How to Apply: Underground Operator / HDD Locator at Network Connex ($28–$33/hr) — Hayden, ID Step-by-Step Career Guide
Career Overview: Underground Utility & Fiber Infrastructure Construction in Idaho
Are you an experienced directional drilling specialist or utility locator seeking a high-paying, full-time field career in the telecom and civil infrastructure sector? Horizontal Directional Drilling (HDD), underground conduit installation, and fiber optic network expansion represent some of the most critical construction fields across the United States. Network Connex, a leader in design, engineering, and network deployment services headquartered in Oak Brook, IL, is actively recruiting an Underground Operator / HDD Locator to join its field operations team in Hayden, Idaho.
This skilled field position offers a competitive hourly pay rate ranging from $28.00 to $33.00 per hour (equivalent to approximately $58,000 to $68,000+ per year base pay, plus overtime potential). The role includes immediate enrollment in comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance on the first of the month following your start date, a Vanguard 401(k) plan with immediate vesting and company matching, 10 paid holidays, and a generous paid time off (PTO) policy.
Read our complete, human-written guide below to examine daily field responsibilities, review candidate equipment and licensing criteria, evaluate the benefits package, and follow our step-by-step application strategy to apply directly through Network Connex.
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| Underground Operator / HDD Locator at Network Connex |
Compensation Scale, Financial Perks, & Employee Benefits
Joining Network Connex in Hayden, ID as an HDD Locator provides strong financial stability, health coverage, and long-term retirement benefits:
1. High Hourly Pay & Retirement Savings
Competitive Pay Scale: Earn a fixed starting pay of $28.00 to $33.00 per hour, with exact rates determined by your prior locating experience, equipment knowledge, and commercial driving credentials (CDL).
Vanguard 401(k) Plan: Direct participation in a Vanguard 401(k) retirement plan featuring immediate vesting and a generous company match to accelerate long-term financial growth.
Overtime Income: Opportunities for extra earnings through project overtime during peak construction seasons in Idaho.
2. Immediate Health Coverage & Workplace Perks
Day-One Benefits Eligibility: Access comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage starting on the first of the month following your hire date.
Paid Time Off & Holidays: Receive 10 paid company holidays per year along with a generous PTO accrual schedule.
Corporate Discounts: Exclusive employee discounts on useful products, cellular services, and consumer brand partnerships.
Daily Responsibilities & Technical Field Scope
As an Underground Operator / HDD Locator at Network Connex, your primary role is ensuring precise, safe, and efficient directional drilling operations for fiber optic and utility installations:
A. Electronic Locating & Bore Guidance
Electronic Tracking: Utilizing advanced electronic walkover locating systems—such as Subsite, DCI (DigiTrak), or Underground Magnetics—to track drill head depth, pitch, roll, and azimuth during directional boring.
Plan & Map Interpretation: Reading and interpreting utility construction plans, engineering blueprints, bore logs, and existing utility locate markings (Call 811/utility color codes).
Operator Collaboration: Maintaining constant two-way radio communication with the HDD Drill Rig Operator to guide pilot bores safely, navigate steering corrections, and complete pipe or conduit pulls accurately.
B. Utility Safety, Equipment Upkeep, & Site Documentation
Utility Clearance Monitoring: Verifying utility pot-holes and ensuring mandatory clearance separation around existing gas, electric, water, sewer, and telecom infrastructure.
Equipment Maintenance: Performing routine field maintenance, battery management, sonde/transmitter calibrations, and basic mechanical troubleshooting on drilling equipment and support rigs.
Bore Logging & As-Builts: Creating accurate daily bore logs, recording pitch and depth readings at every rod count, and preparing final as-built documentation for engineering teams.
Site Safety: Enforcing strict OSHA safety guidelines, managing traffic control setups, and maintaining a clean, secure job site for crew members and the public.
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| Underground Operator / HDD Locator at Network Connex |
Candidate Qualifications & Technical Equipment Standards
Network Connex maintains technical standards for applicants joining its underground installation crews:
Field Experience: Minimum 2+ years of hands-on HDD locating experience (experience locating for rock drills, air hammers, or All-Terrain / AT series rigs is highly preferred).
Equipment Proficiency: Mastery of electronic tracking systems (DCI DigiTrak, Subsite Electronics, or Underground Magnetics).
Licensing Requirements: Valid Driver’s License required; Class A Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) with Tanker Endorsement is strongly preferred and commands top-tier pay.
Safety & Certifications: OSHA 10-Hour or 30-Hour Construction Safety certification is a plus.
Physical Capability: Ability to lift 50+ lbs regularly, walk extended distances over uneven terrain, and work outdoors in varying Idaho weather conditions.
Pre-Employment Screening: Candidates must successfully pass a background check and drug screening upon acceptance of a job offer.
Step-by-Step Guide: How to Apply via Network Connex
Network Connex utilizes automated recruitment review tools alongside human hiring teams. Follow this step-by-step application strategy:
Step 1: Optimize Your HDD & Utility Resume (CV)
Format your resume to highlight technical equipment skills and safety certifications:
Contact & License Info: Clearly display your legal name, active phone number, email address, residential location in/near Idaho, and driving license class (e.g., Class A CDL with Tanker).
Highlight Key Technical Keywords: Include industry terminology on your resume, such as HDD Locator, Horizontal Directional Drilling, DCI DigiTrak, Subsite, Underground Magnetics, Utility Pot-holing, Bore Logs, Fiber Optic Installation, Class A CDL, Network Connex.
List Specific Rig & Locating Systems: Mention exact drill models (e.g., Vermeer, Ditch Witch) and locating sondes you have operated in past roles.
Step 2: Submit Your Application Online
Apply directly through Network Connex's corporate career portal or major job sites (e.g., ZipRecruiter):
Official Company Website:
https://networkconnex.com Headquarters Address: Network Connex, Oak Brook, IL, US
Sample Cover Message for Application Portal:
"Dear Network Connex Recruitment Team,
I am submitting my application for the Underground Operator / HDD Locator position in Hayden, ID ($28–$33/hr).
Candidate Profile Summary:
• Full Name: [Your Name]
• Locating Experience: [Number] years operating DCI / Subsite / Underground Magnetics systems
• Drilling Environment: Experienced in dirt and rock / AT series directional drilling
• Driver’s License: Valid [Class A CDL / Standard Driver's License]
• Safety Certifications: [OSHA 10 / OSHA 30 / CPR First Aid]
• Location & Start Date: Based near Hayden, ID | Available for immediate start
I have attached my updated resume and driving credentials for your review. I look forward to discussing my technical field experience with your team.
Best regards,
[Your Name]
[Your Contact Information]"
Step 3: Screening, Interview, & Onboarding
Recruiter Interview: Complete an initial phone consultation to discuss pay rates ($28–$33/hr), CDL status, equipment history, and schedule availability.
Field Assessment & Offer: Participate in a technical interview with the regional field superintendent in Idaho, complete background and drug screenings, and finalize your onboarding.
Summary Overview Table
| Feature | Job Details |
| Position | Underground Operator / HDD Locator |
| Employer | Network Connex |
| Job Location | Hayden, Idaho (On-site / Field Operations) |
| Hourly Pay | $28.00 – $33.00 per hour (Plus Overtime) |
| Employment Type | Full-Time |
| Experience Required | 2+ Years HDD Locating (Subsite, DCI, Underground Magnetics) |
| Licensing | Driver’s License Required (Class A CDL Preferred) |
| Benefits Eligibility | Medical/Dental/Vision (1st of month following hire date) |
| Retirement Plan | Vanguard 401(k) with Immediate Vesting & Match |
| Official Website |
⚠️ Important Candidate Security Guidelines
Protect your privacy and personal rights during your job search in the United States:
Zero Candidate Fees: Network Connex does not charge candidates application, equipment, or screening fees to apply or join their field team.
Protect Personal Data: Do not provide social security numbers, online banking details, or sensitive financial information during initial job inquiries. Information is requested only for official onboarding after a job offer is accepted.
Verify Recruitment Channels: Ensure all communications take place through official company domains (
networkconnex.com) or verified partner job sites.