811 Utility Locator I - Pinellas County

McKim & Creed, Inc. • Pensacola, FL

2d • Onsite

About The Position

McKim & Creed is hiring a Utility Locator I to support 811 water and sewer locating for Pinellas County Water & Sewer. This entry-level role is for applicants beginning in the locating profession and locators with up to five years of hands-on underground utility locating experience. The employee develops the skills to complete safe, accurate locates through training, field guidance, and review appropriate to demonstrated abilities. Independent ticket completion increases as competency is demonstrated and the employee is authorized for assigned tasks.

The position requires local travel throughout the assigned service area, outdoor fieldwork, and participation in scheduled emergency/on-call assignments as trained and authorized. Work includes locating and marking underground utilities, documenting results in a ticket-management system, communicating with stakeholders, and caring for assigned equipment. Busy periods may require working up to 50 hours.

Requirements

• Up to five years of hands-on underground utility locating experience; prior locating experience is not required for entry-level applicants.
• Willingness to learn 811 ticket procedures, map interpretation, locating methods, positive responses, and field documentation.
• Attention to detail, dependable work habits, and willingness to receive feedback and demonstrate improvement.
• Commitment to safe work, honest reporting, and asking for help when a locate cannot be completed confidently.
• Ability to communicate clearly with coworkers, supervisors, excavators, property owners, and client representatives.
• Ability to use mobile devices, email, and assigned ticket-management applications, with training provided as needed.
• Ability to travel locally each workday throughout the assigned service area and meet the assigned work schedule, including overtime and scheduled emergency/on-call coverage.
• Ability to perform essential outdoor field duties, including walking on uneven terrain, working in varying weather, and carrying and operating locating equipment, with or without reasonable accommodation.
• Willingness to work up to 50 hours during busy periods.
• Valid driver’s license and acceptable motor vehicle record, with successful completion of required background screening and drug testing.

Nice To Haves

• High school diploma, GED, or equivalent is preferred.
• Hands-on utility locating experience, especially underground electric power locating.
• Experience with utility maps, outdoor field work, mobile work applications, or documenting completed work.
• Relevant utility construction, installation, maintenance, or other field experience that supports learning the locating profession.
• Examples of learning a new skill, accepting coaching, and helping coworkers succeed.
• Self-motivated with an entrepreneurial spirit.
• Excellent problem-solving skills.
• Motivated to learn and develop a career path.
• Alignment with McKim & Creed’s Core Values.

Responsibilities

• Learn to operate electromagnetic locating receivers and transmitters using approved methods and equipment within training and authorization.
• Locate and mark assigned underground utilities using required paint and flags.
• Progress toward independent ticket completion as competency is demonstrated, working under field guidance and review until authorized.
• Learn and apply safe field practices, recognize and report hazards, complete required daily safety documentation, and request assistance when conditions exceed training or authorization.
• Review 811 ticket instructions, requested excavation limits, utility maps, and available records with guidance appropriate to experience.
• Document locating activity, field conditions, unresolved issues, and required post-locate photographs in the assigned ticket-management system.
• Submit accurate positive responses and completion records under the required review process; escalate uncertain facilities, conflicting records, access issues, and other conditions needing assistance.
• Communicate professionally with excavators, property owners, teammates, and supervisors; ask questions promptly and apply coaching and feedback.
• Inspect and care for assigned vehicles, locating instruments, mobile devices, PPE, and supplies, and report equipment problems.
• Participate in scheduled emergency/on-call assignments as trained and authorized to help maintain dependable coverage and service.

Benefits

• Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP); all employees are owners and benefit from profits earned.
• Competitive pay.
• Paid holidays.
• Bereavement leave.
• Parental leave.
• Medical leave.
• Military leave.
• Multiple office locations.
• Mentoring and training programs.
• Tuition reimbursement.
• Professional development programs and online courses.
• Collaborative, supportive team.

What This Job Offers

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