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Underground Locator Jobs (NOW HIRING)

HDD Underground Locator

Belle Glade, FL · On-site

$22.25 - $27.50/hr

The HDD Underground Locator works closely with drill operators and field leadership to support successful underground fiber installations through precise locating, documentation, and real-time ...

HDD Underground Locator

Loxahatchee Groves, FL · On-site

$22.75 - $28/hr

The HDD Underground Locator works closely with drill operators and field leadership to support successful underground fiber installations through precise locating, documentation, and real-time ...

HDD Underground Locator

Clewiston, FL · On-site

$22.50 - $28/hr

The HDD Underground Locator works closely with drill operators and field leadership to support successful underground fiber installations through precise locating, documentation, and real-time ...

HDD Underground Locator

Mesa, AZ · On-site

$20.75 - $25.75/hr

The HDD Underground Locator works closely with drill operators and field leadership to support successful underground fiber installations through precise locating, documentation, and real-time ...

HDD Underground Locator

Phoenix, AZ · On-site

$24 - $29.75/hr

The HDD Underground Locator works closely with drill operators and field leadership to support successful underground fiber installations through precise locating, documentation, and real-time ...

Damage Prevention Underground Locator

Tampa, FL · On-site

$21 - $28.50/hr

POSITION CONCEPT Accurately locate and mark Tampa Electric Company's underground facilities to ensure public safety and minimize damage resulting from excavation work. Also, in response to customer ...

Damage Prevention Underground Locator

Tampa, FL · On-site

$22 - $27.25/hr

POSITION CONCEPT Accurately locate and mark Tampa Electric Company's underground facilities to ensure public safety and minimize damage resulting from excavation work. Also, in response to customer ...

Damage Prevention Underground Locator

Tampa, FL · On-site

$22.25 - $27.50/hr

POSITION CONCEPT Accurately locate and mark Tampa Electric Company's underground facilities to ensure public safety and minimize damage resulting from excavation work. Also, in response to customer ...

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Underground Locator information

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$26

How much do underground locator jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 22, 2026, the average hourly pay for underground locator in the United States is $18.42, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.38 and $19.23 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does USIC pay per hour?

Underground locators at USIC typically earn between $15 and $20 per hour, depending on experience and location. The role often requires knowledge of utility markings, safety protocols, and the use of specialized tools. Compensation may also include overtime and benefits based on employment status.

How to become an underground utility locator?

To become an underground utility locator, you typically need a high school diploma or equivalent, along with training in locating techniques and the use of specialized tools like ground-penetrating radar and electromagnetic locators. Some employers prefer candidates with certification from industry organizations such as the National Utility Locating Contractors Association (NULCA) or similar. On-the-job training is common, and safety awareness is essential due to the nature of the work environment.

What are Underground Locators?

Underground Locators are professionals who use specialized equipment to detect and map underground utilities such as gas, water, electric, and telecommunications lines. Their work ensures that construction or excavation projects do not accidentally damage these hidden utilities, which can cause safety hazards and service disruptions. Locators interpret site plans, mark utility paths on the ground, and often communicate with contractors or property owners to provide accurate information. This role requires attention to detail, technical skills, and knowledge of safety protocols.

What are some common challenges faced by Underground Locators in the field, and how can they be addressed?

Underground Locators often encounter challenges such as interpreting outdated or inaccurate utility maps, dealing with adverse weather conditions, and identifying utilities in congested or high-traffic areas. To overcome these obstacles, locators rely on advanced detection equipment, thorough training, and effective communication with utility companies and site personnel. Maintaining up-to-date certifications and following safety protocols also help ensure accuracy and minimize potential risks while on the job.

What is the difference between Underground Locator vs Utility Locator?

AspectUnderground LocatorUtility Locator
CertificationsOSHA safety training, industry-specific certificationsOSHA safety training, industry-specific certifications
Work EnvironmentUnderground construction sites, utility corridorsUnderground utility lines, construction zones
Employer & Industry UsageConstruction, telecommunications, energy sectorsUtility companies, construction firms, telecom providers
Search & Comparison IntentUnderstanding roles, certifications, and job dutiesSimilar roles, job requirements, and industry standards

Underground Locator and Utility Locator roles often overlap, with both requiring safety training and working in underground environments. However, Underground Locators typically focus on identifying and marking underground infrastructure during construction projects, while Utility Locators may have a broader scope, including locating various utility lines for maintenance or repair. Both roles are essential in ensuring safety and accuracy in underground work.

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

To thrive as an Underground Locator, you need knowledge of utility mapping, safe excavation practices, and typically a high school diploma or equivalent. Familiarity with electromagnetic locating equipment, GPS devices, and sometimes certifications like NULCA or OSHA safety training are commonly expected. Attention to detail, problem-solving skills, and effective communication help you accurately interpret site plans and coordinate with contractors. These abilities are crucial for preventing utility damage, ensuring safety, and maintaining operational efficiency on construction sites.

What do underground locators do?

Underground locators identify and mark underground utilities such as gas, water, electric, and communication lines to prevent damage during excavation or construction. They use specialized tools like ground-penetrating radar and utility maps, often requiring safety training and certification to ensure accurate detection and safe work practices.

What jobs make $500,000 a year?

In general, high-paying jobs that can reach or exceed $500,000 annually include specialized roles such as senior executives, surgeons, anesthesiologists, and certain legal partners. Some highly experienced professionals in niche fields like technology, finance, or engineering may also earn this level of income, often requiring advanced skills, certifications, and significant experience.
More about Underground Locator jobs
What states have the most Underground Locator jobs? States with the most job openings for Underground Locator jobs include:
Infographic showing various Underground Locator job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Internship, 93% Full Time, 5% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $38,319 per year, or $18.4 per hour.

HDD Underground Locator

ByVerTek LLC

Belle Glade, FL • On-site

$22.25 - $27.50/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 4 days ago


Job description

To help us in our mission to professionalize and innovate telecom construction, ByVerTek is now seeking a detail-oriented and safety-focused HDD Underground Locator to join our telecommunications construction team. In this role, you will be responsible for locating and tracking the drill head during horizontal directional drilling operations, ensuring bore accuracy, proper clearances, and compliance with industry standards and safety requirements. The HDD Underground Locator works closely with drill operators and field leadership to support successful underground fiber installations through precise locating, documentation, and real-time communication.

If you are looking for an opportunity to exercise your talents in a dynamic and fast-moving organization poised for rapid growth—where performance and initiative are rewarded—we urge you to apply!

What You'll do:

  • Confirm bore path with Field Supervisor/Construction Manager and drill operator (including walking the bore path)
  • Perform job site analysis (JSA) including completion of paperwork
  • Ensure there are proper clearances to install the product per standards
  • Record the depth of the tool head as required
  • Ensure the drill head is in a good position at the exit pit to connect the product
  • Locate other utilities as needed and maintain clearances from other utilities, ground, road, highway, sidewalk, and non-pedestrian areas
  • Read and interpret blueprints
  • Adhere to OSHA safety requirements to ensure safe and efficient completion of the job(s)
  • Maintain regular phone communication throughout the workday
  • Perform any other duties as assigned

Qualifications:

  • 1+ years experience in locating for HDD
  • Good verbal communication skills
  • Valid Driver’s License (Class A Driver’s License (CDL)) preferred

Education:

  • High School, Some college or vocational school a plus
  • Military experience a plus

Work Environment:

  • Must perform work with minimal supervision
  • Must be able to prioritize multiple projects and perform under pressure
  • Must negotiate timeframes for completion and meet critical deadlines
  • Must be willing and able to work with other coworkers to complete job assignments

Working Conditions & Exposure:

  • Primarily field-based role requiring regular travel to job sites.
  • Work performed outdoors with exposure to varying weather conditions, uneven terrain, and moderate noise levels.
  • Occasional evening or weekend work may be required based on project needs.

Physical Requirements:

The physical demands described here are representative of those required to successfully perform the essential functions of this position:

  • Ability to stand, walk, and work outdoors for extended periods.
  • Ability to safely navigate active construction environments.
  • Capability to lift and carry materials or equipment weighing up to 50 pounds as part of normal field activities.
  • Frequent bending, kneeling, climbing, and reaching during inspections and site supervision.
  • Visual acuity sufficient to read construction drawings, maps, and digital displays.
  • Manual dexterity required to operate tools, equipment, and computer devices.
  • Ability to wear and properly utilize required personal protective equipment (PPE), including hard hat, safety vest, gloves, and protective eyewear and lead safe construction processes by example to prevent injury prevention (i.e. vehicle use, construction processes, bending and lifting safety).

About Us:

As fiber build experts, ByVerTek provides turnkey services for broadband infrastructure projects where failure is not an option. From design, engineering and locating, to aerial and underground construction and fiber-to-the-home fulfillment, we help digital providers build, upgrade, and maintain the physical infrastructure for delivering high-speed Internet, video, voice, wireless and IoT services – from residential and commercial builds to state-wide fiber network expansions. Our dedication to do it all correctly, safely, on time and on budget has earned us ongoing business from many of the biggest names in the industry. For additional information, please review our website at www.ByVerTek.com.

We Offer Our Employees:

  • Paid Vacation and Paid Sick Time
  • Eleven (11) Company-observed Holidays per year
  • Medical insurance
  • Dental insurance
  • Vision insurance
  • Company-paid Short-term disability coverage and Basic Company Paid Life/AD & D insurance
  • Voluntary Life insurance coverage for employees and their families
  • Voluntary Long-Term disability coverage
  • Supplemental benefits plans to assist with out-of-pocket expenses
  • Flexible Spending accounts
  • 401K
  • Company Bonus Program

EEO Statement:

ByVerTek provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws.

This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training.