811 Lead Technician - Pinellas County

McKim and Creed • Pensacola, FL

2d • 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 involves completing personally assigned locate tickets and 30% involves supporting and mentoring technicians under the direction of the 811 Field Supervisor. This hourly, field-based position combines independent 811 locating with ticket coordination, field training, and quality support. The Lead Technician may assign and reassign tickets within the Field Supervisor’s direction; 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 reviews ticket instructions, excavation limits, maps, and available records; selects locating methods; and locates and marks underground utilities. The role includes managing assigned tickets, maintaining accurate documentation, coordinating ticket coverage, training and mentoring technicians, supporting difficult locates and quality reviews, and assisting with damage and near-miss investigations. The position also involves communicating with excavators and client representatives, supporting equipment and supply readiness, modeling safe work, and escalating unresolved or unsafe conditions.

The position provides working leadership under the 811 Field Supervisor, but does not include management-level or HR responsibilities such as hiring, discipline, formal performance reviews, compensation decisions, or approval of leave. Supporting coverage during a supervisor’s absence does not expand that authority.

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 to 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.
• 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 according to due times, travel, field conditions, and service requirements while maintaining safe and accurate work.
• Maintain complete notes, required photographs, positive responses, and ticket-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 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.
• Perform assigned field quality and ticket-documentation reviews, record findings, help technicians complete corrective actions, and verify corrections as directed.
• 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 on ticket scope, access, field conditions, and work status within delegated authority; escalate disputes, service risks, and requests outside the assigned scope.
• Provide delegated ticket coordination and technical support during the Field Supervisor’s absence and refer management and personnel matters to designated leadership.
• Model safe work and 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