Horizontal Directional Drill Locator

Job Title: HDD Locator (Horizontal Directional Drilling Locator)

Position Type: Full-Time

Reports To: HDD Foreman 

Location: Manassas VA

If being a part of a world-class organization that operates in some of the most advanced technological environments around the world sounds like a dream job, Network Connex might be the right fit for you! You’ll be part of a team working together to solve customer problems every day, with compensation and benefits that are an investment in your career, financial future, and overall well-being.

Position Summary

The HDD Locator is responsible for monitoring and guiding horizontal directional drilling operations by accurately reading and interpreting locating equipment. This role ensures bore paths are completed safely, efficiently, and according to engineered design. The Locator works closely with the HDD Operator, Foreman, and field crew to avoid underground utilities, maintain proper depth and alignment, and ensure successful completions of pilot bores and pullbacks.

Key Responsibilities

Locating & Bore Guidance

• Operate and interpret HDD locating equipment to track drill head position, depth, pitch, and direction.
• Communicate continuous drilling feedback to the HDD Operator.
• Guide bores according to design specifications, prints, and utility locates.
• Adjust bore path in real-time to avoid conflicts with existing underground utilities.

Safety & Compliance

• Maintain strict adherence to OSHA, company, and industry safety standards.
• Participate in daily safety meetings and job hazard analyses (JHAs).
• Ensure safe digging practices around active utilities and sensitive infrastructure.
• Assist with potholing, hand-digging, and exposure of utilities as required.

Documentation & Reporting

• Record bore logs, depth measurements, shots, and tracking information.
• Assist with as‑built documentation and production records.
• Report deviations, obstructions, or abnormal conditions to the Foreman.

Construction Support

• Assist with setup of drilling equipment, mud systems, and work areas.
• Support the crew during pullback, reaming, and equipment movement activities.
• Help maintain a clean and organized job site.

Equipment Care

• Maintain locating equipment (transmitters, receivers, batteries, chargers) in good working order.
• Perform daily function checks to ensure accuracy and calibration.
• Report equipment issues immediately.

Required Qualifications

Experience

• 1–3 years of locating experience in HDD, utilities, or underground construction.
• Experience with Ditch Witch, Subsite, DigiTrak, or Vermeer locating systems preferred.
• OSP telecommunications experience strongly preferred.

Skills & Competencies

• Strong understanding of bore planning, underground utilities, and safe digging practices.
• Ability to read construction prints, utility locates and bore path designs.
• Excellent communication skills for real-time coordination with the Operator.
• Strong situational awareness and problem-solving ability.
• Ability to work in fast‑paced outdoor environments.

Licenses & Certifications

• Valid driver’s license required (Class A CDL preferred).
• OSHA 10 or OSHA 30 certification preferred.
• Manufacturer training on locating equipment (preferred).

Physical Requirements

• Ability to lift 50–75 lbs regularly.
• Work outdoors in varying weather and terrain conditions.
• Ability to walk long distances, bend, stoop, and stand for extended periods.
• Ability to work in trenches, near roadways, and around active equipment.

Work Environment

• Outdoor construction environments with exposure to weather, heavy equipment, mud, and traffic.
• Travel between job sites may be required.

In addition to competitive base pay, Network Connex offers a comprehensive benefits package designed to support your physical, mental, and financial health and you can begin participating in our programs on the first of the month following your start date.

Join our Vanguard 401(k) plan, with immediate vesting and a generous 5% company match to help you build long-term financial security. Our team also enjoys 10 paid company holidays, a generous PTO accrual schedule, and access to discounts on useful products and services.

EEOC-Minority/Female/Disability/Veteran 

Network Connex believes all persons are entitled to equal employment opportunities and does not discriminate against employees or job applicants because of race, color, gender, affectional or sexual orientation, domestic partnership status, ancestry, religion, national origin, citizenship status, marital status, disability, veteran status, age or any other protected group status. Upon acceptance of an offer, all candidates will be required to pass a background check and drug screening.