Damage Prevention Technician

Gdbgeospatial; Akron (OH); On-site; USD 30,000 - 48,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health and Wellness Benefits

Dental and vision coverage

Life Insurance

Long-term disability

Tuition reimbursement

Paid time off

Parental leave

Perks at Work discounts

Career development programs

Job summary

SAM, a nationwide leader in geospatial and construction-phase solutions, seeks a Damage Prevention Field Technician in Akron, OH. This hands-on role focuses on protecting underground infrastructure and ensuring excavation work complies with 811 laws.

You will inspect active sites, coordinate with contractors and utility representatives, mark lines, document activities, and support safety initiatives while maintaining equipment and responding to urgent site needs.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent required.
• Previous experience in utility location/damage prevention is required.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills to effectively interact with contractors, homeowners, and stakeholders.

Responsibilities

• Conduct regular field inspections at active job sites to ensure compliance with 811 dig laws and safe excavation practices.
• Communicate effectively with contractors, homeowners, and utility representatives to provide guidance on preventing damage to underground utilities.
• Identify, locate, and mark utility lines and other underground infrastructure as needed for safe digging operations.
• Assist in resolving any discrepancies with utility markings and coordinate corrections to ensure accuracy.
• Document field activities, inspections, and interactions thoroughly using company-provided software or logs.
• Perform routine quality checks to verify the accuracy of utility markings and adherence to safety protocols.
• Maintain and perform operator-level maintenance on assigned tools, equipment, and vehicles.
• Respond to emergency requests or urgent job site needs to mitigate risk or resolve issues.
• Collaborate with team members to support ongoing safety initiatives and improve overall damage prevention practices.
• Perform additional duties and tasks as assigned by management.

Skills

Utility location

Field work

Communication

Driver's license

Education

High school diploma

Job description

Who We Are

Founded in 1994, Surveying And Mapping, LLC (SAM) is a nationwide leader in geospatial and construction-phase solutions. With more than 50 offices and 1,600 professionals, we deliver the scale, technology, and expertise needed to support projects of any size.

SAM streamlines project delivery through a single, coordinated team, offering in-house capabilities across land surveying, aerial mapping, subsurface utility engineering (SUE), utility coordination (UC), GIS, BIM, and construction engineering inspection (CEI).

By combining advanced technology, digital workflows, and decades of experience, we provide accurate, actionable data that helps clients move critical infrastructure projects forward with confidence.

At SAM, you’ll be part of a team that values innovation, growth, and the opportunity to make a tangible impact on the built environment.

Your Impact at SAM

As a Damage Prevention Field Technician, you will be on the front lines of ensuring public safety and protecting critical underground infrastructure. This hands-on role requires frequent interaction with contractors, homeowners, and utility providers, ensuring that all excavation activities comply with industry standards and the 811 dig law.

Key Responsibilities

• Conduct regular field inspections at active job sites to ensure compliance with 811 dig laws and safe excavation practices
• Communicate effectively with contractors, homeowners, and utility representatives to provide guidance on preventing damage to underground utilities
• Identify, locate, and mark utility lines and other underground infrastructure as needed for safe digging operations
• Assist in resolving any discrepancies with utility markings and coordinate corrections to ensure accuracy
• Document field activities, inspections, and interactions thoroughly using company-provided software or logs
• Perform routine quality checks to verify the accuracy of utility markings and adherence to safety protocols
• Maintain and perform operator-level maintenance on assigned tools, equipment, and vehicles
• Respond to emergency requests or urgent job site needs to mitigate risk or resolve issues
• Collaborate with team members to support ongoing safety initiatives and improve overall damage prevention practices
• Perform additional duties and tasks as assigned by management

What You Bring to SAM

• High school diploma or equivalent required
• Previous experience in utility location/damage prevention is required
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills to effectively interact with contractors, homeowners, and stakeholders
• Ability to work independently in the field, problem-solve, and adapt to changing conditions on job sites

• Valid driver’s license and ability to meet company MVR standards.

• Familiarity with 811 dig laws and safe excavation practices is preferred, but training will be provide

Our Perks

• Health and Wellness Benefits: BlueCross BlueShield health insurance coverage begins the month after your hire date, with dental plans available and free vision coverage for employees, company-paid premiums for Long-term disability/Life Insurance (with HSA + FSA plans), SAM Cares program focused on holistic well-being
• Financial Benefits: Employee Referral Rewards Program of $1K, $2,500 or $5K, Fidelity retirement plans with a 5% company match, tuition reimbursement, optional cellphone stipend
• Work-Life Balance:Paid time off including vacation/sick/holidays, parental leave to support families
• Professional Development:Customized career development plan for licensing and certifications, Project Manager Business Academy, CAD Training Program, Individual Development Plans/Career Check-Ins, SAM WINS - our initiative for women-focused leadership and development, Milestone Anniversary Recognition, SAMbassador mentorship program
• Perks and Discounts:Access to “Perks at Work” for discounts on wellness + travel + leisure and everyday purchases, company-sponsored events, free office snacks
• Culture and Awards/Achievements: SAM Named 2026 Top Workplace USA for the fourth Year; 2026 SAM Ranks No. 92 on ENR Top 500 Design Firms

Salary

Salary Maximum

USD $35.00/per hour

Salary Minimum

USD $22.00/per hour