Underground Utility Line Locator

Energy Innovation Center Institute • Pittsburgh, PA

1d • Hybrid

About The Position

The Underground Utility Line Locator Training Program at the Energy Innovation Center Institute is a free, work-at-your-own-pace, unpaid, interactive training program. This is a pilot training that requires candidates to work through the material at their own pace (within 30 days) with 2 to 3 days of in-person, hands-on training with the equipment. Completion of all materials and skills will result in a completion certificate. An underground facility locator, also called a utility locator, is responsible for accurately finding and marking the location of buried utilities like natural gas, electric, communications, and water and wastewater systems using specialized electronic equipment, maps, and plans, to prevent damage during construction projects by clearly indicating their precise location before excavation begins. This typically involves researching relevant utility records, operating locating equipment in the field, and properly marking the identified utility lines on the ground’s surface.

Requirements

• Technical knowledge: Understanding how to operate and maintain utility locating equipment and interpreting utility maps. Understanding the applicable state’s 1Call Law.
• Physical ability: Ability to work outdoors in various weather conditions and walk long distances.
• Locating: Identify and mark the location of underground utilities.
• Using laptop computers: Ability to utilize laptop computers or other devices to receive, document, and finalize utility locate requests.
• Read and interpret maps: Ability to read and interpret maps (blueprints, as-built record drawings) to identify the buried location, type, and size of the underground facility.
• Communication skills: Effective written and oral communication with contractors and underground facility owners, property owners, and other stakeholders to perform locate requests.
• GIS knowledge: Ability to utilize Geographic Information Systems (GIS) for data analysis and mapping.
• Operate electronic detection equipment: Ability to operate and maintain electronic locate detection equipment.
• Operate work vehicle safely: Ability to operate a work vehicle in a safe manner in the performance of the locate.
• 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 up to 7 years

Responsibilities

• Receiving locate requests: Respond to requests from public utilities, contractors, or other parties to locate underground utilities in a designated area.
• Data analysis: Review existing utility maps, blueprints, and as-built plans to identify potential locations of underground utilities.
• Field locating: Use specialized equipment like ground penetrating radar, electromagnetic locators, and utility locating trucks to pinpoint the exact location of buried utilities.
• Marking locations: Clearly mark the identified utility lines on the ground using the appropriate color flags, paint, or other visible markers.
• Documentation: Record findings and details of the locate process, including the location, depth, and type of utility.
• Safety Compliance: Adhere 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