811 Utility Locator I - Franklin & Gulf Counties

McKim & Creed, Inc. • Pensacola, FL

7h • Onsite

About The Position

McKim & Creed is seeking a Utility Locator I to support 811 underground utility locating in Franklin and Gulf counties. The role is open to applicants entering the locating profession and locators with up to five years of hands-on underground utility locating 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 locating position dedicated to one utility, with local daily travel and scheduled emergency/on-call coverage. Employees progress toward independent ticket completion as they demonstrate competency and receive authorization for assigned tasks. They use approved equipment and methods, follow safe field practices, document locating activity, and communicate with excavators, property owners, teammates, and supervisors.

McKim & Creed offers an employee stock ownership plan, competitive pay, paid leave, training and mentoring, professional development, tuition reimbursement, and a collaborative team environment. The company is an Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action Employer and maintains a Drug Free Workplace.

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 may be provided as needed.
• Ability to travel locally each workday throughout the assigned service area and meet the assigned 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 811 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 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, personal protective equipment, and supplies; report equipment problems.
• Participate in scheduled emergency/on-call assignments as trained and authorized to help maintain dependable coverage and service.
• Travel locally throughout the assigned service area each workday and meet the assigned work schedule, including overtime and scheduled emergency/on-call coverage.

Benefits

• Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP); employees are owners and benefit from profits earned.
• Competitive pay.
• Paid holidays.
• Bereavement, parental, medical, and military leave.
• Training and mentoring programs.
• Tuition reimbursement.
• Professional development programs and online courses.
• Multiple office locations.

What This Job Offers

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