811 Utility Locator I - Franklin & Gulf Counties

McKim and Creed • Pensacola, FL

9d • 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 suitable for applicants entering the locating profession and locators with up to five years of hands-on underground utility locating experience. The position develops safe and accurate locating skills through training, field guidance, and review appropriate to demonstrated abilities. It is dedicated to locating a single assigned utility; additional utility types will not be added to the workload. This is a field-based position involving local daily travel and scheduled emergency/on-call coverage.

The Utility Locator I learns to operate electromagnetic locating receivers and transmitters using approved methods and equipment within their training and authorization, and locates and marks the assigned underground utility with paint and flags. The employee progresses toward independent ticket completion as competency is demonstrated and works under field guidance and review until authorized for assigned tasks. The role includes reviewing 811 ticket instructions, requested excavation limits, utility maps, and available records; documenting locating activity, field conditions, unresolved issues, and required post-locate photographs in the assigned ticket-management system; and submitting positive responses and completion records under the required review process. The employee recognizes and reports hazards, completes daily safety documentation, escalates uncertain facilities and other conditions needing assistance, and communicates professionally with excavators, property owners, teammates, and supervisors. The employee also inspects and cares for assigned vehicles, locating instruments, mobile devices, PPE, and supplies, and participates in scheduled emergency/on-call assignments as trained and authorized.

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.
• 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.
• Aligned 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 for assigned tasks.
• Learn and apply safe field practices; recognize and report hazards, complete required 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, supervisors, and client representatives.
• Ask questions promptly and apply coaching and feedback.
• Inspect and care for assigned vehicles, locating instruments, mobile devices, PPE, and supplies; report equipment problems before they affect safe, accurate work.
• Participate in scheduled emergency/on-call assignments as trained and authorized, helping maintain dependable coverage and service.
• Travel locally each workday throughout the assigned service area and meet the assigned work schedule, including overtime and scheduled emergency/on-call coverage.

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 and 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