Horizontal Directional Driller - Fiber Construction

Overview

As part of the Horizontal Directional Drilling Team, you’ll build and maintain a state‑of‑the‑art PON/fiber network. You’ll operate horizontal directional drills or locate for the drill, install buried and aerial fiber facilities, and work with construction equipment such as trenchers, backhoes, end loaders, and plows. The role is full‑time, year‑round, with a few weeks of travel required for training.

Pay

The hourly pay range for this position is $22.62 – $41.42. The listed range reflects the minimum and maximum base salary; actual offers consider skills, qualifications, experience, location, and role‑specific competencies. The role includes a $5,000 sign‑on bonus (payout terms apply) and may qualify for relocation assistance. Outside Plant Construction Technicians can earn up to $75 per week in incentives when the team meets production targets.

Schedule

Flexible, full‑time year‑round schedule. May require overtime, swing shifts, and occasional travel for training.

Responsibilities

• Operate horizontal directional drill or locate for the drill.
• Restore job sites and keep accurate project labels and markings.
• Support fiber splicing and repair activities.
• Climb poles, ladders, and structures; operate bucket trucks as needed.
• Install, maintain, test, and repair buried and aerial fiber lines.
• Operate construction equipment such as trenchers, plows, excavators, and locators.
• Set pedestals, vaults, handholes, and other outside‑plant infrastructure.
• Conduct general construction tasks in various weather conditions, adhering to safety standards.
• Transport construction equipment to and from the worksite.
• Assist with installation of aerial and buried fiber using maps, staking sheets, and locate markings.
• Operate hand tools, cable locators, and testing equipment.
• Install and set enclosures, including buried and aerial vaults, pedestals, and handholes.
• Label and mark fiber optic and copper facilities accurately.
• Utilize dispatching applications and relevant tools for project coordination.
• Support fiber splicing, repairs, and outside‑plant maintenance activities.
• Restore landscapes to original condition upon project completion.

Qualifications

Required Qualifications

• 6+ months experience in any combination of customer service, electrical or utility construction, technical certification (or higher), or current/previous military service with honorable discharge.
• Valid driver’s license and eligibility for DOT requirements.
• Ability to obtain a Class A CDL (current CDL preferred; training provided).
• Ability to climb poles, ladders, towers, and other structures; kneel, dig, lift (up to 50 lb regularly, occasionally over 100 lb).
• Successful completion of safety training curriculum and any customer‑specific background checks.
• Basic understanding of telecommunication products and services.
• Proven organizational skills and ability to multi‑task.

Other Qualifications

• Horizontal directional drilling experience preferred.
• May require occasional travel and willingness to work overtime.
• May be required to work various/swing shifts as business needs dictate.
• Ability to operate vehicles with manual transmissions.

Physical Demands and Work Environment

This role involves frequent physical activity, including standing, walking, kneeling, climbing, and lifting up to 50 lb regularly (occasionally over 100 lb). Vision requirements include close, distance, color, and depth perception. Work conditions often include outdoor weather, attics, crawl spaces, and high‑risk areas such as high‑voltage zones, trenches, and manholes. Exposure to heavy equipment, fumes, vibration, extreme temperatures, and loud noise is common.

Benefits

• Medical, dental, and vision coverage
• Life insurance
• 401(k) plan
• Generous vacation & paid sick leave
• Seven paid national holidays & one floating holiday
• Paid parental leave (6 weeks after 12 months of employment)
• Adoption & surrogacy assistance
• Employee assistance & wellness programs
• Short‑term & long‑term disability (for associates working 30+ hours/week)
• TDS service discounts
• Education assistance
• Paid volunteer time
• Opportunity to join Associate Resource Groups for community and professional development