UtilityInnovation Services, the newest entity within the UtilityInnovation Group (UIG) of companies, is focused on providing North American electric utilities with turnkey services and solutions supporting grid-hardening, system reliability and upgrades. We are driven by the same entrepreneurial spirit and customer focus as the rest of UIG and are fostering our culture through integrity, teamwork, safe work practices and the desire to perform.
Summary:
We are looking for a skilled and dependable HDD Locator to work closely with the drill operator to guide and monitor the bore path during horizontal directional drilling operations. The HDD Locator ensures that drilling is performed accurately, safely, and according to project specifications while avoiding conflicts with existing underground utilities.
Key Responsibilities:
- Locating and Tracking: Use electronic tracking systems such as Subsite to locate, track, and guide the drill head during bore operations.
- Communication: Maintain constant communication with the drill operator to provide real-time feedback and guidance during drilling.
- Utility Avoidance: Identify, locate, and pothole existing utilities using locating equipment to prevent conflicts and ensure safe drilling.
- Planning: Read and interpret bore plans, blueprints, and utility maps to determine the correct bore path.
- Site Preparation: Assist with pre-construction site checks, including potholing to expose existing utilities as needed.
- Documentation: Maintain accurate and up-to-date bore logs, tracking data, and as-built records for project files.
- Safety Compliance: Follow all company, industry, and OSHA safety standards and ensure safe practices at the job site.
- Equipment Maintenance: Perform daily inspections and basic maintenance on locating equipment to ensure accuracy and functionality.
- Problem-Solving: Anticipate and troubleshoot issues with locating signals or bore path deviations, adjusting techniques as needed.
Requirements:
- Experience: 2–5+ years of experience in horizontal directional drilling locating.
- Skills: Strong knowledge of electronic locating equipment and interpreting readings for precise drill navigation.
- Certifications: OSHA 10 preferred; utility locating certification a plus; CDL is helpful but not required.
- Technical Knowledge: Understanding of underground utility construction processes, ground conditions, and bore planning.
- Physical Requirements: Ability to stand and walk for extended periods, lift 50+ pounds, and work outdoors in varying weather conditions.
Preferred Qualifications:
- Experience with HDD systems like Vermeer or Ditch Witch and locating devices like DigiTrak F5/F2/Falcon, or Subsite TK series.
- Familiarity with basic utility mapping and as-builts.
- Strong teamwork and communication skills.
- Bilingual (English/Spanish) a plus.
Work Environment:
- Outdoor construction sites, sometimes in extreme weather conditions.
- Flexibility for overtime, nights, and weekends depending on project demands.
Job Type: Full-time
Pay: $28.35 - $40.00 per hour
Benefits:
- 401(k)
- 401(k) matching
- Dental insurance
- Disability insurance
- Health insurance
- Life insurance
- On-the-job training
- Paid time off
- Vision insurance
Ability to Commute:
- Fort Worth, TX 76140 (Required)
Ability to Relocate:
- Fort Worth, TX 76140: Relocate before starting work (Required)
Willingness to travel:
Work Location: In person
