Horizontal Directional Drill Operator / Locator at Cannon Companies in Redding, California, United States | Kablio

Role

Description

equipment operation

bore scheduling

site setup

load/unload

safety analysis

profile reading

A day on a Cannon drill crew involves challenging bores such as river, wetland, freeway, highway, mountain, and cobble‑rock crossings, as well as large‑diameter installations using rigs from 30 k to 100 k lb.

As a drill operator or locator you represent the company’s safety, quality, integrity, and teamwork standards, handling everything from mobilization and site setup to reading complex profiles and completing high‑profile bores.

Safely operate drill support equipment such as directional drill, backhoe, excavator, skid steer, tractor‑trailer, vacuum truck, and crane truck.
Maintain bore schedule to ensure on‑time project completion and customer satisfaction.
Set up and clean up the site, including required restoration and safety perimeter signage.
Load and unload tools, materials, and equipment on trucks as needed.
Participate in Job Safety Analysis (JSA) prior to construction.

Requirements

hdd operator

heavy equipment

class a cdl

locating systems

troubleshooting

3+ years

Cannon Companies is seeking a full‑time AT horizontal directional drill (HDD) operator/locator. Candidates must have experience with AT drills up to 100 k lb, handling rock and native ground conditions, installing large‑diameter pipe up to 28 in., and using wireline locating tooling and mud reclamation equipment.

The role requires flexibility to work overtime, after‑hours, weekends, or on‑call for emergencies, and a willingness to travel.

Follow instructions and work effectively within a team.
Minimum 3 years operating various heavy support equipment (backhoes, excavators, loaders, skid steers, vacuum equipment, crane trucks).
Minimum 3 years operating or locating on horizontal directional drilling equipment (Ditch Witch, Vermeer, American Auger, TK, DCI, Magnetics); AT experience required.
Proficient with walk‑over locating systems (TK, DCI, Magnetics) and able to locate grade bores.
Ability to read bore profiles, HDD submittals, calculations, work orders, safety rules, and operating instructions.
Strong troubleshooting, critical‑thinking, and safety‑conscious mindset.
Valid Class A Commercial Driver’s License (tanker endorsement a plus).
Must pass pre‑employment drug test and be willing to travel.

Benefits

The position offers a competitive wage (DOE) and generous benefits, including medical, dental, vision, life insurance, long‑term disability, six paid holidays, and PTO from day one, all within a supportive family environment.

Competitive wage (DOE).
Medical, dental, vision, life insurance, and long‑term disability coverage.
Six paid holidays and PTO from day one.
Family‑oriented work environment supporting career development.

Training + Development

Information not given or found

Interview process

Information not given or found

Visa Sponsorship

Information not given or found

Security clearance

must pass a pre‑employment drug test.

Company

Overview

1985

Year Established

The year the company was founded, marking its origins as a backhoe operator and its growth into a fully integrated utilities contractor.

$100M

Bond Capacity Per Project

The company's capacity to handle projects requiring significant financial backing, serving a range of clients including government installations.

765 kV

Maximum Voltage Capacity

The highest voltage the company handles, showcasing its expertise in high-voltage transmission and utility distribution.

Since 1985

Years in Service

The company has been providing directional drilling and utility distribution services for over three and a half decades.

Headquartered in the Pacific Northwest, it has expanded end-to-end across electrical, telecom, engineering and high-voltage civil work.
The company designs and builds complex telecom networks—inside/outside plant, fiber splicing, data centers—while drilling underground utilities.
It engineers public and private infrastructure projects, handling permits, feasibility studies, AutoCAD documentation and energy system design.
Distinctive projects include government telecom and power upgrades at joint base facilities and large-scale fiber backbone builds.
Under CEO Mike Cannon, the firm retains its entrepreneurial roots, growing steadily while preserving hands-on project leadership.

Culture + Values

Since 1985

Years in Business

The company has been committed to employee career growth and dedication to Safety, Quality, Integrity, and Teamwork since its establishment.

Vision: 'CONNECTING THE FUTURE'
Mission: 'Cannon BUILDS Communication and Power Infrastructure THAT Accelerates Client Value by Serving them with Distinction.'
Core Values: 'SAFETY, QUALITY, INTEGRITY & TEAMWORK'
Invest in people via fully paid base medical/dental, 401(k) with matching, paid holidays and ongoing training opportunities
Emphasis on a can‑do attitude, strong work ethic and supporting career/business-minded individuals

Environment + Sustainability

5% reduction

GHG Emissions Goal

Target to reduce total greenhouse gas emissions by 5% by 2025.

28 metric tons

CO₂e Reduction

Achieved a significant reduction in total annual GHG emissions, equivalent to 28 metric tons of CO₂.

1% reduction

GHG Emissions Progress

Reduced total GHG emissions by approximately 1% from 2013 to 2017, marking early progress toward broader sustainability goals.

Targets aligned with voluntary GHG reporting, e‑waste reduction, reuse/recycling, efficient tech, and low‑emission fleet vehicle selection
GHG calculation includes direct fuel, purchased electricity, business air travel, and fleet emissions
Additional initiatives: improving air quality, energy efficiency, water conservation, e‑waste recycling, and best management across all sites

Inclusion & Diversity

78%

Women & Minorities Globally

The company reports 78% women and minorities in its global workforce.

79%

Women & Minorities in Operations

79% of U.S. operations staff are women and minorities.

41%

Women & Minorities in Corporate

41% of U.S. corporate staff are women and minorities.

Certified Minority Business Enterprise (MBE) and Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE)
Employee Resource Groups for LGBTQ+, Women, Veterans, PRISM (racial/cultural) to support networking, mentoring and visibility
DEI strategic framework includes inclusive hiring, equitable pay, unconscious bias training, licensure support groups

Articles

Engineering Services

Outside Plant Construction (OSP)

Telecommunications Services

About Us / Capabilities

Contact & Office Locations

Role

Description

equipment operation

bore scheduling

site setup

load/unload

safety analysis

profile reading

Safely operate drill support equipment such as directional drill, backhoe, excavator, skid steer, tractor‑trailer, vacuum truck, and crane truck.
Maintain bore schedule to ensure on‑time project completion and customer satisfaction.
Set up and clean up the site, including required restoration and safety perimeter signage.
Load and unload tools, materials, and equipment on trucks as needed.
Participate in Job Safety Analysis (JSA) prior to construction.

Requirements

hdd operator

heavy equipment

class a cdl

locating systems

troubleshooting

3+ years

The role requires flexibility to work overtime, after‑hours, weekends, or on‑call for emergencies, and a willingness to travel.

Follow instructions and work effectively within a team.
Minimum 3 years operating various heavy support equipment (backhoes, excavators, loaders, skid steers, vacuum equipment, crane trucks).
Minimum 3 years operating or locating on horizontal directional drilling equipment (Ditch Witch, Vermeer, American Auger, TK, DCI, Magnetics); AT experience required.
Proficient with walk‑over locating systems (TK, DCI, Magnetics) and able to locate grade bores.
Ability to read bore profiles, HDD submittals, calculations, work orders, safety rules, and operating instructions.
Strong troubleshooting, critical‑thinking, and safety‑conscious mindset.
Valid Class A Commercial Driver’s License (tanker endorsement a plus).
Must pass pre‑employment drug test and be willing to travel.

Benefits

Competitive wage (DOE).
Medical, dental, vision, life insurance, and long‑term disability coverage.
Six paid holidays and PTO from day one.
Family‑oriented work environment supporting career development.

Training + Development

Information not given or found

Interview process

Information not given or found

Visa Sponsorship

Information not given or found

Security clearance

must pass a pre‑employment drug test.

Company

Overview

1985

Year Established

The year the company was founded, marking its origins as a backhoe operator and its growth into a fully integrated utilities contractor.

$100M

Bond Capacity Per Project

The company's capacity to handle projects requiring significant financial backing, serving a range of clients including government installations.

765 kV

Maximum Voltage Capacity

The highest voltage the company handles, showcasing its expertise in high-voltage transmission and utility distribution.

Since 1985

Years in Service

The company has been providing directional drilling and utility distribution services for over three and a half decades.

Headquartered in the Pacific Northwest, it has expanded end-to-end across electrical, telecom, engineering and high-voltage civil work.
The company designs and builds complex telecom networks—inside/outside plant, fiber splicing, data centers—while drilling underground utilities.
It engineers public and private infrastructure projects, handling permits, feasibility studies, AutoCAD documentation and energy system design.
Distinctive projects include government telecom and power upgrades at joint base facilities and large-scale fiber backbone builds.
Under CEO Mike Cannon, the firm retains its entrepreneurial roots, growing steadily while preserving hands-on project leadership.

Culture + Values

Since 1985

Years in Business

The company has been committed to employee career growth and dedication to Safety, Quality, Integrity, and Teamwork since its establishment.

Vision: 'CONNECTING THE FUTURE'
Mission: 'Cannon BUILDS Communication and Power Infrastructure THAT Accelerates Client Value by Serving them with Distinction.'
Core Values: 'SAFETY, QUALITY, INTEGRITY & TEAMWORK'
Invest in people via fully paid base medical/dental, 401(k) with matching, paid holidays and ongoing training opportunities
Emphasis on a can‑do attitude, strong work ethic and supporting career/business-minded individuals

Environment + Sustainability

5% reduction

GHG Emissions Goal

Target to reduce total greenhouse gas emissions by 5% by 2025.

28 metric tons

CO₂e Reduction

Achieved a significant reduction in total annual GHG emissions, equivalent to 28 metric tons of CO₂.

1% reduction

GHG Emissions Progress

Reduced total GHG emissions by approximately 1% from 2013 to 2017, marking early progress toward broader sustainability goals.

Targets aligned with voluntary GHG reporting, e‑waste reduction, reuse/recycling, efficient tech, and low‑emission fleet vehicle selection
GHG calculation includes direct fuel, purchased electricity, business air travel, and fleet emissions
Additional initiatives: improving air quality, energy efficiency, water conservation, e‑waste recycling, and best management across all sites

Inclusion & Diversity

78%

Women & Minorities Globally

The company reports 78% women and minorities in its global workforce.

79%

Women & Minorities in Operations

79% of U.S. operations staff are women and minorities.

41%

Women & Minorities in Corporate

41% of U.S. corporate staff are women and minorities.

Certified Minority Business Enterprise (MBE) and Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE)
Employee Resource Groups for LGBTQ+, Women, Veterans, PRISM (racial/cultural) to support networking, mentoring and visibility
DEI strategic framework includes inclusive hiring, equitable pay, unconscious bias training, licensure support groups

Articles

Engineering Services

Outside Plant Construction (OSP)

Telecommunications Services

About Us / Capabilities

Contact & Office Locations