Utility Locate Technician

DeKalb County; Decatur (GA); On-site; USD 26,890 - 43,297; Full time

Job summary

DeKalb County in Decatur, Georgia, is looking for an experienced person to locate and document water and wastewater utility lines. The ideal candidate will have three years of experience in utility services, a high school diploma, and a valid Georgia driver's license.

This role includes investigating utility damages, preparing reports, and ensuring safety at work sites. Knowledge of GPS and safety procedures is essential. Join us in maintaining and monitoring essential public utility services.

Qualifications

• 3 years of experience in utility services or a related field.
• Valid Georgia driver’s license required.
• Strong documentation skills.

Responsibilities

• Locate and mark utility lines, ensuring accurate mapping.
• Investigate damages and prepare reports on findings.
• Adhere to safety procedures and assist in traffic direction.

Skills

Utility line locating

Map reading

Documentation

Problem resolution

Safety procedures

Education

High school diploma or GED

Tools

GPS

Metal detector

Radar

Job description

Salary Range

$19.52/hour – $31.43, Salary Grade: 11, FLSA: Nonexempt

Purpose of Classification

The purpose of this classification is to locate County‑owned water and wastewater utility lines and services.

Essential Functions

The following duties are normal for this position. The omission of specific statements of the duties does not exclude them from the classification if the work is similar, related, or a logical assignment for this classification. Other duties may be required and assigned.

• Locates water and wastewater utility lines and services such as mains, fire hydrants, fire lines, manholes, water meters, service connections, valves and other utilities; receives and responds to work tickets and locate requests; travels to site; reads maps; locates depth and length of lines; marks locations of utility lines; takes photos; updates maps and computer databases; and maintains related documentation.
• Investigates damage to water and wastewater utility lines due to excavation; takes photos, makes drawings and provides other detailed documentation of work site, lines and markings, extent of damage, etc.; analyzes information and makes recommendation regarding liability of damage; and prepares and submits related documentation and reports.
• Performs related duties such as reporting water and waste‑water leaks, backups, missing or damaged equipment or other issues; issues warnings and citations for violations regarding water use; ensures right of way are clear of signs and obstructions; and assists in shutdown of mains for repairs and connections.
• Adheres to established safety procedures; monitors work environment and use of safety equipment to ensure safety of employees and other individuals; and flags and directs traffic and places markers, signs and cones around project/work site to ensure safety of crew and the traveling public.
• Responds to complaints and questions related to utility line locates; provides information, researches problems, and initiates problem resolution; resolves situations involving complex issues; attends meetings; and prevents contractors from digging until utility locations are completed.
• Prepares or completes various forms, reports, correspondence, work tickets, vehicle maintenance reports, locate reports, or other documents.
• Operates and maintains a motor vehicle, radar, metal detector, magnetic pipe locater, stakes, flags, GPS, and other equipment.

Minimum Qualifications

High school diploma or GED required; three years of experience in utility services or related field; or any equivalent combination of education, training, and experience which provides the requisite knowledge, skills, and abilities for this job.

Specific License or Certification Required

Must possess and maintain a valid Georgia driver’s license.