UTILITY LINE LOCATOR

City of Fairhope (AL); Alabama; On-site; USD 42,000 - 63,000; Full time

Job summary

The City of Fairhope is seeking a Gas Locator to identify underground natural gas lines across the service area using electronic detection equipment. You will interpret data, notify staff and contractors, and map new installations while maintaining compliance with 811.One Call.

Responsibilities include assisting with connections, responding to emergencies, and maintaining locating equipment. The role requires a high school diploma, a valid driver license, and the ability to obtain certification

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED required.
• Valid driver license and insurability.
• Ability to obtain Utility Locator certification within a prescribed time.

Responsibilities

• Locates underground gas lines and marks locations using electronic detection equipment.
• Interprets and verifies location data; informs staff and third parties of service line locations.
• Maps new utility infrastructure and maintains location records per 811/One Call.
• Responds to gas system emergencies and assists with service connections.

Skills

Communication skills

Geography knowledge

Underground locating

Reading construction drawings

Equipment operation

Education

High school diploma or GED

Tools

Ground penetrating radar

Electronic detection equipment

Job description

Under the daily supervision of the Gas Construction Supervisor, this employee locates natural gas lines throughout the City’s service area using electronic detection equipment. The employee interprets and verifies location data and performs visual inspections of work areas. The employee informs City utility staff and relevant third parties of line locations to avoid line damage or service conflicts. The employee interacts with contractors, surveyors, and customers to determine and verify utility location information. The employee maps new utility installations, coordinates infrastructure location work with all applicable City departments and private contractors and maintains detailed location records for compliance with Alabama’s One Call system (811 System). The employee may assist utility installers and maintainers providing utility services. The employee responds to emergency gas calls as required. This employee reviews new construction sites for utility service locations and site issues or concerns for service. This job is considered safety sensitive and is subject to pre-employment background checks and random drug screenings.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

The following list was developed through a job analysis; however, it is not exhaustive and other duties may be required and assigned. A person with a disability which is covered by the ADA must be able to perform the essential functions of the job unaided or with the assistance of a reasonable accommodation.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTION: Locates underground gas lines. Utilizes electronic detection equipment to locate underground utility

1. Uses electronic detection equipment to locate and mark natural gas lines in the City.
2. Interprets and verifies location data to ensure data accuracy; cross-references data with other data sources to ensure accuracy of locations.
3. Informs City utility staff and relevant third parties of service line locations.
4. Maps new utility infrastructure as it is installed.
5. Operates and maintains ground penetrating radar machine utilized in locating operations.
6. Maintains detailed infrastructure location records to comply with state’s One Call (811 System) system.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTION: Utility Service Connections. Assists with connecting and establishing service to residences and businesses within the City’s service area.

1. Connects residential and commercial service customers to the City’s service network according to company procedures.
2. Troubleshoots connections to ensure proper operation.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTION: Emergency Response. Responds to utility systems emergencies such as line leaks or line damage.

1. Responds to gas system emergencies during regular work hours as well as during non-routine working hours.
2. Serves as member of designated emergency response team as required.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTION: Equipment Maintenance. Maintains a variety of equipment associated with locating natural gas lines and associated components.

1. Responsible for the maintenance needed for all equipment utilized in this job; reports needed maintenance to higher management.

NON-ESSENTIAL FUNCTION

1. Assists work crews in the installation of gas lines, meters, and regulators in new residential and commercial areas as needed.
2. Assists in troubleshooting solutions regarding gas systems.
3. Performs other job-related duties as required or assigned.

Minimum Qualifications

1. Possess a high school diploma or GED.
2. Possess a current driver license; must be insurable.
3. Possess or ability to obtain Professional Utility Locator certification within a prescribed time after hire.
4. Ability to work non-standard hours and emergencies.
5. Ability to pass a pre-employment background check and an initial drug screen.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

(* Can be acquired on the job)

1. *Knowledge of City rules, regulations, policies, and procedures.
2. *Knowledge of City geography, roads, streets, and underground utility systems.
3. *Knowledge of underground electronic utility detection equipment.
4. *Knowledge of municipal utility system operations.
5. *Knowledge of City gas, electric, water and sewer systems.
6. Ability to effectively communicate both orally and in writing.
7. Ability to effectively communicate with co-workers, supervisors, the general public and over the telephone or in person.
8. Ability to attend training programs or obtain additional certifications for professional development, whether through travel or local.
9. Ability to prepare and maintain detailed reports and other materials using correct English, grammar, punctuation, and spelling.
10. Ability to understand and interpret City policies and guidelines.
11. Ability to perform basic calculations (add, subtract, multiply, divide).
12. Ability to use and maintain electronic utility infrastructure locating equipment.
13. Ability to acquire and maintain appropriate operator qualifications to perform all job requirements.
14. Ability to read and understand construction drawings and plans.
15. Ability to use devices such as phones, tablets, laptops, desktops, and office productivity software.
16. Ability to maintain professional attitude.
17. Ability to deal with all contacts in a courteous and patient manner.
18. Ability to handle dynamic situations in a calm and courteous manner.
19. Ability to prioritize work projects and multi-task.
20. Ability to organize files and work projects.
21. Ability to work with little or no supervision.

Physical Demands

The work requires some physical exertion such as long periods of standing; walking over rough, uneven, or rocky surfaces; recurring bending, crouching, stooping, stretching, reaching or similar activities; recurring lifting moderately heavy items such as record boxes. The work may require specific, but common, physical characteristics and abilities such as above-average agility and dexterity.

Work Environment

The work involves moderate risks or discomforts which require special safety precautions. Employees may be required to use protective clothing or gear such as fire resistant personal protective equipment (PPE), masks, boots, goggles, gloves, or shields. The work environment involves high risks with exposure to potentially dangerous situations or unusual environmental stress which require a range of safety and other precautions such as working under extreme weather conditions, gaseous atmospheres, or situations where conditions cannot be controlled.