Utility Locate Project Team Lead 1

Lake Superior Consulting (LSC) is seeking a Utility Locate Project Team Lead to join our growing team in St Paul, Cottage Grove, Hastings, Rosemount, Apple Valley, South St Paul, Woodbury, Lakeland, Afton, and Eagan.

About the role

The Line Locating Lead will be responsible for accurately locating and marking cables, pipes, and other conduits that carry utilities underground. This individual will lead and train technicians while being under the supervision of the Utility Supervisor, ensuring efforts protect underground utilities from damage during excavation projects.

Responsibilities

• Respond to locate requests within legal time limits, including routine and project locates as well as supporting unlocatable requests as needed
• Mark found utilities using the proper coloring system (APWA marking standards)
• Read and interpret full plan sets to identify the size and type of underground utility; compare as-builts, GIS, and historical records to identify conflicts
• Coordinate with multiple crews, subcontractors, and inspectors to locate in phases so work can be continuously in motion
• Execute complex signal work, troubleshooting, and differentiating between parallel utilities
• Accurately document utility conflicts and anomalies
• Complete required paperwork and logs for locates and line crossings/excavations
• Ensure work is done safely by adhering to LSC’s client guidelines and procedures
• Maintain strong communication to ensure all stakeholders are informed and aligned with conflicts, strategies, and timelines
• Identify and manage risks, including high-risk crossings, and escalate for potholing or vacuum excavation when necessary
• Complete and maintain operator qualifications (OQs)
• Operate and use electronic locating equipment
• Gather data, prepare records, and reports in a timely manner
• Participate in weekly safety meetings and submit daily report documentation
• Generate and gather equipment for project kickoffs
• Ensure work aligns with company goals
• Document and report any incidents, near misses, and opportunities for improvement
• Work in compliance with all technical procedures and guidelines
• Lead designated region locators to ensure tickets and projects are on schedule
• Report to supervisor any region-specific and locator-specific issues
• Assist in driving on-time and damage percentage goals within your region
• Communicate workflow issues pertaining to projects with supervisor
• Assist in audit-specific retraining and follow-up with locators
• Drive proper locate, audit, and unlocatable processes with the crew
• Assist in on-call schedule rotation implementation for the region

Requirements

• Due to our driver policy, must be 21 years of age or older
• High School Diploma
• 2-3 years of line locating experience preferred
• Valid Driver’s License required
• Ability to travel and work in an outdoor environment
• Capability to operate a company vehicle and use general hand/power tools
• Strong leadership, critical thinking, problem-solving, and troubleshooting abilities
• Commitment to working safely and producing high-quality, ethical service
• Excellent organizational skills and detail-oriented
• Highly motivated and thrives in a dynamic, team-based, and individual environment
• Professional verbal and written communication skills
• Comfortable using a laptop, Microsoft Office programs, and a cell phone
• Availability to participate in on-call rotation

Physical Requirements and Demands

• Ability to work in a physically demanding outdoor environment
• Ability to traverse rugged terrain, excavations, and work around pipe and equipment
• Must be able to travel to offsite locations for extended periods of time
• Frequent periods of standing for long durations
• Occasional lifting of up to 50 lb.
• Exposure to all types of weather and terrain
• Ability to work long hours for extended periods when projects demand
• Ability to sit at a desk and work with a computer for extended periods

Benefits

• Training and development from day one
• Company vehicle and fuel card covering all work-related expenses
• Company-provided laptop and tools for the field
• 401(k) with a 6% company match
• Opportunity to earn extra money on weekends and holidays
• Clear career path with promotional opportunities
• Medical, dental, and vision insurance
• Company-paid life, AD&D, and short/long-term disability insurance
• Paid time off (PTO) and 12 paid holidays per year
• Tuition reimbursement

Pay

The anticipated salary/hourly range for this position is $25–$29/hr, with the actual starting salary determined based on skills, experience, and office/market location.