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

This full-time, year-round position involves accurately tracking drill head location, depth, and alignment to ensure successful installation of underground utilities while maintaining compliance with safety standards and project specifications. Work is typically 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. Actual offers will be based on 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 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.

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.

Training duration varies based on team assignment. Underground teams require 3 weeks of training, with an additional 1 week for aerial training.

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.
• 6+ months experience in customer service, utility or electrical work, OR a technical certification, OR military service.
• Valid driver’s license and DOT eligibility.
• Willingness to work overtime and varied shifts as needed.
• Ability to work in various weather conditions and perform physical tasks such as climbing, kneeling, lifting, and digging.
• Must follow TDS attendance guidelines to meet business and customer needs.
• Must have and maintain a valid driver’s license and remain eligible for DOT requirements.
• Ability to obtain a Class A CDL (current CDL preferred but not required; TDS provides in-house CDL certification).
• Upon hire, must successfully pass all components of the Safety Training course curriculum.
• Upon hire, must successfully complete customer-specific requirements, which may include a background check.

Qualifications

• Motivated, detail-oriented team player with strong communication skills.
• Basic understanding of telecommunication products and services.
• Proven organizational skills and ability to multi-task.
• May require occasional travel.
• Horizontal directional drilling experience preferred.

Physical Demands and Work Environment

• 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 & 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

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

• Short-Term & Long-Term Disability
• TDS Service Discounts
• Education Assistance
• Paid Volunteer Time

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