What are the responsibilities and job description for the Equipment Operator position at ANDERSON UNDERGROUND LLC?
HDD Operator / Locator
Location: Sauk Rapids, MN / Travel-Based
This role requires strong field awareness, safe work habits, and the ability to work as part of a traveling crew in changing jobsite conditions.
Key Responsibilities
- Operate horizontal directional drilling equipment to install underground utilities, conduit, and fiber.
- Use locating equipment to track drill head position, depth, pitch, and bore path.
- Read and follow prints, bore plans, utility maps, and jobsite instructions.
- Assist with jobsite setup, bore preparation, potholing, pullback, and cleanup.
- Communicate clearly with drill operators, locators, foremen, and crew members.
- Identify and work safely around existing underground utilities.
- Perform daily inspections and basic maintenance on drilling equipment, support equipment, tools, and vehicles.
- Assist laborers and operators with trenching, conduit placement, hand digging, restoration, and general underground construction tasks.
- Follow company safety policies, OSHA standards, traffic control requirements, and jobsite procedures.
- Maintain accurate field documentation as needed, including production notes, bore logs, and daily reports.
Required Qualifications, Skills & Abilities
- Previous HDD operating and/or locating experience.
- Experience working in underground utility construction, telecommunications, fiber, or related field work.
- Ability to read prints, follow bore plans, and understand underground utility markings.
- Strong communication skills and ability to work closely with a traveling crew.
- Ability to work safely around live utilities, equipment, traffic, and active construction sites.
- Valid driver’s license with acceptable driving record.
- Willingness to travel on a rotating schedule based on project needs.
- Ability to work overtime and occasional Saturdays as required.
Preferred Qualifications
- CDL preferred.
- Experience operating Vermeer, Ditch Witch, or similar HDD equipment.
- Experience with fiber, conduit, telecom, or power utility installation.
- Knowledge of potholing, utility daylighting, pullback procedures, and restoration.
- Previous experience working on travel crews.
Schedule & Travel
This is a travel-based field position supporting Anderson Underground projects. Crews typically work a rotating travel schedule, with transportation and lodging provided. Per diem is available for working days while traveling, based on company policy.