Gas Utility Locator | Field Technician

WSB and Associates; La Porte (TX); On-site; USD 42,000 - 64,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical insurance

Dental insurance

Vision insurance

Life insurance

401K with match

Paid time off

Paid holidays

Tuition reimbursement

Professional growth and development

Job summary

WSB is seeking Gas Trouble Locate Technicians to support field utility locating operations in South Houston and surrounding areas. You will accurately locate, troubleshoot, document, and mark underground utilities, with a focus on challenging facilities, while prioritizing safety and compliance.

This role involves independent outdoor fieldwork, problem-solving, and collaboration with clients and team members.

Qualifications

• Requires high school diploma or equivalent.
• 1–4+ years of utility locating experience preferred.
• Knowledge of polyethylene and steel gas lines and components.
• Knowledge of damage prevention.
• Valid driver’s license with good driving record.
• Ability to pass Operator Qualification modules and other required training.
• Knowledge of local 811 processes, locate laws, and utility marking requirements preferred.
• Ability to read and interpret utility maps, prints, construction plans, and as-built documentation.
• Ability to perform accurate, high-quality utility locates.
• Experience with ticket management systems preferred.
• Familiarity with construction processes, installation methods, utility mapping, and as-built documentation preferred.
• Survey or field data collection experience preferred.
• Strong critical thinking, problem-solving, and troubleshooting skills.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a field-based team.
• Comfortable using Microsoft Office programs, iPads, electronic reporting systems, and field technology.
• Commitment to working safely and providing high-quality, ethical service.
• Must have reliable transportation and the ability to perform work at multiple sites.

Responsibilities

• Perform utility locating duties with emphasis on safety, accuracy, and compliance.
• Respond to locate requests within required legal and client timeframes.
• Locate and mark underground utilities, including gas, using APWA color standards.
• Read and interpret utility maps, prints, as-built records, and construction plans.
• Operate electronic locating equipment and field tools to identify underground facilities.
• Troubleshoot difficult or unlocatable buried facilities using approved methods, including hand tools and hydro-vac support when applicable.
• Gather field information, document findings, and coordinate with clients and contractors to resolve locate challenges.
• Verify and document compliance requirements during field operations.
• Complete daily inspection reports, locate documentation, photos, schedules, time, expenses, and other records electronically.
• Gather field data, prepare accurate records, and document measurements for future use.
• Track quantities, materials, mapping accuracy, and as-built documentation as needed.
• Communicate work scopes and project updates with teams and clients.
• Participate in daily safety meetings and document daily activities.
• Document incidents, near misses, and opportunities for improvement.
• Complete Operator Qualification modules and other training timely.
• Navigate to multiple job sites daily and work in various outdoor conditions.
• Assist in project kickoff by gathering and organizing equipment.
• Perform other duties to support locating and field operations.
• Conduct onsite inspections for Hydrovac contractor work.
• Monitor excavation around Plastic/Steel pipe.
• Oversee tracer wire and marker ball installation to standards and procedures.
• Oversee Test point installation to company standards.

Skills

Critical thinking

Problem-solving

Troubleshooting

Verbal communication

Written communication

Organizational skills

Attention to detail

Independence

Team collaboration

MS Office

iPad proficiency

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Tools

Electronic locating equipment

Hydrovac equipment

Maps/prints/as-built documents reading

Microsoft Office Suite

Job description

WSB is seeking Gas Trouble Locate Technicians to support field utility locating operations in South Houston and surrounding areas. You will accurately locate, troubleshoot, document, and mark underground utilities, with a focus on challenging facilities, while prioritizing safety and compliance.

This role involves independent outdoor fieldwork, problem-solving, and collaboration with clients and team members.