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

McKim and Creed • Pensacola, FL

5d • Onsite

About The Position

McKim & Creed is seeking a Utility Locator III to perform advanced 811 underground utility locating and provide technical support in Walton, Holmes, Okaloosa, Washington, and Bay Counties. This field-based position is dedicated to locating one assigned utility and includes local daily travel and scheduled emergency/on-call coverage. The role is intended for locators with more than ten years of hands-on experience who can resolve complex conditions, explain evidence behind their decisions, and help develop other locators while working with a Field Supervisor to strengthen locating quality, technical capability, and dependable service.

The Utility Locator III independently plans and performs complex locates using ticket instructions, maps, records, field observations, and electromagnetic methods. The role evaluates difficult signal conditions, interference, conflicting records, and other limitations; applies appropriate verification methods; and escalates unresolved conditions through established channels. It also supports field quality reviews, documentation reviews, corrective-action verification, mentoring, damage and near-miss investigations, and practical improvements to methods, equipment care, training, and field coordination. 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.
• 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, with 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; apply appropriate verification methods and escalate unresolved conditions through established channels.
• Locate and accurately mark the assigned underground utility.
• Meet quality, safety, schedule, budget, regulatory, 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, and 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 leave.
• Parental, medical, and military leave.
• Multiple office locations.
• Growth opportunities and mentoring and training options.
• Tuition reimbursement, early-career professional program, and online courses.
• Collaborative and supportive team.

What This Job Offers

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