Locator Technician for Horizontal Directional Drilling- Fiber Construction

TDS•Appleton, WI

2d•Onsite

About The Position

We are seeking a skilled and safety-focused Locator Technician to support Horizontal Directional Drilling (HDD) operations for underground utility construction projects. The HDD Locator is responsible for accurately tracking drill head location, depth, and alignment to ensure successful installation of underground utilities while maintaining compliance with safety standards and project specifications. This position is full‑time, year‑round, and typically works close to home with only limited travel required for training.

Requirements

Previous experience as an HDD Locator, Directional Drill Locator, or related underground utility construction role.
Ability to operate electromagnetic and walk-over locating systems.
Knowledge of underground utility construction practices and damage prevention procedures.
Motivated, detail‑oriented team players with strong communication skills.
Ability to work in various weather conditions and perform physical tasks such as climbing, kneeling, lifting, and digging.
Valid driver’s license and DOT eligibility.
6+ months experience in customer service, utility or electrical work, OR a technical certification, OR military service.
Willingness to work overtime and varied shifts as needed.
6+ months experience in any combination of the following areas: customer service, electrical or utility construction, -OR-technical certification (or higher) -OR- current military service, or prior military service with honorable discharge.
Must follow the TDS attendance guidelines in order to meet TDS’s business needs including but not limited to our obligations to our customers and to our customers’ needs.
Must have and maintain a valid driver’s license and remain eligible for DOT requirements.

Nice To Haves

Horizontal directional drilling experience preferred.
Basic understanding of telecommunication products and services.
Proven organizational skills and ability to multi-task.
May require occasional travel.
Must be willing to work overtime as needed.
May be required to work various/swing shifts as business needs dictate.
A current CDL is preferred at hire, but TDS will train and certify eligible associates through its in-house CDL certification program after hire.

Responsibilities

Operate and maintain HDD locating equipment to accurately track drill path and depth.
Communicate continuously with the drill operator to guide bore placement and avoid existing underground utilities.
Install, maintain, test, and repair buried and aerial fiber lines.
Operate construction equipment such as trenchers, plows, excavators, and locators.
Set pedestals, vaults, handholes, and other outside plant infrastructure.
Climb poles, ladders, and structures; operate bucket trucks as needed.
Support fiber splicing and repair activities.
Restore job sites and keep accurate project labels and markings.
Conduct general construction tasks in various weather conditions, adhering to safety standards.
Aids in transporting construction equipment to and from the worksite.
Assists with and executes the installation of aerial and buried fiber based on maps, staking sheets, and locate markings.
Operates hand tools, cable locators, and testing equipment as needed.
Installs and sets enclosures, including buried and aerial vaults, pedestals, and handholes.
Climbs poles, ladders, towers, and other structures as required, utilizing a bucket truck when necessary.
Labels and marks fiber optic facilities accurately.
Utilizes dispatching applications and relevant tools for project coordination.
Supports fiber splicing, repairs, and outside plant maintenance activities.
Restores landscapes to original condition upon project completion.