Public Works Utility Locator

City of Fife•Fife, WA

5d•Onsite

About The Position

Under the general direction of the Assistant Public Works Director, the Utility Locator performs field work to identify, locate, mark, and document the approximate location of underground public utility facilities within the city rights-of-way and utility easements. The position responds to utility locate requests, including requests associated with excavation and construction activities, and assists in protecting the city's water, sewer, stormwater, and power from damage. Work requires careful interpretation of utility maps and records, use of electronic locating equipment, accurate field marking, communication with contractors and the public, and compliance with applicable safety requirements. This is a temporary position expected to last up to five (5) months, depending on workload and operational needs.

Requirements

Basic principles and practices of underground utility locating.
Basic operation of electronic utility locating equipment.
Public works utility systems, particularly water, sanitary sewer, and stormwater systems.
Basic utility maps, plans, as-built drawings, and GIS information.
Safe work practices around underground utilities, construction sites, traffic, and excavation activities.
Basic mathematics, including measurements, distances, and elevations.
Proper use of hand tools and field equipment.
Customer service principles and professional communication practices.
Micro-soft applications (Word, Excel, etc.) and 811 software application.
Learn and effectively use electronic utility locating equipment.
Read and interpret utility maps, drawings, and records.
Accurately locate and mark underground utilities.
Distinguish between different utility facilities and recognize common utility infrastructure.
Work independently in the field while maintaining regular communication with the supervisor.
Prioritize and complete multiple locate requests within established deadlines.
Make sound field judgments and recognize situations requiring additional investigation or supervisory assistance.
Maintain accurate records and complete required documentation.
Communicate effectively and courteously with contractors, property owners, coworkers, and the general public.
Work outdoors in varying weather conditions and around traffic, construction activities, and uneven terrain.
Follow written and verbal instructions.
Safely operate City vehicles and equipment.
Establish and maintain effective working relationships with coworkers, supervisors, contractors, other agencies, and the public.
Follow all safety requirements set forth by city policy, State and Federal codes
Follow all city policies and procedures.
High School diploma or equivalent, supplemented by three (3) years of experience in a similar work situation OR any combination of education and experience, which demonstrates the ability to successfully perform the essential duties of the position.
Valid Washington State driver's license and a driving record acceptable to the city.

Nice To Haves

Previous utility locating experience is preferred but not required.
Flagging, traffic control, confined space, or other applicable safety certifications are desirable.

Responsibilities

Mark city-owned utilities in response to “On Call” utility locate requests
Receive, review, prioritize, and complete utility locate requests within required timeframes.
Locate and mark underground city-owned utilities, including water, sanitary sewer, stormwater, and power as assigned.
Review utility maps, as-built drawings, GIS information, records, and other available documentation to assist with locating facilities.
Operate electronic utility locating equipment, including electromagnetic locators and related equipment.
Use visual indicators, surface features, utility records, probing, measurements, and other appropriate methods to determine the approximate location of underground utilities.
Accurately mark utility locations in the field using paint, flags, stakes, or other appropriate markings.
Measure and record utility locations and other relevant field information.
Identify and report discrepancies between field conditions and utility maps or records.
Notify the supervisor of utilities that cannot be located with reasonable confidence or where additional investigation is required.
Communicate with contractors, property owners, utility representatives, City employees, and members of the public regarding utility locations and locate activities.
Coordinate with other Public Works staff and outside utility locators when utility conflicts or multiple facilities are involved.
Maintain accurate records of completed locate requests and associated field activities.
Assist with updating utility maps, GIS records, photographs, and other infrastructure documentation.
Identify and report damaged, exposed, improperly marked, or potentially hazardous utility infrastructure.
Follow established procedures for excavation safety, traffic control, personal protective equipment, and working around underground utilities.
Operate City vehicles, radios, mobile devices, hand tools, and other equipment necessary to perform assigned duties.
Perform other duties as assigned.