Utility Jr. Crew Chief

Paycom - ATS; Hickory (NC); On-site; USD 45,000 - 65,000; Full time

Job summary

Paycom - ATS is seeking a Crew Chief in Hickory, NC, to direct field crews performing underground utility locating, data collection, and mapping. The role emphasizes safety, efficiency, and accuracy in locating cables, pipes, and other conduits before construction work.

The position requires at least a high school diploma, with 3+ years of SUE-related field experience preferred. Travel up to 25% may be involved, with a focus on coordination and on-site leadership.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED required; an associate degree is preferred.
• Minimum 3 years’ field SUE experience preferred; equivalent combinations accepted.
• Knowledge of municipal construction, utility infrastructure, and related safety standards.
• Familiar with laws, regulations, and safety precautions relevant to the role.

Responsibilities

• Direct and participate in field data collection and underground utility locating.
• Identify and map utility pathways using ground-penetrating radar and locating devices.
• Maintain equipment; report major repairs or replacements.
• Assist with Temporary Traffic Control setup and related field tasks.
• Record and document field data per CAD standards and project requirements.
• Mentor crew members and ensure safety and quality on site.
• Coordinate limited survey work related to SUE and field mapping.

Skills

Computer skills

Team leadership

Communication

Time management

Problem solving

Adaptability

Safety awareness

Team collaboration

Integrity

Education

High School Diploma

Associate degree preferred

Job description

Job Details: Job Location: Hickory - Hickory, NC, Position Type: Full Time, Education Level: High School/GED, Salary Range: Undisclosed, Travel Percentage: Up to 25%, Job Shift: Any, Job Category: Construction, POSITION SUMMARYAs Crew Chief you direct and participate in the work activities of personnel performing equipment operations, technical skills, and manual labor, while controlling those tasks. This position will be responsible for identifying utility pathways, cables, pipes, and other conduits that carry utilities underground. This position to protect underground utilities from damage during mapping.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Responsible for accuracy, completeness and integrity of all field work data obtained for a particular project under his/her direction and as dictated by the scope of work and or verbal details discussed with managers.
• Responsible for the correct, safe, and efficient locating of underground utilities, including fiber optic cable, telecommunications, electric power, gas, water, and sewer systems.
• Inspects all work being performed by subordinates to ensure compliance with department standards and polices.
• Designate underground utilities using ground-penetrating radar, Electronic and other locating devices.
• Drives, operates, and helps maintain vacuum excavation vehicles to provide vertical location and disposition of underground utilities.
• Maintain all equipment by performing minor repairs or notifying Field Manager of major repairs or replacements.
• Assists in providing Temporary Traffic Control (TTC) setup, as well as all related safety and other field tasks.
• Responsible for security, maintenance and availability of all field equipment/safety supplies assigned to the field team.
• Notify appropriate manager of any unforeseen delays due to weather, travel time, equipment failure.
• Mark said utilities with flags and/or paint and produce a sketch of results for future use by the client.
• Record and document the underground utility field data in accordance with Drafting and CAD standard formats.
• Dig potholes as directed by job plan including windows when crossing utilities.
• Read maps and blueprints to determine where utilities are located.
• May assist as Crew Chief on Survey projects as needed.
• Responsible for care and maintenance of locate equipment.
• Coordinate and perform limited survey work in relation with SUE.
• During periods when locate activity is slow, this individual will assist in mapping, record keeping and information gathering and research for SSMC.
• Reports any accidents be it personal, employee or equipment related to appropriate manager. If work related a notice of injury report must be completed.
• Responsible for ensuring that all projects comply with company and industry standards.
• Responsible for maintaining a safe work site environment for all utility crewmembers.
• Strive to maintain the highest level of safety while in the field and encourage your team members to do the same.
• Attend and participate in scheduled meetings.
• Will monitor and respond to company emails to include time entry, etc. through computer or cell phone.
• Must wear Personal Protective Equipment Required: (i.e. Safety Boots).
• Requires a valid driver’s license and must maintain eligibility to drive as per the Company Vehicle policy.
• Continually strive to maintain technical knowledge of industry standards.
• May perform light office duties including but not limited to filing, making copies, and scanning.
• May carry out other duties as assigned by management.

Qualifications: EDUCATION / EXPERIENCE

• High school diploma or equivalent required; associates degree in a related field is preferred.
• Minimum (3) years’ field SUE experience preferred. Any equivalent combination of education and experience may be substituted for the minimum qualifications.
• Has thorough knowledge of municipal construction, maintenance, and repair of utility infrastructure, and the methods, practices, procedures, materials, and equipment applicable to establishing and maintaining efficient and effective production.
• Thorough knowledge of the laws, ordinances, standards, and regulations pertaining to the specific duties and responsibilities of the position.
• Clearly understands the occupational hazards and safety precautions required to perform the essential functions of the work.

SKILLS & ATTRIBUTES

• Computer skills and technical competence.
• Must be able to stand or walk for long periods of time.
• Ability to train and mentor crew members.
• Must have the ability to communicate well with clients and other members of the team.
• Time management skills to achieve operation objectives within a set deadline.
• Ability to solve practical problems and deal with a variety of concrete variables in situations where only limited standardization exists.
• Able to deal with frequent change, delays, or unexpected events.
• Maintain positive external relationships of the company consistent with objective, operating philosophy, and desired image of the company.
• Approaches others in a tactful manner; Reacts well under pressure; Accepts and adapts to frequent change.
• Works with the team; contributes to positive team environment; welcomes feedback.
• Works with integrity and ethically; supports organization’s culture, goals, and values.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

Perform heavy work requiring the exertion of 100 pounds of force occasionally, up to 50 pounds of force frequently and up to 20 pounds of force constantly to move objects. Work requires climbing, stooping, kneeling, crouching, reaching, standing, walking, pushing, pulling, lifting, walking on uneven ground, squatting, crawling, and grasping. May perform tasks that may require frequent exposure to adverse and hazardous environmental conditions including but not limited to excessive noise levels, confined spaces, exposure to noxious odors, inclement weather conditions, exposure to wastewater, working with unmarked underground utilities (e.g. high voltage power, fiber optic cables, low and high-pressure gas transmission lines), working in congested residential areas, in and around main highways and roads, trenches and deep excavations. Employee will be exposed to dirt, dust, noises, fumes, odors, water, and mud. Must be able to work on slippery, loose, uneven, and sloped surfaces.

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate to high. Occasional evening, weekend and overtime work may be required to complete projects. Must be open to travel to remote field locations, including overnight stays, as needed.

NOTE: This job description is not intended to be all-inclusive.