811 Utility Locator III

McKim & Creed, Inc.; Pensacola (FL); On-site; USD 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

ESOP

Competitive pay

Multiple office locations

Growth opportunities & training

Professional development

Work that makes a difference

Collaborative, supportive team

Job summary

McKim & Creed, Inc. is seeking a Utility Locator III to perform advanced 811 underground locating and provide technical support in Citrus, Marion & Sumter Counties. This field-based role requires more than ten years of hands-on experience and involves local daily travel, plus on-call coverage.

You will work with a Field Supervisor to strengthen locating quality, technical capability, and dependable service, mentoring other locators and contributing to safety and documentation best practices.

Qualifications

• More than ten years of hands-on underground utility locating experience.
• Ability to troubleshoot complex locating conditions and escalate when needed.
• Explain technical decisions clearly and coach others.
• Work independently with coordination to Field Supervisor.
• Excellent attention to detail in fast-paced environments.
• Ability to travel locally on a daily basis and cover on-call shifts.
• Valid driver's license and clean driving record.

Responsibilities

• Independently plan and perform complex underground utility locates per instructions.
• Evaluate signal conditions, conflicting records, and limitations; verify as needed.
• Locate and accurately mark the assigned underground utility.
• Maintain quality objectives: accuracy, thoroughness, and safety.
• Model safe work, complete safety docs, and ensure equipment readiness.
• Conduct regular inspections to identify hazards or issues.
• Support other locators on difficult assignments with method explanations.
• Assist field quality reviews and ticket documentation reviews.
• Mentor locators through demonstrations and feedback.
• Support damage and near-miss investigations with records and findings.
• Maintain ticket notes, post-locate photos, and completion records.
• Collaborate with construction crews to ensure safe excavation.
• Recommend improvements and verify changes with supervisor.

Skills

Troubleshooting

Independent work

Technical communication

Mentoring teammates

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Tools

Electromagnetic locating equipment

Utility maps

811 ticket instructions

Job description

OVERVIEW

McKim & Creed is seeking a Utility Locator III to perform advanced 811 underground utility locating and provide technical support in Citrus, Marion & Sumter Counties. This position is for locators with more than ten years of hands‑on underground utility locating experience who can resolve complex conditions, explain the evidence supporting their decisions, and help develop other locators. You will work with a Field Supervisor to strengthen locating quality, technical capability, and dependable service.

This is a single-utility locating position. Your assignment will remain dedicated to one utility; additional utility types will not be added to your workload. This is a field-based position with local daily travel and scheduled emergency/on-call coverage.

DURING YOUR WORK DAY, YOU WILL:

• Independently plan and perform complex underground utility locates using ticket instructions, maps, records, field observations, and appropriate electromagnetic methods.
• Evaluate difficult signal conditions, interference, conflicting records, and other limitations. Use appropriate verification methods and elevate unresolved conditions through established channels.
• Locate and accurately mark the assigned underground utility.
• Keep in mind the major objectives of quality (accuracy, thoroughness, clarity, meets regulatory requirements, public relations) of work, safety, meeting schedules, within budgets, and responsive service to clients.
• Model safe work, complete required safety documentation, maintain equipment readiness, and participate in scheduled emergency/on-call coverage.
• Conduct regular inspections and assessments to identify potential hazards or issues.
• Support other locators on difficult or high‑consequence assignments when authorized. Explain the method, limitations, supporting evidence, and required next steps.
• Assist with field quality reviews, ticket documentation reviews, and verification of corrective actions as assigned. Share findings with the Field Supervisor.
• Mentor locators through field demonstrations, observation, constructive feedback, and follow‑up. Help the Field Supervisor assess technical readiness and training needs.
• Support damage and near‑miss investigations by preserving records, explaining locating decisions, documenting field facts, and identifying practical improvements.
• Maintain accurate ticket notes, post‑locate photographs, positive responses, and completion records. Model dependable documentation and honest reporting.
• Collaborate with construction crews and contractors to ensure the safe excavation and installation of utilities.
• Recommend practical improvements to methods, equipment care, training, and field coordination. Verify proposed changes through the appropriate supervisor before implementation.

WHAT YOU'LL NEED:

• More than ten years of hands‑on underground utility locating experience.
• Demonstrated ability to troubleshoot complex locating conditions, evaluate available evidence, recognize limitations, and make sound escalation decisions.
• Strong knowledge of electromagnetic locating receivers and transmitters, utility‑map interpretation, 811 ticket instructions, positive responses, and field documentation.
• Ability to explain technical decisions clearly, provide constructive coaching, and verify that a developing locator can apply the instruction.
• Ability to work independently and coordinate technical assistance with the Field Supervisor. Formal personnel‑management responsibilities remain with assigned leadership.
• High school diploma, GED, or equivalent preferred.
• Ability to communicate clearly with coworkers, supervisors, excavators, property owners, and client representatives.
• Excellent attention to detail and the ability to work in fast‑paced environments.
• Ability to use mobile devices, email, and assigned ticket‑management applications, with training provided as needed.
• Ability to travel locally each workday throughout the assigned service area and meet the assigned work schedule, including overtime and scheduled emergency/on‑call coverage; overnight travel may occasionally be required.
• Ability to perform the essential outdoor field duties, including walking on uneven terrain, working in varying weather, and carrying and operating locating equipment, with or without reasonable accommodation.
• A valid driver’s license and acceptable motor vehicle record, with successful completion of required background screening and drug testing.

WHAT WILL MAKE YOU STAND OUT:

• Extensive hands‑on underground electric power locating experience.
• Experience across multiple utility types, complex utility corridors, and difficult locating conditions.
• Experience mentoring locators, assisting with quality audits, or supporting evidence‑based damage investigations.
• Examples of improving team competency, preventing repeat errors, or strengthening locating and documentation practices.

What we offer:

• Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP): All employees are owners & benefit from profits earned.
• Competitive pay paid holidays, bereavement, and parental, medical, and military leave
• Multiple office locations to work from: Stick close to home or travel for a change of scenery.
• Growth opportunities & training: Grow confidently in your career with our mentoring & training options.
• Professional development: Tuition reimbursement, early career professional program, online courses & more
• Work that makes a difference: See the direct impact your work has on our communities.
• Collaborative, supportive team: People to help you solve problems, cheer successes & encourage you along the way.

McKim & Creed is an Equal Opportunity and Aff… and maintains a Drug Free Workplace.

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