Watch & Protect Technician - Fargo, ND

About the role

WSB is a design and consulting firm specializing in Transportation, Community Planning, Environmental, Energy, Municipal, and Construction services. We provide solutions for the places, spaces and systems that support our lives, with services in more than 50 complementary areas across the nation. This field-based position monitors excavation activities to ensure safety, regulatory compliance, and protection of underground infrastructure.

Responsibilities

• Monitor excavation activities to ensure work is performed safely and within established utility tolerance zones.
• Verify the presence, accuracy, and adherence to utility locates prior to and during excavation activities.
• Coordinate with contractors and excavators to schedule monitoring for high-risk or sensitive excavation work.
• Identify potential conflicts between excavation activities and underground infrastructure and escalate concerns as appropriate.
• Document field observations, findings, and compliance through photographs, written notes, and digital reporting systems.
• Ensure excavation practices comply with applicable local, state, and utility-specific safety regulations, standards, and 811 requirements.
• Maintain accurate and detailed records of excavation monitoring activities and site visits.
• Communicate safety concerns, potential risks, and field issues to supervisors and relevant project stakeholders in a timely manner.
• Participate in pre-construction meetings for high-risk excavation projects to review scope, utility conflicts, and safety protocols.
• Serve as a field representative supporting damage prevention and excavation safety initiatives.
• Position self to access tools and materials in various locations; traverse job sites having uneven terrain, slopes, confined spaces, or reinforced trenches.
• Move materials weighing up to 75 pounds periodically.
• Conduct visual assessments of task quality and job site safety.
• Ascend/descend into job site areas to complete inspections and data collection.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Requirements

• Education: High school diploma or equivalent (Associate or Bachelor's degree preferred).
• Experience: Minimum of 1–2 years in utility locating, underground construction, pipeline operations, damage prevention, or a related field. Experience working independently in outdoor field environments and managing multiple job sites preferred.
• Licenses/Certifications: Valid driver's license with a clean driving record and ability to operate a motor vehicle required.
• Software: Proficiency in mobile technology (iPad) for reporting and documentation. Knowledge of DataFi reporting tools preferred. Microsoft Suite products (Outlook, Excel, Word, PowerPoint, SharePoint, OneDrive, etc.).
• Working Conditions & Schedule: Primarily field-based; must be comfortable working outdoors in all weather conditions. Must be able to work onsite at a WSB office as needed by project, client, or hiring manager. Reliable transportation required with ability to travel daily within assigned territory; travel may be required.
• Ability to pass pre-employment and random drug testing.

Benefits

• Medical, dental, and vision insurance
• Life insurance
• Company-paid short- and long-term disability
• 401(k) with match
• Paid time off and paid holidays
• Tuition reimbursement
• Opportunities for professional growth and development
• Part-time employees may participate in the 401(k) plan and applicable earned paid leave