What are the responsibilities and job description for the HDD Operator Locator position at Anderson Underground?
HDD Operator / Locator
Location: Travel-Based- current sites are in MT, NE & MN
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.
Anderson Underground is an underground utility construction company supporting telecom, fiber, and infrastructure projects across multiple states.
Our crews perform directional drilling, locating, plowing, excavation, backhoe work, conduit placement, and general underground utility construction. We are a field-based company with traveling crews, steady work, and a strong focus on safety, production, and doing the job the right way.
We are looking for dependable, hard-working people who are comfortable working outside, traveling for projects, and being part of a crew. Anderson Underground offers competitive pay, per diem, paid travel when applicable, and opportunities for experienced operators, locators, laborers, and CDL drivers.