Position Summary
The Horizontal Directional Drill Locator is responsible for safely and accurately guiding horizontal directional drilling operations for the installation of underground telecommunications conduit, fibre-optic infrastructure and related utilities.
The Locator works closely with the Drill Operator and ground crew to plan bore paths, track the drill head, maintain required depth and alignment, identify changing ground conditions and prevent damage to existing underground utilities. This position requires strong communication, sound judgment and the ability to make immediate field decisions when conditions differ from the original bore plan.
The successful candidate must understand that production never takes priority over safety, utility protection or quality of installation.
Key Responsibilities
- Conduct pre-job site assessments with the Drill Operator and Supervisor.
- Review drawings, utility locates, permits, bore profiles and project specifications before drilling begins.
- Identify potential conflicts, hazards, restricted areas and changes in elevation.
- Confirm that all required underground utilities have been properly located and daylighted before drilling.
- Develop and communicate the proposed bore path, entry angle, target depth and exit location.
- Operate electronic locating equipment to continuously track the drill head’s depth, pitch, direction, temperature and position.
- Provide clear, accurate and continuous steering instructions to the Drill Operator.
- Maintain the required depth, alignment and minimum utility clearances throughout the bore.
- Monitor ground conditions and recommend changes to the bore plan when required.
- Stop drilling immediately when locating information is inconsistent, signal interference is present or utility clearances cannot be confirmed.
- Record rod-by-rod bore information, including depth, pitch, direction and significant field conditions.
- Complete bore logs, daily reports, redline drawings and other required project documentation.
- Assist with potholing, daylighting, excavation, conduit installation, product pullback and general crew activities when required.
- Inspect locating equipment before use and ensure batteries, calibration and operating settings are appropriate for the site.
- Maintain locating equipment in clean and serviceable condition.
- Participate in daily toolbox meetings, hazard assessments and pre-drill planning discussions.
- Follow company safety policies, safe work procedures and client requirements.
- Comply with Manitoba Workplace Safety and Health requirements and applicable utility-owner standards.
- Maintain professional communication with inspectors, customers, property owners and members of the public.
- Report utility strikes, near misses, damaged infrastructure, equipment issues and unsafe conditions immediately.
- Help keep the worksite organized, clean and secure.
- Support and mentor less-experienced crew members when assigned.
- Perform other construction-related duties as required.
Required Qualifications
- Previous experience locating for horizontal directional drilling operations.
- Experience installing telecommunications conduit, fibre-optic infrastructure or underground utilities.
- Ability to interpret utility drawings, construction plans, bore profiles and underground utility markings.
- Strong understanding of drill head pitch, depth, steering corrections, bend radius and bore-path planning.
- Working knowledge of electronic locating systems such as the DigiTrak Falcon F5.
- Understanding of utility daylighting, safe excavation practices and minimum utility-clearance requirements.
- Ability to recognize signal interference and unreliable locating information.
- Strong verbal communication skills and the ability to communicate precise instructions under pressure.
- Ability to complete accurate bore logs and field documentation.
- Valid Class 5 driver’s licence with an acceptable driving record.
- Ability to work outdoors in varying weather and ground conditions.
- Ability to work extended hours, weekends and out-of-town assignments when required.
Preferred Qualifications
- Three or more years of HDD locating experience.
- Telecommunications construction experience, including fibre-to-the-home installations.
- Experience installing conduit, vaults, pedestals and related underground infrastructure.
- Experience with rock drilling, difficult soil conditions and congested urban utility corridors.
- Ground Disturbance Level II certification.
- First Aid and CPR certification.
- WHMIS certification.
- Confined-space, traffic-control or utility-owner training.
- Class 3 driver’s licence.
- Experience operating mini excavators, skid steers, hydrovac equipment or other construction machinery.
Skills and Competencies
- Strong situational awareness.
- Safety-focused decision-making.
- Clear and confident communication.
- Accurate documentation and attention to detail.
- Ability to remain calm during changing or high-pressure conditions.
- Strong understanding of underground utility risks.
- Ability to identify problems before they result in damage or rework.
- Willingness to stop work when conditions are unsafe or unclear.
- Dependability, punctuality and accountability.
- Ability to work effectively as part of a crew.
- Respectful and professional conduct.
Physical Requirements
The employee must be able to:
- Stand and walk for extended periods.
- Work on uneven, muddy, wet or frozen ground.
- Bend, kneel, climb and perform repetitive physical tasks.
- Lift and carry tools, equipment and materials weighing up to approximately 50 pounds.
- Work near construction equipment, traffic, noise, dust and underground utility excavations.
- Work outdoors during hot, cold, wet and windy conditions.
- Wear all required personal protective equipment.
Work Schedule
Hours may vary depending on project requirements, weather conditions and customer schedules. Employees should expect early starts, extended workdays, occasional weekend work and potential travel throughout Winnipeg and Rural Manitoba.
Performance Expectations
Performance will be evaluated based on:
- Safe completion of drilling operations.
- Accuracy of drill-head locating and steering instructions.
- Prevention of utility strikes and property damage.
- Compliance with bore plans and required utility clearances.
- Quality and completeness of bore logs and project documentation.
- Productivity without compromising safety or installation quality.
- Communication with the Drill Operator, crew and supervisors.
- Care and maintenance of locating equipment.
- Attendance, reliability and professional conduct.
Pay: $30.00-$34.00 per hour
Work Location: In person
