Utility Locate Technician

DeKalb County • Decatur, GA

4d • Onsite

About The Position

The purpose of this classification is to locate County-owned water and wastewater utility lines and services. This role involves responding to work tickets, traveling to sites, reading maps, locating utility lines, marking their locations, and updating databases. The technician also investigates damage to utility lines caused by excavation, documents findings, and makes recommendations regarding liability. Additionally, the role includes reporting leaks, issuing citations for water use violations, ensuring right-of-way is clear, assisting with main shutdowns, adhering to safety procedures, and directing traffic around work sites. The technician also responds to public inquiries, resolves complex issues, and prevents contractors from digging until locates are completed. Preparation of various forms and reports is also a key responsibility.

Requirements

• High school diploma or GED required
• Three years of experience in utility services or related field
• Any equivalent combination of education, training, and experience which provides the requisite knowledge, skills, and abilities for this job
• Must possess and maintain a valid Georgia driver’s license

Responsibilities

• Locates water and wastewater utility lines and services such as mains, fire hydrants, fire lines, manholes, water meters, service connections, valves and other utilities.
• Receives and responds to work tickets and locate requests.
• Travels to site, reads maps, and locates depth and length of lines.
• Marks locations of utility lines and takes photos.
• Updates maps and computer databases, and maintains related documentation.
• Investigates damage to water and wastewater utility lines due to excavation.
• Takes photos, makes drawings, and provides detailed documentation of work site, lines, markings, and extent of damage.
• Analyzes information and makes recommendations regarding liability of damage.
• Prepares and submits related documentation and reports.
• Reports water and wastewater leaks, backups, missing or damaged equipment or other issues.
• Issues warnings and citations for violations regarding water use.
• Ensures right of way are clear of signs and obstructions.
• Assists in shutdown of mains for repairs and connections.
• Adheres to established safety procedures.
• Monitors work environment and use of safety equipment to ensure safety of employees and other individuals.
• Flags and directs traffic and places markers, signs and cones around project/work site to ensure safety of crew and the traveling public.
• Responds to complaints and questions related to utility line locates.
• Provides information, researches problems, and initiates problem resolution.
• Resolves situations involving complex issues.
• Attends meetings.
• Prevents contractors from digging until utility locations are completed.
• Prepares or completes various forms, reports, correspondence, work tickets, vehicle maintenance reports, locate reports, or other documents.
• Operates and maintains a motor vehicle, radar, metal detector, magnetic pipe locater, stakes, flags, GPS, and other equipment.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Education Level: High school or GED