We are looking for a hardworking and skilled Mainline Construction Worker to support underground telecom construction projects. This role requires experience performing utility locates, installing conduit, and operating horizontal directional drilling (HDD) bore equipment. If you enjoy hands-on field work and being part of a fast-moving construction crew, this role is a great fit.
You’ll start your day reviewing jobsite tasks, gathering equipment, and assisting with utility locates to ensure safe digging. Throughout the day, you’ll help install conduit, expose existing utilities, operate (or assist with) HDD bore rigs, and support the crew in building high-quality telecom infrastructure. Your work directly impacts safe and efficient fiber-optic installation.
• Performing accurate utility locates using locating equipment before excavation
• Operating or assisting with horizontal directional drilling (HDD) bore equipment
• Installing mainline conduit, handholes, pedestals, and related telecom infrastructure
• Supporting trenching, plowing, potholing, and excavation work
• Reading and interpreting construction plans, prints, and locate markings
• Safely exposing existing underground utilities using dig-safe techniques
• Setting up and maintaining HDD work zones, drill paths, and equipment
• Loading, unloading, and maintaining tools, machinery, and materials
• Backfilling and restoring work areas to required specifications
• Following all safety and DOT requirements on job sites
• Working closely with crew members, operators, and supervisors to complete builds on schedule
• Experience in telecom, underground utilities, or construction fieldwork
• Hands-on experience performing utility locates
• Ability to operate or assist with HDD bore rigs
• Knowledge of underground utility safety procedures and dig laws
• Ability to read and follow construction drawings and utility maps
• Strong work ethic with the ability to perform physical labor outdoors
• Reliable transportation and consistent attendance
• Ability to work in varying weather conditions
• Ability to lift 50–75 lbs regularly
• Ability to walk, bend, kneel, dig, and work in trenches
• Ability to operate construction tools and equipment safely
• Ability to stand for long periods and perform repetitive physical tasks
• Valid driver’s license; and the ability to obtain a Class E license if offered
• Previous telecom mainline or fiber construction experience
• Experience operating HDD bore rigs independently
• Experience with mini-excavators, skid steers, or plows
• Strong safety mindset
• Team player with a positive, can-do attitude
• Dependable and committed to high-quality work
• Good communication and situational awareness
• Ability to adapt to changing jobsite conditions
• Takes pride in completing work accurately and efficiently
Why Join Socket Fiber?
At Socket Fiber, we're redefining what it means to connect communities. We share a mission-driven culture focused on bringing high-speed internet to areas that need it most. We're not just selling a service—we're providing access, opportunity, and real change. Socket Fiber offers a culture where employee strengths are highlighted and recognized.
A few of the key ways we strive to make employees feel valued include:
Our Core Values
Ready to Apply?
If you’re ready to make an impact and grow your career with Socket Fiber, we’d love to hear from you. Apply today!
This role is not eligible for Visa sponsorship.
This role is not eligible for relocation.
Salary and benefits commensurate with experience.
Equal Opportunity Employer.
This employer uses E-Verify.
In 1994, our founders saw a need for a local Missouri internet provider. They ignored some initial skepticism from friends and family – the internet was, after all “just a fad” - and started Socket, providing basic dial-up internet service out of a small office in Columbia.
Demand for internet access grew rapidly. By 1999, Socket had more than 30,000 customers and relocated to two office spaces on Cherry Street in downtown Columbia. (Those spaces are now Glenn's Cafe and studio apartments!)
As dial-up internet peaked, Socket looked to ways to keep its business moving forward. The company began offering high-speed internet and later became a CLEC (competitive local exchange carrier). With the expansion of business telephone and other advanced services, rapid growth ensued, and Socket was named one of the nation’s fastest growing companies by Inc. Magazine.
Socket continued to expand, moving in 2007 to an office on Clark Lane in Columbia. Residential telephone service and Naked DSL internet were introduced, resulting in more expansion.
Socket began work in 2011 on a brand new fiber-optic network to reach homes and businesses in rural Callaway County and Fulton. Socket has been expanding this fiber network ever since, now reaching several Missouri cities. Thousands of customers enjoy reliable, high-speed internet as a result.
Today, Socket employs approximately 200 people and is proud to be Missouri's local fiber internet provider, and we plan on bringing state-of-the-art technology and friendly, local support to as many homes and businesses as possible.
We look forward to serving you!
