Utility Locate Operator I

City of Caldwell; Caldwell (ID); On-site; USD 42,000 - 54,000; Full time

Job summary

The City of Caldwell is seeking an entry-level Utility Locate Operator for the Water Department. You will perform locate work for water, sewer, and irrigation mains, in both office and field environments, under supervision.

Responsibilities include reading plans, marking buried utilities, updating Asset Management and GIS data, and coordinating with other departments. A high school diploma is required and a valid driver's license; licensure within 12 months for Class I Water Distribution and

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED required.
• Any equivalent combination of experience, education and training acceptable.
• Must obtain Class I Water Distribution License within 12 months.

Responsibilities

• Performs locate services for the Water, Sewer, Street and Engineering Departments.
• Reads and interprets design plans, maps, and other locating data.
• Marks underground utilities using paint or flags.
• Updates daily work activities in Asset Management and GIS systems.
• Operates handheld utility-detection equipment safely.
• Maintains data accuracy and reports discrepancies to supervisor.
• Works after hours/on-call as required.

Education

High school diploma or GED

Any equivalent combination of experience, education and training

Job description

Applications closing on September 26, 2026, 11:59 PM

• Reference number 202400282
• Job Type Full Time

Description

This position is an entry level position in the Utility Locate Operator series. The primary function of an employee in this class is to perform a variety of semi-skilled tasks involving location of below-grade public utilities such as water, sewer, and irrigation mains for the city's Water Department. The work is performed under the general supervision of the assistant superintendent with minimal latitude for independent action. The principal duties of this class are performed in a general office environment and a fieldwork setting both indoors and outdoors.

Responsibilities

• Performs locate services for the Water, Sewer, Street and Engineering Departments.
• Reads and interprets design plans, specifications, electronic utility maps, prints, aerial imagery, and various electronic locating equipment for the purpose of making field determinations and assessments.
• Researches, locates, and marks underground utilities to include irrigation, water, sewer, stormwater, electrical, fiber-optic, and communications conduit with paint or flags.
• Completes, documents, and updates daily work activities using laptops or other field computing devices.
• Enters and maintains data in Asset Management and GIS systems using methods such as coordinate geometry input, manual data entry, map digitization, scanning, and digital data conversion.
• Reviews existing and incoming data for accuracy, completeness, relevance, and quality to ensure integrity of utility records.
• Monitors, prioritizes, and performs locate requests based on travel routes and timelines.
• Verifies field data for accuracy and reports discrepancies, needed updates, or issues requiring further investigation to the supervisor.
• Maintains up-to-date knowledge of applicable laws, regulations, and standard practices related to underground utilities.
• Operates handheld utility-detection equipment safely and in accordance with established procedures.
• Removes and replaces manhole lids using approved removal tools and safe-lifting techniques.
• Transmits completed tickets in a timely manner; and provides a response to Digline 811 requests via website or by phone call.
• Coordinates and schedules excavator for locates; may excavate subject areas if needed.
• Performs initial and on-going assessments for sites under construction throughout the duration of the validity period of the work ticket.
• Consistently keeps supervisor and relevant team members informed about work progress, current and potential issues, and proactively suggests new or improved solutions to address challenges.
• Attends approved meetings, conferences, workshops, training sessions, and remains current on the principles, practices, and developments in assigned work areas.
• Responds to questions and comments in a courteous and timely manner.
• Respects the opinions of others and maintains a positive and professional working relationship with colleagues, supervisors, and stakeholders.
• Adapts to changes in work assignments and methods promptly and efficiently.
• Communicates and coordinates regularly with others to maximize the effectiveness and efficiency of interdepartmental operations and activities.
• Responds to inquiries, complaints, and requests for assistance in a courteous and timely manner.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications

Education, Training, and Experience Required:

• Graduation from high school or possession of a GED
• Any equivalent combination of experience, education and training which provides the knowledge, skills and abilities necessary to perform the work.

Licenses, Certifications, and Other Requirements:

• Possession of a current and valid driver's license.
• Possession of or the ability to obtain a Class I Water Distribution License issued by the State of Idaho within 12 months of employment.
• Possession of or the ability to obtain a Class B CDL with Tanker endorsement within 6 months of employment.
• Successful completion of a pre-employment background check, physical, and drug test to include prescription medications.
• Must be able to work after hours, weekends, and holidays; and participate in an on-call rotation to respond to emergencies.