Underground Utilities Locator Trainee/I/II

City of Panama City Beach; Panama City Beach (FL); On-site; USD 42,000 - 65,000; Full time

Job summary

The City of Panama City Beach is seeking an Underground Utilities Locator to identify and mark buried water, sewer, and reclaimed water lines. This role involves using locating equipment, reading maps, and updating GIS data to support construction and maintenance projects.

Responsibilities include processing locate requests, collaborating with contractors, and preparing logs and reports. Trainees will pursue required licenses while gaining hands-on experience in the field.

Qualifications

• Must possess knowledge of underground locating principles and map reading.
• Ability to read maps/blueprints and update GIS data accurately.
• Strong communication and customer service skills in the field.
• Experience with locating equipment and related software is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Receive and process locate requests.
• Determine locations of water, sewer, and reclaimed water lines.
• Operate locating equipment and technology.
• Assist contractors and utility providers in locating mains and valves.
• Marks utility locations.
• Reads maps and blueprints; provides information for GIS updates.
• Prepares logs and reports.
• Assists in inspection and testing of lines for new subdivisions.
• Performs related duties.

Skills

Underground locating

Map reading

GIS data collection

Computer skills

Customer service

Oral and written communication

Blueprint reading

Education

High school diploma or GED

FDEP Water Distribution Operator License Level 2

FW&PCOA Wastewater License Level B

FW&PCOA Water Distribution Operator License Level 3

Tools

Locating equipment

GIS software

Data logging devices

Job description

This position is responsible for locating underground utility lines and other system components. An incumbent in this position may be designated “Underground Utilities Locator II” or Underground Utilities Locator Trainee.”

• Receives and processes locate request.
• Determines the locations of water, sewer, and reclaimed water lines.
• Operates a variety of locating equipment and technology.
• Assists contractors and utility providers in locating mains and valves.
• Marks utility locations.
• Reads maps and blueprints; provides information used to update and correct maps; acquires data for input into the GIS system; verifies existing GIS data.
• Prepares logs and reports.
• Assists in the inspection and testing of water, sewer, and reclaimed water lines for new subdivisions.
• Performs related duties.
• Possession of or ability to readily obtain a valid driver’s license issued by the State of Florida for the type of vehicle or equipment operated.
• Trainee – Must have a standard high school diploma/GED; or vocational school; must begin work to obtain FDEP Water Distribution System Operator License, Level 3 and a Wastewater Collection System Operator License, Level “C” from FW&PCOA.
• Locator I – Must have a standard high school diploma/GED; or vocational school; must possess FDEP Water Distribution System Operator License, Level 3 and a Wastewater Collection System Operator License, Level “C” from FW&PCOA. Must have two (2) years of experience as an Underground Utilities Locater.
• Locator II - Must have a standard high school diploma/GED; or vocational school; must possess FDEP Water Distribution System Operator License Level 2 and a Wastewater Collection System Operator License, Level “B” from FW&PCOA. Must have five (5) years of experience as an Underground Utilities Locater.

KNOWLEDGE REQUIRED BY THE POSITION

• Knowledge of underground utility locating principles and practices.
• Knowledge of map reading principles.
• Knowledge of area streets and roads.
• Knowledge of field data collection methods.
• Skill in the use of a variety of utility locating equipment.
• Skill in the use of computers and job-related software programs.
• Skill in the preparation of reports.
• Skill in the provision of customer services.
• Skill in oral and written communication.

SUPERVISORY CONTROLS The Underground Utilities Superintendentassigns work in terms of general instructions. The supervisor spot-checks completed work for compliance with procedures, accuracy, and the nature and propriety of the final results.

GUIDELINES Guidelines include city and department policies and procedures. These guidelines are generally clear and specific but may require some interpretation in application.

COMPLEXITY/SCOPE OF WORK

• The work consists of related utility location duties. Inclement weather and field conditions contribute to the complexity of the position.
• The purpose of this position is to locate underground utility lines. Successful performance results in the protection of underground lines and contributes to the efficiency and effective of a variety of construction and maintenance projects.

CONTACTS

• Contacts are typically with department personnel, contractors, plumbers, utility company personnel, property owners, and members of the general public.
• Contacts are typically to give or exchange information, to resolve problems, and to provide services.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS/ WORK ENVIRONMENT

• The work is typically performed while intermittently sitting, standing, stooping, bending, crouching, or walking. The employee frequently lifts light and heavy objects, climbs ladders, and uses tools or equipment requiring a high degree of dexterity.

• The work is typically performed outdoors, occasionally in cold or inclement weather. The employee is exposed to noise, dust, dirt, grease, and machinery with moving parts. Work requires the use of protective devices such as masks, goggles, gloves, etc.

SUPERVISORY AND MANAGEMENT RESPONSIBILITY

None.

**These are intended only as illustrations of various types of work performed. The omission of specific duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related, or a logical assignment to the position.