Locator (Fredericksburg, VA)

Company Headquarters: Chester, MD

Project Location: Fredericksburg, VA

Travel: Project-based travel throughout Maryland and Virginia as needed

Job Type: Full-Time

Overview

Drill-Tech is seeking a highly experienced Horizontal Directional Drill (HDD) Locator to support mid-size and maxi rig operations on underground utility projects.

Headquartered in Chester, Maryland, Drill-Tech performs HDD and underground utility work throughout the Mid-Atlantic region.

This is a hands-on field position responsible for accurately tracking and guiding HDD drill heads, maintaining planned bore paths, and working closely with drill operators and field crews to safely complete complex underground installations. Extensive locating experience on mid-size or maxi HDD rigs is required.

Responsibilities

Operate HDD locating and guidance equipment to accurately track drill head position, depth, pitch, and direction throughout drilling operations

Guide drill operators through pilot bores, maintain planned bore paths, and make necessary steering adjustments based on ground conditions and existing utilities

Read and interpret bore plans, utility drawings, profiles, elevations, and underground utility markings

Troubleshoot locating challenges, signal interference, equipment issues, and other guidance-related problems while maintaining accurate bore logs and field documentation

Work closely with drill operators, foremen, and field crews to support safe and efficient drilling, reaming, pullback, and general jobsite operations

Qualifications

Minimum of 7 years of hands-on HDD locating experience, preferably 10+ years

Direct experience locating on mid-size and/or maxi HDD drilling rigs required

Proficiency with HDD locating and guidance systems, including the ability to maintain accurate bore paths and troubleshoot locating challenges

Strong understanding of HDD operations, bore plans, underground utilities, drill head steering, and changing ground conditions

Valid driver's license, strong communication skills, and ability to perform physically demanding outdoor work with occasional overnight travel

Preferred Qualifications

Experience with DigiTrak, Subsite, wireline, or similar HDD locating and guidance systems

Experience working with Vermeer, Ditch Witch, American Augers, or similar mid-size and maxi HDD rigs

Experience completing long-distance, large-diameter, rock, or technically challenging HDD bores

OSHA 10 or OSHA 30 Certification

Class A CDL

Benefits

Health, dental, and vision insurance

Overtime opportunities

Per diem for qualifying overnight travel

Paid time off and paid holidays

Opportunities for advancement within a growing HDD contractor