Underground Utility Locator

Utility Safeguarding LLC; St. Charles (IL); On-site; USD 42,000 - 62,000; Full time

Job summary

Utility Safeguarding LLC is seeking an Underground Utility Locator to accurately locate and mark underground utilities in field environments across Illinois. The role emphasizes safety, clear communication, and independent fieldwork to support damage prevention and public safety.

You will read maps, use electronic locating equipment, and document locate tickets. The job involves outdoor work, varied weather, and potential on-call rotations or travel as required.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent is required.
• Valid driver’s license with clean driving record.
• Ability to read and interpret maps, prints, and utility records.
• Strong attention to detail and commitment to accuracy.
• Ability to work independently with minimal supervision.
• Comfortable using smartphones, tablets, and digital ticketing systems.
• Strong communication and customer service skills.
• Ability to work outdoors for extended periods in varied weather conditions.
• Physically capable of walking long distances, bending, kneeling, and lifting equipment.
• Willingness to work flexible schedules, including on-call rotations, overtime, and travel as required.

Responsibilities

• Read and interpret utility maps, prints, and locate requests.
• Use electronic detection equipment to accurately locate and mark underground utilities.
• Communicate clearly with homeowners, excavators, contractors, utility representatives, and internal teams.
• Complete and document locate tickets using company-issued digital devices.
• Maintain company vehicles and equipment in safe, clean, and working condition.
• Physically troubleshoot locate issues in the field, including digging and exposing utilities when necessary.
• Follow all safety, quality, damage prevention, and operational guidelines and policies.
• Work outdoors in varied weather and environmental conditions.
• Participate in rotational on-call assignments, overtime, and travel as required.

Skills

Map reading

Communication

Detail oriented

Independent work

Smartphones/Tablets

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Tools

Electronic locating equipment

Digital ticketing systems

Job description

Company Description

Utility Safeguarding LLC (USG) provides high-accuracy utility locating, field intelligence, and safety-focused services that help clients reduce risk and prevent costly outages. The company supports construction and infrastructure projects by delivering precise information about underground utilities, enabling safer and more efficient field operations. USG’s solutions help accelerate project delivery timelines while maintaining strong safety and compliance standards. Team members contribute directly to protecting people, property, and critical utility infrastructure across diverse job sites.

Job Title: Underground Utility Locator

Job Summary

The Underground Utility Locator plays a critical role in damage prevention and public safety by accurately locating and marking underground utilities. This position requires technical skill, attention to detail, and strong communication while working independently in the field. Locators ensure that excavation activities are performed safely and in compliance with all applicable regulations and standards.

Key Responsibilities

• Read and interpret utility maps, prints, and locate requests
• Use electronic detection equipment to accurately locate and mark underground utilities
• Clearly and professionally communicate with homeowners, excavators, contractors, utility representatives, and internal teams
• Complete and document locate tickets using company-issued digital devices
• Maintain company vehicles and equipment in safe, clean, and working condition
• Physically troubleshoot locate issues in the field, including digging and exposing utilities when necessary to verify accuracy and complete locate requests safely and correctly
• Follow all company, client, state, and federal safety, quality, damage prevention, and operational guidelines and policies
• Work outdoors in a variety of weather and environmental conditions
• Participate in rotational on-call assignments, overtime, and travel as required

Hiring Locations: DuPage, Kane and Kendall counties(Illinois)

Work Environment & Physical Requirements

• This is a field-based role with extensive outdoor work, often in varied weather conditions and on uneven terrain.
• The position requires frequent walking long distances, standing for extended periods, and performing tasks in a variety of environmental conditions.
• Drive company vehicles to and between assigned job sites based on operational needs and daily assignments involving extended time outdoors and varying environmental conditions
• Physically troubleshoot locate issues in the field, including digging and exposing utilities when necessary to verify accuracy and complete locate requests safely and correctly
• Use electronic detection equipment to accurately locate and mark underground utilities
• Physical demands include frequently lifting up to 10 pounds, occasionally lifting up to 100 pounds, and handling heavier equipment with assistance as needed.
• Use of company vehicles and all assigned safety equipment is mandatory.
• The role requires a flexible schedule, including participation in on-call rotations, overtime, and travel as needed.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent required
• Valid driver’s license with a clean driving record
• Ability to read and interpret maps, prints, and utility records
• Strong attention to detail and commitment to accuracy
• Ability to work independently with minimal supervision
• Comfortable using smartphones, tablets, and digital ticketing systems
• Strong communication and customer service skills
• Ability to work outdoors for extended periods in varied weather conditions
• Physically capable of walking long distances, bending, kneeling, and lifting equipment
• Willingness to work flexible schedules, including on-call rotations, overtime, and travel as required

Preferred Experience

• Previous experience as an Underground Utility Locator or in damage prevention
• Knowledge of underground utility systems (gas, electric, water, sewer, telecommunications, fiber, etc.)
• Experience using electronic locating equipment and related technologies
• Familiarity with One Call / 811 ticket systems
• Understanding of state and federal utility safety regulations and best practices
• Prior experience working with excavators, contractors, or utility companies
• Certification in utility locating or related safety training (or ability to obtain upon hire)