811 Utility Locator I - Walton, Holmes, Okaloosa, Washington, and Bay Counties

McKim & Creed, Inc. • Pensacola, FL

6d • Onsite

About The Position

McKim & Creed is seeking an entry-level or developing Utility Locator I to support 811 water and sewer locating in Walton, Holmes, Okaloosa, Washington, and Bay 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 employee will develop and demonstrate the skills needed to complete safe, accurate locates, with training, field guidance, and review appropriate to demonstrated abilities. Locators work toward independent ticket completion as they demonstrate competency and are authorized for assigned tasks. The position involves outdoor field work, local daily travel throughout the service area, and scheduled emergency/on-call assignments, including overtime and potentially up to 50 hours during busy periods.

McKim & Creed offers an employee stock ownership plan, competitive pay, paid holidays and various leave programs, mentoring and training, tuition reimbursement and professional development, and a collaborative team environment. The company describes its work as having a direct impact on the communities it serves.

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 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 assigned underground utilities using required paint and flags.
• Progress toward independent ticket completion while working under field guidance and review until authorized for assigned tasks.
• 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 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 and help maintain dependable team coverage and service.

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.
• 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