Trouble Locate Technician/Advanced Utility Locator

SYTE Corp; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

SYTE Corp is seeking a Trouble Locate Technician in Chicago, Illinois, specializing in high-risk underground utility investigations. The candidate will leverage advanced troubleshooting skills to manage complex utility locating issues and ensure safety during excavation work.

This role demands 5+ years of experience and knowledge of utility infrastructure in congested urban environments. Join us for a challenging position that requires outdoor work across various weather conditions and offers opportunities for professional growth.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of advanced locating experience strongly preferred.
• Extensive knowledge of underground utility infrastructure.
• Ability to interpret complex utility prints and as-builts.

Responsibilities

• Investigate complex utility locating issues and unmarked facilities.
• Perform advanced electromagnetic and signal analysis.
• Support excavation crews during high-risk digs.

Skills

Advanced troubleshooting

Critical thinking

Analytical skills

Utility infrastructure knowledge

Complex utility interpretation

Tools

GPR

Induction locating

Signal tracing

Passive sweeps

Sonde locating

Job description

Position Summary

The Trouble Locate Technician specializes in difficult, congested, or high-risk underground utility investigations where standard locating methods are insufficient. This role requires advanced troubleshooting expertise, critical thinking, and extensive field experience.

Key Responsibilities

• Investigate complex utility locating issues and unmarked facilities.
• Perform advanced electromagnetic and signal analysis.
• Locate utilities in congested urban environments and major infrastructure corridors.
• Verify utility depth, direction, and continuity.
• Support excavation crews during high-risk digs and emergency work.
• Utilize advanced locating technologies including:
  • GPR
  • Induction locating
  • Passive sweeps
  • Sonde locating
  • Signal tracing
• Diagnose bleed-over, distorted signals, and abandoned utilities.
• Create detailed field documentation and sketches.
• Support damage investigations and root-cause analysis.
• Provide technical guidance to field locators and supervisors.

Qualifications

• 5+ years advanced locating experience strongly preferred.
• Extensive knowledge of underground utility infrastructure.
• Experience in high-density utility environments.
• Ability to interpret complex utility prints and as-builts.
• Strong troubleshooting and analytical skills.
• Experience with major electric transmission or distribution systems preferred.

Preferred Experience

• Utility locating on large-scale infrastructure projects
• Strip, resort, airport, or metropolitan utility environments
• HDD support and vacuum excavation coordination
• Advanced fault locating and tracing

Certifications Preferred

• OSHA 30
• Confined space awareness
• CPR/First Aid
• Advanced locating manufacturer training

Physical & Environmental Requirements

• Outdoor work in all weather conditions.
• Night work and emergency response capability.
• Ability to safely work near active construction and traffic zones.