Locator Technician for Horizontal Directional Drilling- Fiber Construction

We are seeking a skilled and safety-focused Locator Technician to support Horizontal Directional Drilling (HDD) operations for underground utility construction projects.

About the role

As an HDD Locator, you will accurately track drill head location, depth, and alignment to ensure successful installation of underground utilities while maintaining compliance with safety standards and project specifications. This position is full-time, year-round, and typically works close to home with only limited travel required for training.

Pay

The pay for this position ranges from $22.62 to $41.42 per hour. The listed pay range reflects the minimum and maximum base salary. Actual offers will be based on factors such as skills, qualifications, experience, location, and role-specific competencies. This role includes a $5,000 sign-on bonus (payout terms apply) and may qualify for relocation assistance. Outside Plant Construction Technicians can also earn up to $75 per week in incentives when your team meets production targets.

Responsibilities

• Operate and maintain HDD locating equipment to accurately track drill path and depth.
• Communicate continuously with the drill operator to guide bore placement and avoid existing underground utilities.
• 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.
• Climb poles, ladders, and structures; operate bucket trucks as needed.
• Support fiber splicing and repair activities.
• Restore job sites and keep accurate project labels and markings.
• Conduct general construction tasks in various weather conditions, adhering to safety standards.
• Aid in transporting construction equipment to and from the worksite.
• Assist with and execute the installation of aerial and buried fiber based on maps, staking sheets, and locate markings.
• Operate hand tools, cable locators, and testing equipment as needed.
• Install and set enclosures, including buried and aerial vaults, pedestals, and handholes.
• Label and mark fiber optic 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.

The functions listed above are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by associates assigned to this job. They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities; other duties may be assigned.

Requirements

• Previous experience as an HDD Locator, Directional Drill Locator, or related underground utility construction role.
• Ability to operate electromagnetic and walk-over locating systems.
• Knowledge of underground utility construction practices and damage prevention procedures.
• Motivated, detail-oriented team player with strong communication skills.
• Ability to work in various weather conditions and perform physical tasks such as climbing, kneeling, lifting, and digging.
• Valid driver’s license and DOT eligibility.
• 6+ months experience in customer service, utility or electrical work, OR a technical certification, OR military service.
• Willingness to work overtime and varied shifts as needed.

Qualifications

Required Qualifications

• 6+ months experience in any combination of the following areas: customer service, electrical or utility construction, or technical certification (or higher), or current military service, or prior military service with honorable discharge.
• Must follow the TDS attendance guidelines to meet business needs, including obligations to customers.
• Must have and maintain a valid driver’s license and remain eligible for DOT requirements.

Other Qualifications

• Must have the ability to obtain a Class A CDL. A current CDL is preferred at hire, but TDS will train and certify eligible associates through its in-house CDL certification program after hire.
• Horizontal directional drilling experience preferred.
• Basic understanding of telecommunication products and services.
• Proven organizational skills and ability to multi-task.
• May require occasional travel.
• Must be willing to work overtime as needed.
• May be required to work various/swing shifts as business needs dictate.

Training

• Safety training, pole climbing, bucket truck operation.
• Fiber optic basics: fusion splicing, fault detection, OTDR.
• Construction equipment operation (drill rigs, trenchers, mini excavators).
• CDL training for qualified associates.

The duration of training varies based on team assignment. Training for underground teams is 3 weeks, with an additional 1 week required for aerial training.

Physical Demands and Work Environment

This role involves frequent physical activity, including:

• Standing, walking, kneeling, climbing, and lifting up to 50 pounds regularly (occasionally over 100 pounds).
• Vision requirements include close, distance, color, and depth perception.
• Work conditions often include outdoor weather, attics, crawl spaces, and high-risk areas like high voltage zones, trenches, and manholes.
• Exposure to heavy equipment, fumes, vibration, extreme temperatures, and loud noise is common.

Benefits

Associates scheduled to work 20 or more hours per week have access to:

• Medical, dental, and vision coverage.
• Life insurance.
• 401(k) plan.
• Generous vacation and paid sick leave.
• Seven paid national holidays and one floating holiday.
• Paid parental leave (6 weeks after 12 months of employment).
• Adoption and surrogacy assistance.
• Employee assistance and wellness programs.

Associates working 30 or more hours per week additionally have access to:

• Short-term and long-term disability.
• TDS service discounts.
• Education assistance.
• Paid volunteer time.

All associates will have the opportunity to participate in our Associate Resource Groups, designed to encourage community and facilitate professional development.