Utilities Locator/ Inspector (Career Path)

City of Boynton Beach•Boynton Beach, FL

About The Position

This career-path position encompasses three classifications in the Utilities department: Utilities Locator, Utilities Locator/Inspector Trainee, and Utilities Inspector. The Locator performs field underground-utility locating work, marks utility locations, supports GIS updates, responds to location requests, and performs related documentation and customer service. The Trainee performs Locator duties while providing lead oversight, training, and coordination for Locator staff, and trains in construction inspection work. The Inspector coordinates and monitors field construction activities, inspects utility construction and installation for compliance with City standards and approved plans, and performs associated environmental and industrial pretreatment inspections. Advancement is subject to the experience, certification, testing, and performance requirements stated for each career-path level. Work includes locating water, sewer, and stormwater infrastructure; using locating tools and software; reviewing drawings and surveys; communicating with the public, contractors, and colleagues; and maintaining records and reports. Inspector assignments also include reviewing plans, documenting and evaluating construction work, enforcing applicable requirements, coordinating with departments and outside agencies, and conducting environmental compliance and wastewater-related inspections. The work is frequently outdoors and may involve inclement weather, traffic, machinery, noise, fumes, wetness, toxic agents, or other adverse conditions. Locator and Trainee duties may require lifting or moving objects weighing up to 100 pounds; Inspector duties may involve moderately heavy objects and materials up to 60 pounds. A valid Florida driver’s license is required or must be obtained within 14 days of hire, as applicable to the classification.

Requirements

Utilities Locator: High school diploma or valid equivalent.
Utilities Locator: Three years of experience in underground utilities location, construction, or a related field; prior outside experience will be considered.
Utilities Locator: Possess or be able to obtain within 14 days of hire and maintain a valid Florida driver’s license.
Utilities Locator: Complete the required training program within two years, including training in defensive driving, blueprint reading, trench safety, GIS, PPE, heat stress, workplace violence, CPR, and other training as necessary and available.
Utilities Locator/Inspector Trainee: High school diploma or valid equivalent.
Utilities Locator/Inspector Trainee: Five years of experience in underground utilities location, construction, or a related field; prior outside experience will be considered.
Utilities Locator/Inspector Trainee: Possess or be able to obtain within 14 days of hire and maintain a valid Florida driver’s license.
Utilities Locator/Inspector Trainee: Pass the career-path advancement test with a score of at least 70% and demonstrate the ability to lead a crew and successfully complete assigned projects.
Utilities Inspector: High school diploma or valid equivalent.
Utilities Inspector: Seven years of experience involving underground utility installation, construction, locating, or inspection; two years of the required experience must be as a Utilities Locator/Inspector Trainee or equivalent.
Utilities Inspector: A vocational/technical degree emphasizing Construction Management, Civil/Environmental Engineering, or a closely related field may substitute for two years of the required experience.
Utilities Inspector: Possess the Florida Industrial Pretreatment Association’s FOG Management Certification.
Utilities Inspector: Possess or be able to obtain the Florida Industrial Pretreatment Association’s Level C Industrial Pretreatment Certification within one year in the position.
Utilities Inspector: Possess or be able to obtain within 14 days of hire and maintain a valid Florida driver’s license.
Internal candidates advancing to Utilities Inspector must possess Florida Industrial Pretreatment Association Level C and FOG Management certifications and cross-train in another functional area within one year in the position.
Ability to follow safe work practices, use safety equipment, recognize utility markings, operate tools and equipment, and set up traffic control and road signs in work zones.
Ability to read and interpret maps, as-built drawings, blueprints, surveys, and construction plans; use GPS, ArcGIS, and work-order or asset-management software.
Ability to communicate orally and in writing, prepare accurate reports and records, follow instructions, organize daily work, and work with minimal supervisory direction.
Ability to lead, train, guide, and coordinate Locator staff; monitor safe work practices; track training progress; and maintain productive working relationships.
Knowledge of underground construction methods and materials, inspection practices, applicable permitting and regulatory requirements, environmental codes, waste disposal and treatment, and industrial pretreatment processes.
Ability to inspect grease traps and interceptors, identify and prevent illegal waste dumping, interpret and enforce codes impartially, and use computer software to prepare reports and other documents.
Ability to perform physically demanding work that may include climbing, balancing, bending, stooping, kneeling, crouching, crawling, and lifting or moving materials up to the stated classification limits.

Responsibilities

Locate water and sewer services and water, sewer, and stormwater mains; use locating equipment to find buried valves and services; verify locations by digging; and mark utilities with paint or flags.
Read as-built drawings, blueprints, and surveys to identify utility locations; complete and retrieve utility-location tickets, including tickets from Sunshine 811 or similar software.
Meet with property owners, contractors, and developers to explain utility locations and responsibilities; respond to inquiries and complaints.
Operate and maintain utility locating equipment, tools, vehicles, and software; maintain supplies and materials; and assist with GIS updates and verification.
Complete customer survey requests, work orders, reports, daily worksheets, and other required records; perform on-call utility locating services.
Follow safety procedures, use safety equipment, monitor work conditions, and maintain safety and quality in field work.
Assist staff with field issues and training; learn higher-level assignments and perform other related duties as assigned.
Provide on-site training and technical guidance to Utilities Locators; coordinate, prioritize, assign, and oversee crew work; inspect completed work and provide performance-evaluation input as required.
Monitor crew safety and proper equipment use; ensure adequate supplies and personal protective equipment; request replenishment through the area supervisor.
Assist the Environmental Inspector, train with inspectors on utility infrastructure construction, conduct employee safety meetings, and submit required field reports and paperwork.
Interpret and enforce applicable codes, ordinances, regulations, standards, specifications, policies, procedures, and approved construction plans; address deviations or violations.
Inspect construction work, methods, and materials; document field measurements and compare actual work with planned work; determine compliance and troubleshoot issues.
Review project designs, drawings, change orders, invoices, payment requests, and project costs; assist with construction quantity, quality, and cost computations and budget monitoring.
Coordinate work with departments, agencies, contractors, developers, property owners, and project teams; attend project meetings and conduct preliminary and final walk-through inspections.
Maintain inspection reports and project records; research and analyze data; prepare reports, forms, correspondence, technical opinions, plans, computations, and budget documents.
Conduct environmental and industrial waste inspections, including inspections of businesses and industries for proper handling, treatment, storage, and disposal of waste and grease.
Collect and test samples from sanitary and storm sewer effluents; operate and calibrate sampling equipment and use a pH meter; document and report inspection findings.
Administer the Industrial Pretreatment Program with the South Central Regional Wastewater Treatment Plant and conduct inspections with Florida Department of Environmental Protection staff.
Conduct NPDES high-risk facility inspections, respond to illicit-discharge and odor complaints, inspect sewer plant data, and assist with environmental code enforcement and public information.
Perform general clerical tasks, assist other employees or departments, and perform other related duties as required.