Underground Locator

About the Role

Responsible for leading underground drilling operations by accurately locating existing utilities, planning safe bore paths, and directing drilling equipment during drilling operations ensuring safety, accuracy, and efficiency while preventing damage to existing utilities and infrastructure.

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.

Key Performance Indicators

• Utility strike prevention record
• Accuracy of utility location and bore path planning
• Productivity and completion rates
• Documentation quality and completeness
• Safety compliance and incident prevention
• Equipment maintenance and calibration records
• First Time Right rates
• Leadership effectiveness with drill crews

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

Exposure

• 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

Critical Success Factors

• Exceptional attention to detail and precision with excellent spatial reasoning abilities
• Strong leadership and decision-making skills under pressure
• Unwavering commitment to safety and damage prevention as top priorities

Physical Requirements

• Ability to stand, walk, and sit
• Ability to use hands to handle or feet
• Ability to reach with hands and arms
• Ability to stoop, kneel, crouch, bend, and crawl
• Ability to lift up to 75 lbs
• Ability to work in confined spaces when necessary
• Ability to maintain all safety expectations
• Ability to work in various weather conditions and terrain types

Safety Requirements

This is a safety-sensitive position. The employee has responsibility for their own safety and the safety of others. The employee must be able to perform all duties in accordance with safety regulations, company policies, and client requirements, including but not limited to:

• Following all required safety protocols and procedures
• Using appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE)
• Operating vehicles and equipment safely
• Maintaining valid certifications and licenses as required
• Participating in mandatory safety training and meetings
• Reporting unsafe conditions or practices
• Passing required drug and alcohol screening
• Maintaining physical capabilities necessary to perform essential job functions safely