Utility Line Locator

Water Otter Inc; San Marcos (TX); On-site; USD 48,000 - 70,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, Dental & Vision Coverage

TMRS retirement plan

Paid Parental Leave

Holidays and Vacation

Job summary

City of San Marcos is seeking an Utility Locator to support safe excavation and infrastructure maintenance by accurately identifying and marking underground utilities. The role emphasizes safety, precise field assessments, and coordination with internal teams and contractors to protect assets and public safety.

The position requires knowledge of locating technologies, documentation, and the ability to communicate clearly with stakeholders.

Qualifications

• Knowledge of utility locating technologies, equipment, procedures, and mapping resources.
• Knowledge of GPS and related location technologies used to identify and mark underground utilities.
• Skill in analysis, problem-solving, and interpreting locate tickets, maps, and prints.
• Skill in using computers and digital tools to document and communicate locate information.
• Ability to communicate clearly and professionally with colleagues, customers, contractors, and homeowners.
• Ability to adapt to new processes, tools, and training requirements as operational needs evolve.

Responsibilities

• Locates and marks underground utilities to support safe excavation activities, ensuring accurate identification of power, water, reclaimed water, and wastewater lines using appropriate tools and locating equipment.
• Performs thorough utility searches within assigned areas, applies standardized color-coded markings, and ensures accurate documentation to prevent utility strikes and service disruptions.
• Maintains complete and accurate records of all locates and provides reports, maps, and marking details to SMTXU, Engineering, or other project partners as needed to support operational planning and project success.
• Communicates effectively with team members, contractors, and customers to ensure clarity of utility line locations and alignment on project requirements.
• Adheres to all safety protocols and participates in ongoing training to promote safe work practices and continuous improvement.
• Supports afterhours and emergency locating needs as required to maintain service continuity and public safety.

Skills

Utility locating knowledge

GPS/location tech

Problem solving

Documentation

Communication

Adaptability

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Tools

Locating equipment

Job description

Job Description

JOB SUMMARY

Become part of a team that thrives on Professionalism, Innovation, Customer Experience, Integrity, and Teamwork— the values that guide how we serve our community.

The Utility Line Locator plays a critical role in supporting safe excavation and infrastructure maintenance by accurately identifying and marking underground utility lines. This position ensures operational continuity and minimizes service disruptions by applying technical expertise, safety protocols, and specialized locating equipment. Through precise field assessments and coordination with internal teams and contractors, the Utility Locator helps protect City assets and maintain public safety.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Locates and marks underground utilities to support safe excavation activities, ensuring accurate identification of power, water, reclaimed water, and wastewater lines using appropriate tools and locating equipment.
  
• Performs thorough utility searches within assigned areas, applies standardized color-coded markings, and ensures accurate documentation to prevent utility strikes and service disruptions.
  
• Maintains complete and accurate records of all locates and provides reports, maps, and marking details to SMTXU, Engineering, or other project partners as needed to support operational planning and project success.
  
• Communicates effectively with team members, contractors, and customers to ensure clarity of utility line locations and alignment on project requirements.
  
• Adheres to all safety protocols and participates in ongoing training to promote safe work practices and continuous improvement.
  
• Supports afterhours and emergency locating needs as required to maintain service continuity and public safety.
  
• Demonstrates professionalism, integrity, teamwork, customer focus, and innovation in all interactions and work activities.
  
• Performs other duties as assigned, including on-call responsibilities.
  

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS & PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• One (1) year of previous experience in utility locating or related field.
• Must possess a valid Texas Class C Driver’s License with an acceptable driving record.

COMPETENCIES AND ENVIRONMENT

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

• Knowledge of utility locating technologies, equipment, procedures, and mapping resources.
• Knowledge of GPS and related location technologies used to identify and mark underground utilities.
• Skill in analysis, problem-solving, and interpreting locate tickets, maps, and prints.
• Skill in using computers and digital tools to document and communicate locate information.
• Ability to communicate clearly and professionally with colleagues, customers, contractors, and homeowners.
• Ability to adapt to new processes, tools, and training requirements as operational needs evolve.

Physical demands include lifting up to 50 pounds occasionally. Subject to vision and hearing constantly; standing, walking, lifting, carrying, pushing/pulling, reaching and handling frequently; sitting, fine dexterity, kneeling, crouching, crawling, bending, twisting, climbing, balancing, talking and foot controls occasionally.

Working conditions involve occasional exposure to variable and/or extreme weather conditions, vehicle traffic, heavy equipment, open trenches, confined spaces, hazardous chemicals, and infectious diseases. Utilizes confined space equipment or other personal protective equipment as required.

This is a safety sensitive position.

In addition, the City of San Marcos offers its employees a broad range of benefits to enhance their personal and occupational lives. We are committed to a total rewards strategy that provides employees with competitive compensation, comprehensive benefits, and an environment that supports a healthy work/life balance.

View Our Benefits Guide.

BENEFITS

Medical, Dental & Vision Coverage

• United Healthcare
• Choice Plus PPO Plan
• Prescription Drug Plan
• Wellness Initiatives
• Virtual Doctor Visits 24/7
• Dental Plan
• Base Vision Plan
• Premium Vision Plan
• Laser Vision Correction discounts

Retirement

• Texas Municipal Retirement System (TMRS)
• Mission Square Retirement Corporation - optional 457-deferred compensation plan & Roth IRA

ADDITIONAL BENEFITS

• Flexible Spending Accounts
• City-paid Life and AD&D Insurance
• Voluntary Life, AD&D and Long-Term Disability insurance
• Employee Assistance Program
• Medical Concierge Service
• Vacation
• Sick Leave
• Holidays
• Longevity pay
• Tuition Reimbursement
• Activity Center Membership
• Direct Deposit
• Home Buyer Incentive Application
• Home Buyer Incentive Policy
• Paid Parental Leave
• Bereavement Leave

The City of San Marcos is committed to supporting a flexible and positive work/life balance. Certain eligible positions may offer remote telework opportunities based on departmental operations and the nature of the work. Telework is not a fully remote arrangement, and eligibility and frequency are determined by the department director based on operational needs and the city's commitment to providing quality services to the community.

Closing Date/Time: 11/18/2026 11:59 PM Central