811 Utility Locator I - Escambia & Santa Rosa Counties

McKim & Creed, Inc. • Pensacola, FL

7d • Onsite

About The Position

McKim & Creed is seeking a Utility Locator I to support 811 underground utility locating in Escambia and Santa Rosa Counties. The role is intended for people entering the locating profession as well as locators with up to five years of hands-on experience. The employee develops the skills needed to complete safe, accurate utility locates through training, field guidance, and review appropriate to demonstrated abilities. Work is guided and reviewed until the employee is authorized to complete assigned tasks independently.

The position involves learning approved locating methods and equipment, marking assigned underground utilities, reviewing 811 tickets and utility records, documenting field activity, and submitting positive responses and completion records through required review processes. The employee follows safe field practices, escalates uncertain or unsafe conditions, communicates with stakeholders, and cares for assigned equipment. Scheduled emergency and on-call assignments may be part of the role when the employee is trained and authorized. The work requires daily local travel across the assigned service area, outdoor field duties, and availability for overtime and up to 50 hours during busy periods.

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; training is available 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, and 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 daily safety documentation, and seek help when conditions exceed training or authorization.
• Review 811 ticket instructions, 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 ticket-management system.
• Submit accurate positive responses and completion records under the required review process, and escalate uncertain facilities, conflicting records, access issues, and other conditions needing assistance.
• Communicate professionally with excavators, property owners, teammates, and supervisors; ask questions and apply coaching and feedback.
• Inspect and care for assigned vehicles, locating instruments, mobile devices, PPE, and supplies; report equipment problems.
• Participate in scheduled emergency and on-call assignments as trained and authorized, helping maintain dependable team coverage and service.

Benefits

• Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP); all employees are owners and benefit from profits earned.
• Competitive pay.
• Paid holidays, bereavement, parental, medical, and military leave.
• Multiple office locations to work from.
• Growth opportunities, mentoring, and training programs.
• Tuition reimbursement, professional development programs, and online courses.
• Collaborative and supportive team.

What This Job Offers

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