Utility Locator

Locate and Detection Specialists (LADS); Gold Coast City; On-site; AUD 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Locate and Detection Specialists (LADS) on the Gold Coast is seeking an experienced Underground Utility Locator to join our Southport team. The role involves locating, tracing and marking underground infrastructure before excavation across civil, utilities, government, and commercial projects.

You will use electromagnetic locators and GPR, interpret BYDA plans and drawings, and produce precise documentation for project teams while adhering to safety and client requirements.

Qualifications

• Proven experience as an Underground Utility Locator.
• Strong knowledge of underground networks and locating principles to AS5488.
• Excellent attention to detail with a commitment to accuracy.
• Strong communication and problem-solving skills.
• Current Australian Drivers Licence and Construction White Card.

Responsibilities

• Locate and identify underground services including electrical, telecommunications, water, sewer, stormwater and gas infrastructure.
• Operate locating equipment (EM locators, GPR and other detection tools).
• Conduct site investigations to determine location, alignment and depth of assets.
• Interpret BYDA plans, drawings and utility records.
• Mark services clearly using approved methods and standards.
• Prepare reports for clients and project teams and liaise with authorities and contractors.
• Ensure equipment is maintained and calibrated, and comply with safety procedures.
• Occasional weekend work and regional travel may be required.

Skills

Underground locator experience

Communication skills

Problem-solving

Attention to detail

Driver's license (Australian)

Education

Construction White Card

Tools

GPR

Electromagnetic locator

locating equipment

Job description

Locate and Detection Specialists (LADS) – Southport QLD

LADS (Locate and Detection Specialists) is seeking an experienced Underground Service Utility Locator to join our growing Gold Coast Coast team based in Southport. This is a hands‑on field role responsible for accurately locating, tracing and marking underground infrastructure before excavation and construction activities commence. Working across civil construction, utilities, government, infrastructure and commercial projects, you'll play a critical role in protecting essential services while helping our clients complete projects safely and efficiently.

What you'll be doing

Locate and identify underground services including electrical, telecommunications, water, sewer, stormwater and gas infrastructure.

Operate industry‑leading locating equipment including electromagnetic locators, GPR and other specialist detection technology.

Conduct site investigations to determine the location, alignment and approximate depth of underground assets.

Interpret BYDA (Before You Dig Australia) plans, engineering drawings, as‑built documentation and utility records.

Clearly mark underground services using approved industry methods and standards.

Prepare accurate reports and supporting documentation for clients and project teams.

Liaise with utility authorities, contractors, supervisors and site personnel to ensure accurate service information is obtained.

Communicate findings effectively to excavation crews and project managers.

Maintain utility locating equipment and ensure it remains calibrated and operational.

Work in accordance with company safety procedures, client requirements and relevant legislation.

Some weekend work and regional travel on occasion.

What we're looking for

Proven experience as an Underground Utility Locator.

Strong knowledge of underground utility networks and locating principles to AS5488.

Experience using electromagnetic locating equipment, GPR and other service locating technology.

Ability to interpret utility plans, engineering drawings and BYDA documentation.

Excellent attention to detail with a commitment to accuracy.

Strong communication and problem‑solving skills.

Current Australian Drivers Licence.

Construction White Card.

Commitment to workplace health and safety.

Ability to work independently and as part of a professional team.

Highly Regarded

CertLoc accreditation

Confined Space Entry competency

3D multi‑array GPR experience

LADS is Queensland's largest utility locating company. We work alongside Australia's leading contractors, utility providers and government organisations, helping to deliver projects safely while protecting critical underground infrastructure. We have a great company culture that is proactive and team oriented. Our reputation has been built on professionalism, reliability and delivering exceptional service every time. You will be provided with a company laptop and vehicle with advanced locating and communications equipment.