Directional Drill Locator​/Operator

Location:

In person — based out of the Livonia and Maringouin area (Louisiana)

Position Type:
Full-Time (40 hours/week, Mon–Fri, with expected overtime)

Compensation: $23–$27 per hour

Join our dynamic team at Direct Communications, where we are dedicated to delivering exceptional internet services to rural communities. We offer AMAZING benefits, including health, dental, and vision care insurance for just $1/month, telehealth services, preventative wellness programs, up to a 6% 401(k) match, company-paid life insurance and short-term disability, generous paid time off, 10 observed holidays, and a personal and professional tuition reimbursement program, among many others!

At Direct Communications, we are guided by our core values of integrity, growth, respect, sustainability, community, and strategic leadership, ensuring that every team member contributes to a culture of excellence and shared purpose. Come be a part of something great!

We are seeking a skilled directional drill Operator or Locator to join our team. You will be responsible for key aspects of underground construction and telephone/fiber utility work, including laying, maintaining, and splicing fiber facilities within our service areas and expansion zones.

This role involves operating a directional drill, using a Subsite locator to guide the drill head, operating mini excavators (mini x), hand digging, dig downs, setting hand holes (HH), and completing tie-ins. Additional core responsibilities include driving truck and trailer combinations, coupling conduit together, pulling in fiber optic cables, and assisting in the overall installation, maintenance, and repair of underground fiber infrastructure.

The ideal candidate will have drilling rig experience, a CDL (preferred), a strong work ethic, attention to detail, and an unwavering commitment to safety.

• Directional Drilling & Locating:
  Safely setup and operate horizontal directional drills—such as Ditch Witch and Vermeer rigs—or precisely locate underground utility paths to ensure accurate, damage-free bores during fiber deployments.
• Heavy Equipment Operations:
  Master the use of machinery for heavy equipment operations, including a mini excavator, skid steer, drop plow, backhoe, trenchers, and micro-trenchers to facilitate underground construction. Follow operating procedures, safety guidelines, and manufacturer instructions.
• Fiber Optic Installation & Maintenance:
  Assist in telephone/fiber utility work, including digging trenches, laying conduit, pulling/terminating fiber cables, performing routine maintenance, and troubleshooting/repairing damaged infrastructure.
• Fiber Splicing:
  Execute fiber splicing tasks with precision, ensuring proper alignment and connection of fiber strands to maintain signal integrity and system performance.
• Equipment Setup:
  Assist in setting up and installing telecom equipment, such as fiber distribution hubs, optical line terminals, optical network terminals, and fiber termination boxes.
• Towing Equipment & Trailers:
  Safely tow equipment and trailers using company vehicles, ensuring proper hitching, secure attachment, and strict adherence to towing regulations.
• Manual Labor & Safety Compliance:
  Engage in physical labor tasks (sweeping, setting up traffic control, digging, lifting materials) while strictly adhering to safety guidelines, protocols, and injury-prevention practices.
• Documentation & Quality Assurance:
  Maintain accurate records of work performance, installations, and repairs. Conduct quality checks to ensure all work meets company and industry standards.
• Team
  
  Collaboration:
  
  Work professionally and respectfully with crew members, other departments, and the public due to high job-site visibility.

• Education:
  
  High School diploma or equivalent.
• Drilling
  
  Experience:
  
  Drilling rig experience required.
• Equipment Proficiency:
  Proven experience operating directional drills (Vermeer or Ditch Witch), a mini excavator, and other machinery used in heavy equipment operations.
• Industry Knowledge:
  Hands-on experience in underground construction and telephone/fiber…