Utilities Locator

Avon Park; Avon Park (FL); On-site; USD 28,000 - 32,000; Full time

Job summary

Avon Park invites applications for a Public Works Utility Locator to identify, mark, and map underground utilities such as water, sewer, storm drains, and fiber. You will use electromagnetic locating equipment, GPR, and GPS to locate lines and then mark locations on the surface using color-coded paint and stakes.

Responsibilities include documenting field findings in GIS, coordinating with city crews and contractors, and responding to urgent locates.

Qualifications

• Ability to read/interpret construction blueprints, maps, and as-built drawings.
• Proficiency in electromagnetic locating equipment and GPS devices.
• Basic computer competency and ability to use a tablet and Excel/CSV.

Responsibilities

• Locate and mark utility lines using locating equipment.
• Mark with color-coded paint, flags, and stakes on surfaces.
• Document work findings and update GIS/maps records.
• Analyze civil plans, blueprints, and GIS data.
• Coordinate with contractors, developers, and city crews for safe excavation.
• Respond to urgent or after-hours locates.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Skills

Blueprints & maps

GPS locating equipment

Excel/CSV usage

Communication

Physical fitness

Education

High School Diploma or GED

ESRI GIS Certificate

Valid driver’s license

Two years utility locating experience

Tools

GPR

EM locating equipment

GPS devices

Tablet

Excel/CSV

Job description

PREFERENCE IS GIVEN TO INTERNAL APPLICANTS FOR THE FIRST 10 DAYS

SALARY: $20.29 - $23.42 DOE

NATURE OF WORK:

The Public Works Utility Locatoridentifies, marks, and maps underground infrastructure (water, sewer, storm drains, fiber) to prevent damage during excavation. Using electronic equipment, maps, and GIS, they apply paint/flags according to industry standards. This role requires field research, documentation, and coordination with contractors and city departments.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

Locate & Mark: Use electromagnetic locating equipment, ground-penetrating radar (GPR), and probes to identify water, sewer, storm, and other utility lines.

Safety Marking: Use industry-standard color-coded paint, flags, and stakes to mark utility locations on the surface.

Documentation: Maintain accurate records of work, update, and submit corrections to GIS/mapping departments regarding field findings.

Research: Analyze civil engineering plans, blueprints, and GIS data.

Communication: Coordinate with contractors, developers, and city crews to explain markings and ensure safe excavation practices.

Emergency Response: Respond to urgent or emergency locates, sometimes outside standard hours.

Other Duties As Assigned

QUALIFICATIONS AND REQUIREMENTS:

Technical Skills: Ability to read/interpret construction blueprints, maps, and as-built drawings. Proficiency in using electromagnetic locating equipment and GPS devices. Basic computer competency and ability to use a tablet and Excel/CSV.

Knowledge: Understanding of safe excavation practices, underground utility damage prevention regulations, and color-coded marking standards (APWA). Understanding of Sunshine 811 procedures.

• Communication:Strong verbal skills to interact with contractors and the public.
• Physical:Must be able to pass a pre-employment Non-DOT Physical and Lift Test Level II Examination

OTHER KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:

• Adhere to City, State, and Federal safety requirements and regulations
• Communicate effectively both orally and in writing with supervisors, co-workers, city officials, city employees, and the public
• Read and interpret system maps and diagrams and technical and operational manuals
• Read and interpret meters and testing equipment
• Produce and maintain accurate and legible reports and documents
• Demonstrate integrity, ingenuity, and inventiveness in the performance of assigned tasks
• Use logical and creative thought processes to develop solutions according to written specifications and/or oral instructions

EDUCATION:

• High School Diploma or GED
• ESRI GIS Certificate of Coursework
• Minimum Two Years Experience in utility locating, construction, or surveying
• Must possess a valid driver’s license

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

• Tasks involve the intermittent performance of physically demanding work, typically involving some combination of reaching, bending, stooping, kneeling, or crouching, and that may involve the lifting, carrying, pushing, and/or pulling of moderately heavy objects and materials (50-75 pounds).
• Some tasks include working around moving parts, light to moderate weight motor equipment, and materials handling where physical risks are predictable and/or controllable by observance of standard safety precautions.
• Ability to walk long distances on uneven terrain, and frequently enter/exit a vehicle
• Ability to work outdoors in all weather conditions
• May be required to take on-call duty for after-hours emergencies and services

ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS:

Hazardous conditions: flames, fire, chemicals, smoke, heat, gases, moving vehicles, falling structures and debris, electricity, poor ventilation, poor lighting and related hazards.

BENEFITS:

The City offers a wide range of benefits to its employees to include vacation, sick, and holiday time off, health, dental, vision, life insurance, supplemental benefits, employee assistance program, retirement in the Florida Retirement System (FRS) as well as Nationwide Pre and Post Tax retirement options.Please contact Human Resources at 1-863-452-4406 if you have any questions about the carriers and cost.

EMERGENCY RESPONSE STATUS:

As a condition of employment, City of Avon Park employees will be required to work as directed during an undeclared and/or a declared emergency. All employees are subject to recall around the clock for emergency response operations, which may require irregular work hours, work at locations other than the normal work location, and may include duties other than those specified in the official job description.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:

The City of Avon Park is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, ethnicity, disability, genetic information, marital status, or status as a protected veteran. Candidates requiring a reasonable accommodation, as defined by the Americans with Disabilities Act, must contact Human Resources (863-452-4406). Notification must be made in advance to allow sufficient time to determine if reasonable accommodation can be provided. Preference will be given to preference-eligible veterans in accordance with applicable law. Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO)/Disabled/Veteran.

The City of Avon Park is a drug-free workplace. This position may be subject to Department Of Transportation (DOT) pre- employment and random drug testing. All City of Avon Park positions are subject to reasonable suspicion drug testing. As a condition of employment, you will be required to pass the pre- employment drug test in accordance with Florida Statute 440.102.