the Team
If you have HDD experience and are looking for an opportunity to work on a growing fiber-optic infrastructure project in Florida, we encourage you to apply.
We are looking for experienced operators who can help our crews complete safe, accurate, and productive underground fiber installations.