811 Utility Locator III - Hamilton, Columbia, Suwannee, Lafayette, Alachua, Gilchrist, Levy, and Dixie Counties

McKim & Creed, Inc. • Pensacola, FL

6d • Onsite

About The Position

McKim & Creed is seeking a Utility Locator III to perform advanced 811 underground utility locating and provide technical support across Hamilton, Columbia, Suwannee, Lafayette, Alachua, Gilchrist, Levy, and Dixie Counties. The role is intended for locators with more than ten years of hands-on underground utility locating experience who can resolve complex conditions, explain the evidence behind their decisions, and help develop other locators. The Utility Locator III works with a Field Supervisor to strengthen locating quality, technical capability, and dependable service.

This is a field-based position with local daily travel and scheduled emergency/on-call coverage. The assignment is dedicated to one utility; additional utility types will not be added to the workload. The position involves independent complex locating, technical support for other locators when authorized, mentoring, quality reviews, documentation, and support for damage and near-miss investigations. Formal personnel-management responsibilities remain with assigned leadership.

Requirements

• More than ten years of hands-on underground utility locating experience.
• Demonstrated ability to troubleshoot complex locating conditions, evaluate available evidence, recognize limitations, and make sound escalation decisions.
• Strong knowledge of electromagnetic locating receivers and transmitters, utility-map interpretation, 811 ticket instructions, positive responses, and field documentation.
• Ability to explain technical decisions clearly, provide constructive coaching, and verify that a developing locator can apply the instruction.
• Ability to work independently and coordinate technical assistance with the Field Supervisor; formal personnel-management responsibilities remain with assigned leadership.
• Ability to communicate clearly with coworkers, supervisors, excavators, property owners, and client representatives.
• Excellent attention to detail and ability to work in fast-paced environments.
• 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; overnight travel may occasionally be required.
• 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.
• 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.
• Extensive hands-on underground electric power locating experience.
• Experience across multiple utility types, complex utility corridors, and difficult locating conditions.
• Experience mentoring locators, assisting with quality audits, or supporting evidence-based damage investigations.
• Examples of improving team competency, preventing repeat errors, or strengthening locating and documentation practices.

Responsibilities

• Independently plan and perform complex underground utility locates using ticket instructions, maps, records, field observations, and appropriate electromagnetic methods.
• Evaluate difficult signal conditions, interference, conflicting records, and other limitations; use appropriate verification methods and escalate unresolved conditions through established channels.
• Locate and accurately mark the assigned underground utility.
• Meet work objectives for quality, regulatory compliance, public relations, safety, schedules, budgets, and responsive client service.
• Model safe work, complete required safety documentation, maintain equipment readiness, and participate in scheduled emergency/on-call coverage.
• Conduct regular inspections and assessments to identify potential hazards or issues.
• Support other locators on difficult or high-consequence assignments when authorized, explaining methods, limitations, supporting evidence, and required next steps.
• Assist with field quality reviews, ticket documentation reviews, and verification of corrective actions; share findings with the Field Supervisor.
• Mentor locators through field demonstrations, observation, constructive feedback, and follow-up; help the Field Supervisor assess technical readiness and training needs.
• Support damage and near-miss investigations by preserving records, explaining locating decisions, documenting field facts, and identifying practical improvements.
• Maintain accurate ticket notes, post-locate photographs, positive responses, and completion records; model dependable documentation and honest reporting.
• Collaborate with construction crews and contractors to support safe excavation and utility installation.
• Recommend practical improvements to methods, equipment care, training, and field coordination, and verify proposed changes with the appropriate supervisor before implementation.

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, mentoring, and training.
• Tuition reimbursement, early career professional program, online courses, and other professional development.
• Collaborative and supportive team.

What This Job Offers

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