Locator

POSITION SUMMARY

The Locator / Guidance Technician is responsible for tracking and guiding horizontal directional drilling and related bore operations to support underground utility installations. This role monitors drill head location, depth, pitch, and alignment; communicates real-time corrections to the Drill/Bore Operator; helps protect existing utilities and surrounding infrastructure; and ensures the bore path follows project requirements.

YOUR ROLE

• Performs potholing and verifies utility exposures before and during bore operations as directed.
• Reads and interprets bore profiles, utility maps, blueprints, and alignment plans to understand bore path requirements.
• Operates locating and tracking equipment to monitor drill head position, depth, pitch, and direction during bore operations.
• Communicates continuous and accurate steering guidance to the Drill/Bore Operator to maintain line and grade.
• Verifies bore path clearances from existing utilities, structures, pavement sections, drainage features, and other conflicts.
• Confirms entry and exit points are established according to plan and field conditions.
• Assists with setup, calibration, function checks, and troubleshooting of locating equipment prior to drilling.
• Recognizes signal interference, loss of signal, inaccurate reads, or unexpected bore movement and immediately communicates corrective action.
• Monitors bore progress against project tolerances and reports deviations to the Foreman.
• Supports safe execution of pilot bores, reaming, back reaming, and pullback operations by maintaining awareness of bore path conditions.
• Documents depth checks, utility conflicts, bore progress, and field adjustments as required by project or company procedures.
• Maintains situational awareness of traffic, equipment movement, open excavations, overhead hazards, and changing site conditions while tracking bores.
• Assists with drilling fluid observation, surface movement monitoring, and identification of potential frac-out or loss-return conditions.
• Coordinates with the crew to maintain safe work zones, proper communication, and efficient production throughout the bore.
• Performs routine care, charging, storage, and inspection of locating devices, receivers, transmitters, cables, and accessories.
• Supports the Foreman in identifying constructability concerns and recommending alignment or execution adjustments based on field conditions.
• Executes advanced locating functions independently on longer bores, deeper bores, congested corridors, and more complex alignments.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

WHAT YOU BRING

• 2 years of construction experience preferred; experience in underground utilities, trenchless work, or traffic signals preferred.
• Experience assisting with or performing HDD locating, bore tracking, or underground utility work preferred.
• Ability to read and understand bore profiles, utility maps, blueprints, and project layout information.
• Ability to learn and operate electronic locating and guidance systems used in directional drilling operations.
• Strong attention to detail and accuracy in monitoring depth, pitch, alignment, and clearance.
• Ability to communicate clearly and continuously with operators, foremen, and crew members during active bore operations.
• Ability to identify hazards, conflicts, and changing field conditions in real time.
• Strong problem-solving ability when conditions differ from plans or signal/tracking issues occur.
• Valid Texas Driver’s License required.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

The Locator / Guidance Technician frequently stands, walks, bends, kneels, climbs, and works on uneven terrain for extended periods. This role requires the ability to carry locating equipment, read plans and digital screens, maintain visual awareness of active operations, and lift up to 50–75 pounds as needed. Work is performed on active job sites with exposure to extreme temperatures, traffic, noise, mud, excavations, and underground utility hazards. Strict adherence to safety standards is required.

TRAVEL REQUIREMENTS

May require travel within Texas. Overnight or out-of-town stays may be needed based on project location.

BENEFITS

• Competitive medical, dental, and vision coverage
• Voluntary benefits including life, accident, critical illness, and pet insurance
• 401(k) retirement plan
• Quarterly bonus
• Paid Time Off (PTO), and paid holidays
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP) and wellness resources
• Tuition reimbursement and continuing education support
• Scholarship program for dependents of eligible employees
• Company events, community engagement opportunities, and quarterly State of the Company meetings

E-Z Bel Construction, LLC is an equal opportunity employer. We encourage all qualified individuals to apply, regardless of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, age, citizenship, marital status, disability, gender identity, or veteran status. E-Z Bel Construction, LLC participates in E-Verify, a federal system that allows enrolled employers to confirm the employment eligibility of newly hired employees.