811 Utility Locator III

McKim and Creed • Pensacola, FL

8d • Onsite

About The Position

McKim & Creed is seeking an experienced Utility Locator III to perform advanced 811 underground utility locating and provide technical support in Citrus, Marion, and Sumter Counties. This field-based, single-utility role is dedicated to one assigned utility and includes local daily travel and scheduled emergency/on-call coverage. The position is intended for locators with more than ten years of hands-on experience who can resolve complex conditions, explain the evidence supporting 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. Formal personnel-management responsibilities remain with assigned leadership.

The role involves independently planning and performing complex utility locates using ticket instructions, maps, records, field observations, and appropriate electromagnetic methods. The locator evaluates difficult signal conditions, interference, conflicting records, and limitations; uses verification methods; and escalates unresolved conditions through established channels. Work objectives include accuracy, thoroughness, clarity, regulatory compliance, safety, schedule and budget adherence, and responsive client service. The position also supports field quality reviews, mentoring, investigations, documentation, and practical improvements to field methods and coordination.

The successful candidate must be able 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. A valid driver’s license and acceptable motor vehicle record are required, along with successful completion of required background screening and drug testing. Local travel throughout the service area is required each workday; overnight travel may occasionally be required.

McKim & Creed offers an Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP), competitive pay, paid holidays, bereavement and parental, medical, and military leave, growth opportunities and training, professional development, tuition reimbursement, and a collaborative, supportive team. The company is an Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action Employer, a VEVRAA Federal Contractor, and maintains a Drug Free Workplace.

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.
• 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; occasional overnight travel may 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 quality, safety, regulatory, schedule, budget, public-relations, and client-service objectives.
• 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.
• Explain locating methods, limitations, supporting evidence, and required next steps.
• Assist with field quality reviews, ticket documentation reviews, and verification of corrective actions as assigned; 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 the safe excavation and installation of utilities.
• 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.
• Growth opportunities and mentoring and training options.
• Professional development, including tuition reimbursement, an early career professional program, and online courses.
• Multiple office locations.

What This Job Offers

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