Utility Line Locator

City of San Marcos, TX; San Marcos (TX); On-site; USD 42,000 - 64,000; Full time

Job summary

City of San Marcos, TX seeks a Utility Line Locator to support safe excavation and infrastructure maintenance by accurately identifying and marking underground utilities. You will use locating equipment, document findings, and coordinate with SMTXU, Engineering, and contractors to ensure project success.

The role emphasizes safety, accuracy, and timely communication, with afterhours and emergency locating as needed to protect public safety and city assets.

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.
• Ability to communicate clearly and professionally with colleagues, customers, contractors, and homeowners.

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.
• 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.
• 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.

Skills

Utility locating technologies

GPS/location technologies

Analysis & problem-solving

Computers & digital tools

Clear communication

Adaptability to new processes/tools

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

1 year locator experience

Tools

GPS/location equipment

Job description

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.

The following list highlights the main responsibilities of this position. While it covers the core tasks, it may not include every duty that could be assigned. Employees may be asked to take on other responsibilities as needed to support the team and department.

• 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.

• 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.

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

Physical requirements 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.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

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.