Utility Watch & Protect / Damage Prevention Technician

About the Role

The Utility Watch & Protect Technician provides on-site damage-prevention support during excavation and construction activities near underground utility facilities. This field-based role involves monitoring excavation, verifying underground facility locations, identifying unsafe conditions, communicating with contractors and client representatives, and preparing field documentation. The technician may also perform supplemental utility locating and marking using electronic equipment, maps, and records. This position requires sound judgment, professional assertiveness, strong safety awareness, and the ability to work independently in active construction environments.

Responsibilities

• Monitor excavation and construction activities near underground utilities to prevent damage.
• Ensure contractors follow safe digging practices and approved locate requirements.
• Immediately report and document unsafe conditions, unauthorized excavation, damaged or exposed facilities, near misses, utility conflicts, and other hazards.
• Communicate with contractors, foremen, and project managers to resolve utility conflicts.
• Perform supplemental, investigative, or emergency utility locating and marking as assigned.
• Read and interpret utility maps, prints, and engineering drawings to identify underground facilities.
• Compare field conditions with utility maps and document discrepancies.
• Inspect construction sites to verify compliance with utility protection and safety requirements.
• Monitor exposed underground utilities during excavation to help prevent damage.
• Document completed locates using notes, photographs, videos, sketches, and field reports.
• Use a computer, tablet, or mobile device to receive, document, and close excavation notices during regular and after-hours operations.
• Remove and replace manhole or access covers using approved tools and safe lifting procedures (confined space entry only if separately trained and authorized).
• Work outdoors in all weather conditions during normal business hours, overtime, and after-hours as needed.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Requirements

• Valid New York State (NYS) driver’s license with a clean DMV driving record.
• Ability to safely operate and maintain a company vehicle.
• Successfully pass pre-employment and random drug and alcohol testing.
• Working knowledge of New York State Industrial Code Rule 753 (Protection of Underground Facilities).
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills.
• Ability to work independently while maintaining a high level of safety and professionalism.

Qualifications

• Ability to lift moderately heavy objects and safely use hand tools and field equipment.
• Ability to walk, stand, bend, and perform manual labor for extended periods under varying field conditions.
• Ability to work outdoors in all weather conditions.
• Ability to follow written and verbal instructions with minimal supervision.
• Ability to communicate effectively, both verbally and in writing.
• Ability to read and interpret utility maps, drawings, and technical documents.
• Basic computer proficiency and ability to use tablets or mobile devices for field documentation.
• Dependable attendance, punctuality, and the ability to meet established work schedules.

Physical Demands and Work Environment

The role involves regular work near moving mechanical parts and in outdoor conditions, including inclement weather, heat, and humidity. The employee must frequently talk, listen, and use hands or fingers to handle tools or controls, including aerosol marking paint. Physical tasks include standing, walking, sitting, reaching, climbing, balancing, stooping, kneeling, crouching, or crawling. Vision requirements include close, distance, color, peripheral, and the ability to adjust focus. The employee must lift, push, pull, or carry objects and use abdominal and lower back muscles for support without fatigue. Good physical stamina is required.