Underground Locator

Responsibilities

• Lead and coordinate underground drilling operations as the primary person in charge of drill crews.
• Locate and identify existing underground utilities prior to drilling using specialized detection equipment.
• Interpret utility maps, construction plans, and design specifications to plan efficient and safe bore paths.
• Direct drilling operations by communicating with the driller regarding depth, direction, and obstacles.
• Monitor drilling progress using specialized electronic tracking equipment to track drill head position.
• Perform potholing and visual verification of utility crossings to ensure accurate depth measurements.
• Ensure all drilling operations comply with safety protocols and damage prevention requirements.
• Document utility locations, bore paths, and completed work with precise measurements and details.
• Make critical decisions regarding drill path adjustments to avoid existing utilities and obstacles.
• Communicate with property owners, local utility representatives, and other stakeholders as needed.
• Maintain and calibrate locating equipment to ensure accuracy.
• Train and mentor crew members on proper locating techniques and underground safety protocols.

Requirements

• Education: High school diploma or equivalent required.
• Technical training in utility location and underground construction preferred.
• Certification in utility location or horizontal directional drilling techniques/ equipment highly desirable.
• Experience: 4+ years of experience in underground construction or utility location.
• Experience with horizontal directional drilling operations.
• Demonstrated expertise with utility locating equipment.
• Experience interpreting utility maps and construction plans.
• Comprehensive knowledge of underground utility infrastructure.
• Expertise with electromagnetic and ground-penetrating radar locating equipment.
• Understanding of soil conditions and their impact on drilling operations.
• Knowledge of utility color coding standards and marking protocols.
• Familiarity with state and local regulations regarding underground construction.