811 Lead Technician - Pinellas County

McKim & Creed, Inc. • Pensacola, FL

3d • Onsite

About The Position

McKim & Creed is seeking an 811 Lead Technician to perform underground utility locating and support field coordination and technician development in Pinellas County. Approximately 70% of the role is completing personally assigned locate tickets, while 30% is supporting and mentoring technicians under the direction of the 811 Field Supervisor. This hourly, field-based position combines independent locating with ticket coordination, field training, and quality support. The Lead Technician may assign and reassign tickets within delegated authority, but formal supervision and personnel decisions remain with designated management. Assigned utilities depend on the client and contract. Local daily travel, overtime, and scheduled emergency/on-call coverage are part of the role.

The Lead Technician independently reviews ticket instructions, excavation limits, maps, and available records; selects locating methods; and locates and marks underground utilities. The role includes managing assigned tickets and documenting work; supporting ticket coverage and coordination; mentoring technicians; assisting with difficult locates and field challenges; reviewing work quality and documentation; and supporting damage and near-miss investigations. The technician coordinates with excavators and client representatives within delegated authority, supports continuity during the Field Supervisor’s absence, models safe work, maintains equipment and supply readiness, and escalates unsafe conditions or matters outside their authority.

The position requires a high school diploma or GED, hands-on 811 underground utility locating experience, and the ability to independently manage tickets and evaluate field evidence. A valid driver’s license and acceptable motor vehicle record are required, along with successful completion of background screening and drug testing. Five or more years of locating experience and experience with technician mentoring, field quality reviews, damage-investigation support, ticket coordination, or ticket-management systems are preferred.

McKim & Creed offers hourly compensation and competitive benefits, participation in its Employee Stock Ownership Plan subject to eligibility and vesting requirements, training, mentoring, and career-development opportunities. The company describes the work as protecting people, underground infrastructure, and communities.

Requirements

• High school diploma or GED.
• Hands-on 811 underground utility locating experience and demonstrated ability to independently manage tickets, interpret instructions and utility maps, evaluate field evidence, and recognize when assistance is needed.
• Strong working knowledge of electromagnetic locating receivers and transmitters, troubleshooting methods, utility marking, positive responses, and complete field documentation.
• Ability to organize ticket workloads, identify approaching deadlines, and coordinate assignments within the Field Supervisor’s direction.
• Ability to explain 811 locating methods clearly, coach technicians respectfully, provide constructive feedback, and verify that instruction is applied in the field.
• Dependable work habits, sound judgment, accurate reporting, and ability to balance personal ticket production with assigned team-support duties.
• Ability to communicate professionally with technicians, supervisors, excavators, property owners, and client representatives, and use mobile devices, email, and ticket-management applications.
• Ability to travel throughout the assigned service area and meet the work schedule, including overtime and scheduled emergency/on-call coverage.
• Ability to perform essential outdoor field duties, including walking on uneven terrain, working in varying weather, and carrying and operating locating equipment, with or without reasonable accommodation.
• Valid driver’s license and acceptable motor vehicle record, with successful completion of required background screening and drug testing.

Nice To Haves

• Five or more years of hands-on 811 underground utility locating experience.
• Experience mentoring 811 locators, providing field-procedure training, coordinating ticket assignments, or serving as a working lead.
• Experience with 811 field quality reviews, damage-investigation support, and verification of corrective actions.
• Experience with UtiliSphere or comparable 811 ticket-management systems and the utilities covered by the assigned contract.

Responsibilities

• Review ticket instructions, excavation limits, maps, and available records; select appropriate locating methods; and accurately locate and mark assigned underground utilities.
• Manage assigned tickets by due time, travel, field conditions, and service requirements; maintain complete notes, required photographs, positive responses, and completion records.
• Assign and reassign tickets as directed by the Field Supervisor, considering deadlines, geography, technician qualifications, and workload; support daily coverage and report overdue risks, coverage gaps, and resource needs.
• Train and mentor 811 technicians through demonstrations, observation, practical feedback, and follow-up; reinforce approved company and client methods and report progress and development needs to the Field Supervisor.
• Assist with difficult locates, signal interference, conflicting records, and other field challenges; explain supporting evidence and limitations and escalate unresolved conditions before marking, clearing, or closing a ticket without adequate support.
• Perform assigned field quality and ticket-documentation reviews, record findings, help technicians complete corrective actions, and verify corrections as directed by the Field Supervisor.
• Support damage and near-miss investigations by preserving ticket records and photographs, documenting field conditions, and gathering facts for the Field Supervisor.
• Coordinate with excavators and client representatives regarding ticket scope, access, field conditions, and work status within delegated authority; escalate disputes, service risks, and requests outside assigned scope.
• Provide continuity during the Field Supervisor’s absence through delegated ticket coordination and technical support; refer management and personnel matters to designated leadership.
• Model safe work, complete required safety documentation, help maintain equipment and supply readiness, report shortages or defects, and support emergency/on-call coverage.
• Stop work and escalate unsafe conditions or tasks beyond training or authorization.

Benefits

• Hourly compensation and competitive benefits.
• Employee ownership through participation in the Employee Stock Ownership Plan, subject to plan eligibility and vesting requirements.
• Training, mentoring, and opportunities for career development.
• Meaningful work protecting people, underground infrastructure, and the communities served.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Education Level: High school or GED