Pipeline Locator

TECO Energy•Sarasota, FL

About The Position

The Pipeline Locator accurately locates and marks Peoples Gas System (PGS) underground facilities to promote public safety and prevent damage from excavation. The role supports the PGS Damage Prevention Program by helping ensure compliance with Sunshine 811 statutes, standards, and best practices, and by collaborating with the Damage Prevention team, business partners, excavators, and the public. The Pipeline Locator also helps educate PGS team members, excavators, and the public on safe excavation practices. The position receives and responds to excavation notices using an electronic locate ticket management system; locates and marks underground assets with electronic detection equipment, paint, flags, and related equipment; and performs light hand excavation when needed. It may involve updating electronic maps and facility records, supporting damage investigations and documentation, and building relationships with excavation contractors. The role includes outdoor work, emergency locate response, and an incident response assignment with related training and exercises.

Requirements

High school diploma or equivalent (GED) from an accredited institution.
Valid driver’s license with an acceptable driving record.
At least 1 year of underground utility locating experience, or all Operator Qualifications under ASME B31Q Pipeline Personnel Qualification in lieu of experience.
Ability to learn all job-related skills.
Demonstrated knowledge and understanding of GIS utility map reading.
Proficiency operating a computer and familiarity with electronic ticket management systems.
Proven competency operating electronic locating equipment.
Good working knowledge of state one-call requirements and underground construction practices.
Ability to follow complex oral and written instructions and clearly express ideas verbally and in writing.
Ability to use independent judgment in work assignments and decisions affecting company operations.
Ability to learn and understand excavation best practices, PHMSA and FPSC rules and regulations, and company safe work practices.
Ability to work overtime, including weekends, holidays, and rotating call-out or standby duty, as business needs dictate.
Ability to respond to emergency locate requests and other business needs within divisional guidelines.
Ability to work outdoors for extended periods and perform indoor or outdoor manual labor.
Ability to wear appropriate personal protective equipment and meet the stated mobility, balance, bending, kneeling, walking, standing, sitting, hand-use, and lifting requirements, including pulling, pushing, lifting, and carrying objects up to 100 pounds.
Ability to operate and enter and exit a motor vehicle independently and safely during an eight-hour shift.
Vision correctable to 20/40.
Average hearing loss no greater than 40 decibels in the better ear at 500, 1000, and 2000 Hz, with or without a hearing aid.
Ability to smell gas odorant in normal concentrations.
Ability to perform repetitive arm, hand, and finger motions and rotate or twist the body.

Nice To Haves

At least 2 years of pipeline locating work experience.
Knowledge of the geographic area.

Responsibilities

Receive and respond to excavation notices in accordance with company policies and state one-call requirements, using an electronic locate ticket management system.
Locate and mark underground assets on roadways, private property, easements, and other locations using spray paint, flags, and related equipment.
Operate electronic detection equipment to locate and mark underground pipeline facilities within prescribed accuracy limits.
Perform light excavation with hand tools to expose buried utilities when necessary.
Provide electronic map updates and facility record corrections to the GIS team as needed.
Assist with damaged facility investigations, root cause evaluations, data gathering, and required documentation related to excavation damages.
Build and maintain relationships with excavation contractors to reduce damages.
Support damage prevention by educating PGS team members, excavators, and the public about safe excavation practices.
Assist other employees as needed and perform additional duties and responsibilities as assigned.
Respond to emergency locate requests and participate in rotating or as-needed call-out and standby schedules.
Fulfill an assigned incident response role, complete related training, and potentially participate in mock drills or exercises.