811 Utility Locator I - Jefferson, Leon, Madison, Taylor, Wakulla Counties

McKim and Creed • Pensacola, FL

9d • Onsite

About The Position

McKim & Creed is hiring an entry-level or experienced Utility Locator I to support 811 underground utility locating in Jefferson, Leon, Madison, Taylor, and Wakulla Counties. The position is dedicated to locating one assigned utility; additional utility types will not be added to the workload. This is a field-based role involving local daily travel and scheduled emergency/on-call coverage. Applicants may be entering the locating profession or have up to five years of hands-on underground utility locating experience. Training, field guidance, and review will be provided based on demonstrated ability as the employee develops the skills to complete safe, accurate locates independently.

The locator learns to use electromagnetic locating receivers and transmitters with approved methods and equipment, marks assigned underground utilities with paint and flags, reviews 811 tickets and available records, documents field activity, and submits positive responses and completion records through the required review process. The role requires safe outdoor field work, professional communication, equipment care, escalation of uncertain conditions, and participation in scheduled emergency/on-call assignments as trained and authorized. Employees may work up to 50 hours during busy periods.

McKim & Creed describes itself as a company that puts employees first and offers employee stock ownership, competitive pay, leave benefits, training and growth opportunities, professional development, and a collaborative team environment. The company is an Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action Employer, a VEVRAA Federal Contractor, 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, willingness to receive feedback, and ability to demonstrate improvement.
• Commitment to safe work, honest reporting, and seeking 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 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-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 for the assigned task.
• Learn and apply safe field practices; recognize and report hazards, complete daily safety documentation, and request 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 requiring 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 before they affect safe, accurate work.
• Participate in scheduled emergency/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.
• Growth opportunities, mentoring, and training programs.
• Tuition reimbursement, professional development programs, and online courses.
• Collaborative and supportive team environment.

What This Job Offers

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