Utility Drop Locator

About the Role

The Utility Drop Locator identifies, locates, and marks underground utility infrastructure prior to excavation and construction activities. This role uses specialized electronic locating equipment, utility maps, GIS data, and 811 locate tickets to prevent damage to telecommunications, electrical, gas, and water facilities while ensuring public safety and regulatory compliance. The position involves extensive outdoor fieldwork, independent decision-making, and the ability to work in varying weather and terrain conditions.

Responsibilities

• Utilize electromagnetic locating equipment, transmitters, receivers, and ground-penetrating radar to accurately detect and identify buried utility drops and main lines.
• Determine the horizontal path and location of underground telecommunications, electric, gas, and water facilities.
• Verify utility placement using maps, records, and field observations.
• Clearly mark utility locations using paint, flags, and other marking tools in accordance with APWA (American Public Works Association) color-code standards.
• Ensure all utility markings are accurate, visible, and properly documented prior to excavation activities.
• Maintain compliance with state and local damage prevention regulations.
• Interpret as-built drawings, construction plans, utility records, GIS mapping systems, and infrastructure documentation.
• Research historical utility placement and installation records when necessary to determine utility alignment and location.
• Analyze complex field conditions to resolve locating challenges.
• Complete field tickets, locate reports, and electronic records accurately and timely.
• Capture photographs and maintain detailed documentation of completed locate activities.
• Communicate with contractors, excavators, homeowners, and utility representatives regarding utility locations, safety requirements, and excavation procedures.
• Provide updates and status reports through company systems and mobile applications.
• Respond promptly to emergency locate requests, damage investigations, and high-priority tickets.
• Assist in locating utilities during service interruptions or outage-related incidents.
• Work collaboratively with operations teams to minimize risk and service disruptions.

Requirements

• High school diploma, GED, or equivalent required.
• Valid driver's license with a satisfactory driving record.
• Ability to safely operate a company vehicle while traveling between job sites throughout Alabama.

Skills

• Strong attention to detail and commitment to accuracy.
• Basic computer proficiency, including mobile applications, GPS, mapping systems, and electronic documentation tools.
• Ability to read and interpret utility maps, blueprints, construction plans, and GIS data.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Strong problem-solving and organizational abilities.
• Ability to work independently while maintaining productivity and quality standards.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to stand, walk, bend, stoop, kneel, and traverse uneven terrain for extended periods.
• Ability to work outdoors in varying weather conditions, including heat, cold, rain, and humidity.
• Ability to lift, carry, and operate equipment weighing up to 50 to 80 pounds.
• Ability to safely enter construction sites, residential properties, easements, and rights-of-way.
• Ability to visually identify utility markings, equipment displays, and field hazards.

Work Environment

Primarily field-based position with daily travel to residential, commercial, and construction sites. Regular exposure to traffic, construction equipment, noise, dust, and environmental hazards. Work performed in all seasons and weather conditions. Requires operation of a company vehicle and frequent travel between assigned service locations in Alabama.

Key Success Factors

• Accuracy and quality of utility locates.
• Timely completion and closure of locate tickets.
• Compliance with safety standards and damage prevention regulations.
• Effective communication with customers, contractors, and stakeholders.
• Ability to manage workload and respond to emergency requests efficiently.
• Reduction of utility damages and service interruptions through precise locating practices.