Underground Utility Locator (A7)

City of Annapolis (MD); Annapolis (MD); On-site; USD 55,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

The City of Annapolis is seeking a self-motivated technical professional to serve as a Utility Locator. This role identifies, locates, and marks underground water and wastewater infrastructure across the City to prevent service disruptions during construction excavation.

Responsibilities include analyzing maps, updating utility records, and performing occasional heavy equipment operations to support line repairs and inspections. Strong independent work ethic and safety focus are essential.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED required.
• 2+ years of underground utility work experience.
• Valid Class B CDL required.

Responsibilities

• Locate and mark City water and wastewater lines and related underground infrastructure using electronic locating equipment and color codes.
• Research and interpret construction drawings and utility maps to pinpoint excavation sites.
• Update official City utility maps with field data and findings.
• Access utility appurtenances and perform manual inspections as needed.
• Set up and maintain traffic safety controls, cones, and signage in high-risk roadway environments.
• Transport tools and equipment; perform basic maintenance on equipment.
• Operate heavy equipment (e.g., backhoes, loaders, Vac-Con trucks) to support repairs and inspections.
• Prepare written reports on locating tickets, findings, and equipment logs.

Skills

Blueprint & Map Reading

Equipment Signal Interpretation

Color Perception

Traffic Safety Rules

Independent Execution

Overtime Availability

Heavy Equipment Operation

Education

High School Diploma or GED

Tools

Electronic locating devices

Vac-Con equipment operation

Backhoe operation

Sewer roder/jet equipment

Job description

The City of Annapolis is seeking a self-motivated, detail-oriented technical professional to serve as Utility Locator. Operating under limited direct supervision, this position identifies, locates, and marks underground water and wastewater utility infrastructure across the City to prevent service disruptions and catastrophic utility strikes during construction excavation.

As Utility Locators usually work independently, candidates are expected to exercise considerable initiative and sound independent judgment in interpreting readings from electronic locating equipment, analyzing utility maps, and optimizing daily field routes. Additionally, this position provides crucial operational support to Water Distribution and Wastewater Collection, performing line repairs, maintenance, grease interceptor inspections, and operating heavy equipment (equivalent to an Equipment Operator II) when needed.

• Utility Locating & Marking: Locates and physically marks existing City water lines, water valves, wastewater lines, and related underground infrastructure using specialized electronic locating equipment and standardized utility color codes.

• Map & Drawing Analysis: Researches and interprets construction drawings, engineering plans, and 1"=40' scale utility maps to pinpoint excavation sites and accurately identify underground utility locations.

• Infrastructure Mapping Updates: Collects updated field data and provides precise operational information to update official City 1"=40' scale utility maps.

• Field Access & Maintenance: Manually accesses utility appurtenances, including valve boxes, water meters, and wastewater lids.

• Worksite Traffic Safety: Sets up, maintains, and removes traffic safety controls, cones, and signage when performing locating or maintenance tasks in high-risk roadway environments.

• Equipment & Fleet Operations: Transports tools and equipment to assigned sites; performs lubrication and minor routine maintenance on assigned equipment.

• Heavy Equipment Operation (Equipment Operator II Support): Operates heavy equipment—including backhoes, front-end loaders, Vac-Con trucks, and jet or continuous sewer rodders—to support line repairs, system maintenance, and grease interceptor inspections.

• Administrative Reporting: Prepares clear, concise written reports regarding completed locating tickets, infrastructure findings, and equipment maintenance logs.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Blueprint & Map Reading: Ability to read and interpret complex engineering drawings, utility 1"=40' scale maps, and technical operating manuals.

• Equipment Signal Interpretation: Ability to accurately interpret signals, frequencies, and digital outputs from electronic utility locating devices.

• Color Perception: Ability to distinguish colors clearly to mark underground utilities with designated industry color codes (e.g., blue for water, green for sewer).

• Traffic Safety Rules: Good knowledge of traffic safety regulations, work zone setups, and accident prevention practices in hazardous traffic environments.

• Independent Execution: Ability to organize daily field assignments into efficient routes that minimize backtracking and maximize City-wide coverage while working alone.

• Overtime Availability: Dependability and mandatory availability for emergency overtime and after-hours call-outs as required.

Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications:

• Education: Graduation from an accredited high school or possession of a high school equivalency (GED) certificate.

• Experience: Minimum of two (2) years of full-time employment in underground utility work, utility construction, or a closely related field.

• Licensure: Possession of a valid Class "B" Commercial Driver’s License (CDL).

Preferred Qualifications:

• Prior computer experience and familiarity with electronic locating devices.

• Experience operating heavy municipal equipment (e.g., Vac-Con, backhoe, sewer rodder).

Special Requirements & Conditions:

• Safety-Sensitive Designation: This position is designated as Safety-Sensitive. Appointment is contingent upon passing a pre-employment drug and alcohol screening, and incumbents are subject to mandatory random chemical substance testing consistent with Federal, State, and City guidelines.

Employment Conditions & Physical Demands

• Physical Capability: High physical strength and agility sufficient to lift, maneuver, and handle heavy objects up to 100 lbs. (e.g., manhole covers, valve lids, heavy tools) and climb into/operate large trucks and heavy equipment.

• Environmental Tolerance: Work is performed almost exclusively outdoors in all extreme weather conditions in active roadway environments around heavy machinery and hazardous traffic.

• Sensory Requirements:

  • Visual: Sufficient visual acuity to operate heavy equipment by day and night, observe road hazards, read maps/reports, and distinguish color codes.

  • Auditory & Speaking: Clear hearing and speaking abilities to communicate via two-way radio, telephone, and in-person in noisy construction zones.

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

The City of Annapolis Government does not discriminate or retaliate in employment against any person seeking employment or employed in the civil service because of any consideration of political or religious affiliation or belief, race, color, sex, age, family status, national origin, marital status, disability, veteran status, genetic information, sexual orientation, or gender identity.