Directional Drilling Locator

About the role

SNAM Communications is hiring an experienced Directional Drilling Locator to support horizontal directional drilling operations across telecommunications infrastructure projects in Utah. The Locator is one of the most critical members of the drill crew. You serve as the drill operator’s eyes underground and are responsible for helping guide the bore safely around existing utilities while maintaining the correct depth, pitch, direction, and trajectory. This role requires strong technical judgment, communication skills, situational awareness, and the ability to think several steps ahead. The position is based in the Salt Lake City area with regular travel to project sites throughout the state; overnight travel may be necessary.

Responsibilities

• Locate and track the drill head throughout each bore.
• Monitor depth, pitch, direction, and bore trajectory.
• Communicate continuously with the drill operator throughout drilling operations.
• Use DigiTrak Falcon F5 or comparable locating equipment.
• Interpret bore plans and calculate required depth, pitch, steering adjustments, and approach angles.
• Anticipate upcoming changes in elevation and direction before the drill reaches them.
• Cross-reference 811 utility markings with exposed utilities and field conditions.
• Stop or redirect work when utility information, locating signals, or actual field conditions do not match expectations.
• Help prevent utility strikes involving gas, electric, communications, water, and other underground infrastructure.
• Maintain accurate communication during difficult soil conditions, signal interference, deep bores, and complex crossings.
• Support crew productivity while maintaining safety as the first priority.
• Assist the crew with other field responsibilities when appropriate.
• Travel throughout Utah based on project requirements.

Requirements

• Minimum 2 years of hands-on HDD locating experience.
• Demonstrated knowledge of horizontal directional drilling operations.
• Experience reading pitch, depth, direction, and bore trajectory.
• Ability to calculate and anticipate changes in bore path.
• Strong understanding of underground utility safety.
• Strong communication skills and ability to work continuously with the drill operator.
• Safety-first and team-oriented mindset.
• Willingness to travel.

Qualifications

• 3+ years of directional drilling locating experience (preferred).
• DigiTrak Falcon F5 experience (preferred).
• Experience locating near high-pressure gas, electrical, and other critical utilities (preferred).
• Previous drill-operation experience (preferred).
• CDL (preferred).
• Experience in telecommunications or underground utility infrastructure construction (preferred).

Pay

30–40 per hour, based on experience.

Benefits

• Weekly pay.
• Overtime opportunities.
• Performance and annual bonus opportunities.
• Potential sign-on bonus for highly qualified candidates.
• Employee referral bonus program.
• Project-completion bonus opportunities.
• Prevailing-wage projects when applicable.
• Paid time off based on eligibility.
• Per diem, lodging, or project travel support when applicable.
• Training and manufacturer certification opportunities.
• Company vehicle access when appropriate.
• Tool support/replacement program.