What are the responsibilities and job description for the HDD Locator/ Operator position at Sellenriek Construction?
Sellenriek Construction is hiring experienced HDD Locators to support underground utility construction crews. We’re looking for solid locators who can independently track the drill head, communicate accurate readings to the operator, make corrections during the bore, and help complete underground utility installations safely and efficiently.
Job Location: Kansas City, KS
Daily Job Duties:
- Operate HDD locating equipment independently during active bores
- Track drill-head depth, pitch, direction, position, and bore progression
- Communicate clear and accurate readings and corrections to the drill operator
- Walk and mark the planned bore path before drilling begins
- Identify signal interference, inaccurate readings, or loss of signal and troubleshoot issues
- Maintain proper clearance from existing underground utilities and planned crossings
- Work closely with the drill operator to keep the bore on path and within required depth
- Read and follow construction prints, utility maps, bore plans, and jobsite markings
- Complete bore logs and document depth, pitch, footage, and utility crossings
- Assist with potholing, hand digging, exposing utilities, setup, reaming, and pullback when needed
- Operate support equipment as needed, including mini excavators, skid steers, trenchers, or hydro-vacs
- Perform daily inspections and basic maintenance on locating and support equipment
- Communicate clearly with foremen, supervisors, operators, inspectors, and crew members
- Follow OSHA, DOT, damage prevention, and company safety procedures
What We’re Looking For:
- Hands-on HDD locating experience required
- Ability to independently locate a bore from setup through completion
- Experience using DigiTrak, Subsite, or similar locating systems
- Strong understanding of depth, pitch, direction, bore path, and utility clearance
- Ability to recognize and troubleshoot interference, lost signal, and inaccurate readings
- Experience working around congested underground utilities and crossings
- Ability to read prints, bore plans, utility markings, and jobsite layouts
- Strong communication with the drill operator during boring operations
- Comfortable assisting with labor and general crew duties when needed
- Able to work outdoors in varying weather and ground conditions
- Safety-minded and able to follow jobsite procedures
- Able to pass a background check and drug screening