811 Utility Locator I - Alachua, Columbia, Dixie, Gilchrist, Hamilton, Lafayette, Levy & Suwannee Counties

McKim & Creed, Inc. • Pensacola, FL

9d • Onsite

About The Position

McKim & Creed is seeking a Utility Locator I to support 811 underground utility locating across Alachua, Columbia, Dixie, Gilchrist, Hamilton, Lafayette, Levy, and Suwannee Counties. The role is suitable for applicants entering the locating profession as well as locators with up to five years of hands-on experience. Employees develop the skills needed to complete safe, accurate locates through training, field guidance, and review appropriate to their demonstrated abilities.

This is a field-based, single-utility position dedicated to one utility type, with local daily travel and scheduled emergency/on-call coverage. Work is performed under field guidance and review until the employee is authorized to complete assigned tasks independently. The role includes outdoor field work, use and care of locating equipment, documentation of work in a ticket-management system, and communication with excavators, property owners, teammates, supervisors, and client representatives.

McKim & Creed offers an Employee Stock Ownership Plan, competitive pay, paid holidays and various leave benefits, growth opportunities and training, professional development, tuition reimbursement, and a collaborative team environment.

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, willingness to receive feedback, and ability to demonstrate improvement.
• Commitment to safe work and honest reporting, including 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 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 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.
• 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-motivation and an entrepreneurial spirit.
• Excellent problem-solving skills.
• Motivation 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 the assigned underground utility 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, 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 requiring 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, 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); employees are owners and benefit from profits earned.
• Competitive pay.
• Paid holidays.
• Bereavement leave.
• Parental leave.
• Medical leave.
• Military leave.
• Growth opportunities and mentoring and training programs.
• Tuition reimbursement.
• Professional development programs and online courses.
• Collaborative, supportive team environment.

What This Job Offers

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