Underground Utility Line Locator

Energy Innovation Center Institute • Pittsburgh, PA

4d • Onsite

About The Position

The Energy Innovation Center Institute offers a free, 2-week, unpaid, interactive training program for Underground Utility Line Locators. This program includes hands-on field and classroom training, and upon graduation, participants may have the opportunity for interviews with top utility companies and receive coaching for career advancement. The role of an underground facility locator is to accurately find and mark the location of buried utilities such as natural gas, electric, communications, and water/wastewater systems. This is done using specialized electronic equipment, maps, and plans to prevent damage during construction projects by clearly indicating the precise location before excavation begins. This process typically involves researching utility records, operating locating equipment in the field, and marking the identified utility lines on the ground's surface.

Requirements

• Understanding how to operate and maintain utility locating equipment and interpret utility maps.
• Understanding the applicable state’s 1Call Law.
• Ability to work outdoors in various weather conditions and walk long distances.
• Ability to identify and mark the location of underground utilities.
• Ability to utilize laptop computers or other devices to receive, document, and finalize utility locate requests.
• Ability to read and interpret maps (blueprints, as-built record drawings) to identify the buried location, type, and size of the underground facility.
• Effective written and oral communication with contractors, underground facility owners, property owners, and other stakeholders.
• Ability to utilize Geographic Information Systems (GIS) for data analysis and mapping.
• Ability to operate and maintain electronic locate detection equipment.
• Ability to operate a work vehicle in a safe manner.
• Valid driver’s license.
• Able to successfully pass a drug test.
• Available during normal work hours and possible after-hours emergency situations.
• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Able to communicate, read, and write effectively in English.
• Able to distinguish colors.
• Able to perform utility locating work outside in all weather conditions.
• Felony free.

Responsibilities

• Receiving locate requests from public utilities, contractors, or other parties.
• Reviewing existing utility maps, blueprints, and as-built plans to identify potential locations of underground utilities.
• Using specialized equipment like ground penetrating radar and electromagnetic locators to pinpoint the exact location of buried utilities.
• Clearly marking the identified utility lines on the ground using appropriate color flags, paint, or other visible markers.
• Recording findings and details of the locate process, including the location, depth, and type of utility.
• Adhering to safety protocols while performing locator work, working in construction sites and around live utilities.

What This Job Offers

• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: High school or GED