811 Utility Locator I - Gulf and Franklin Counties

McKim & Creed, Inc. • Pensacola, FL

6d • Onsite

About The Position

McKim & Creed is seeking a Utility Locator I to support 811 water and sewer locating in Gulf and Franklin Counties. The role is suitable for applicants entering the locating profession as well as locators with up to five years of hands-on underground utility locating experience. The employee will develop and demonstrate skills for completing safe, accurate locates, with training, field guidance, and review appropriate to demonstrated abilities.

The Utility Locator I learns to use electromagnetic locating receivers and transmitters and to review 811 ticket instructions, excavation limits, utility maps, and available records. The employee locates and marks assigned underground utilities with paint and flags, documents activity and field conditions in the ticket-management system, and submits positive responses and completion records under the required review process. Work progresses toward independent ticket completion as competency is demonstrated and authorization is granted.

The role requires safe outdoor field work, local daily travel throughout the assigned service area, communication with excavators, property owners, teammates, and supervisors, and care of assigned vehicles, instruments, mobile devices, PPE, and supplies. Scheduled emergency/on-call assignments, overtime, and work up to 50 hours during busy periods may be required. McKim & Creed describes itself as an Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action Employer and a VEVRAA Federal Contractor.

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, and willingness to ask 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 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; work under field guidance and review until authorized.
• 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, 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 and help maintain dependable team 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); employees are owners and benefit from profits earned.
• Competitive pay.
• Paid holidays.
• Bereavement, parental, medical, and military leave.
• Multiple office locations.
• Growth opportunities and mentoring and training programs.
• Tuition reimbursement, professional development programs, and online courses.

What This Job Offers

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