Underground Utility Locator Lead

Precision Locating; Minneapolis (MN); On-site; USD 33,000 - 37,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Dental insurance

Vision insurance

401(k) matching

Paid Time Off (PTO)

Paid holidays

Cell phone allowance

Company vehicle and tools

Job summary

Precision Locating LLC is seeking a seasoned Lead Locator to guide the Locating Department. You will direct field staff, dispatch tickets, and ensure timely, accurate locate projects while maintaining high safety standards.

You will train new hires, review performance, and collaborate with contractors and homeowners to resolve field issues with calm professionalism. On-call availability is expected.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• 5+ years locating underground utilities.
• 2+ years leadership/supervisory experience.
• Valid Class D Driver's License.
• Advanced knowledge of 811 regulations, locator equipment, and customer contracts.

Responsibilities

• Provide daily direction and support to field locators.
• Dispatch tickets, manage locator territory assignments, and realign resources based on ticket volume.
• Assist teammates in navigating complex field situations and safely mark utilities.
• Train new hires and coach existing locators; provide performance feedback.
• Champion the Safety Program and maintain vehicle; participate in safety talks.
• Build and maintain professional relationships with contractors, homeowners, and customers; handle on-call emergencies.

Skills

Communication

Decision-making

Time management

Problem-solving

Map/GPS reading

Education

High school diploma or equivalent experience

Tools

Computers & Email

Job description

About Precision Locating LLC:

At Precision Locating LLC, we specialize in connecting and protecting communities through our two expert divisions: Precision Locating and Inside Out Installations. Before ground is broken, our Precision Locating division ensures underground utility lines are safely and accurately identified for municipalities, utility providers, and private property owners. We keep communities safe, prevent dangerous injuries, and empower local contractors to dig with confidence!

Position Overview:

We are seeking an experienced and professional Lead Locator to step into a leadership role within our Locating Department. In this position, you will professionally and positively assist with daily operations by providing clear work direction and scheduling to our field locating staff. You will ensure ultimate customer satisfaction by dispatching, reviewing, and ensuring the delivery of complete and accurate locate tickets and projects in a timely, accurate, and courteous manner.

Key Responsibilities:

• Operations Leadership: Provide daily direction and support to field locators. Dispatch tickets, manage locator territory assignments, and realign resources based on ticket volume and routing efficiency.

• Complex Problem Solving: Assist teammates in navigating complex field situations, safely mark underground utilities with minimal at-fault damages, and accurately execute thorough damage investigations when necessary.

• Onboarding & Training: Actively train new hires and provide continuous field coaching to existing locators. Assess performance and supply feedback to the Locating Supervisor on staff training, attendance, and general field readiness.

• Safety Advocacy: Champion the Precision Safety Program. Demonstrate strong safety personal habits, enforce company safety policies, maintain your assigned vehicle, and participate actively in safety talks.

• Stakeholder Management: Build and maintain excellent, professional relationships with contractors, homeowners, and customers, remaining calm and de-escalating high-stress field scenarios seamlessly.

• Availability: Participate in on-call rotations and remain readily available for urgent or unexpected field emergencies.

What You Bring (Minimum Qualifications):

• Education: High school diploma or equivalent experience.

• Experience: * At least 5 years of dedicated experience locating underground utilities.

  • At least 2 years of experience in a formal or informal leadership/supervisory role.

  • Demonstrated hands-on experience locating multiple utility types (fiber, gas, electric, etc.), troubleshooting complex setups, performing damage investigations, and training others.

• License/Certification: Must hold a valid Class D Driver's License with a driving record that satisfies company expectations.

• Expert Knowledge: Advanced comprehension of 811 laws/regulations, locator theory/equipment, utility construction, and customer contracts.

• Key Skills: Above-average communication, decision-making, time management, problem-solving, and map/GPS-reading skills. Competency utilizing standard computers, email, and internal databases is required.

• Personal Traits: A trustworthy, independent, analytical, and self-motivated leader with a strong sense of professional urgency and immense patience.

What We Offer:

• Hourly Pay: $24.00 - 27.00

• Comprehensive Training & Tools: Complete equipment, a dedicated company field vehicle, laptop, tablet, and high-quality company logo apparel.

• Competitive Perks: A comprehensive benefits package including Health, Dental, Vision, 401(k) matching, Paid Time Off (PTO), Paid Holidays, and a monthly cell phone allowance.

• Internet Benefit: Free internet at your primary residence if you are located within an Arvig service area!

• Career Growth: Real internal pathways for professional advancement inside a rapidly growing community protection organization.