Utility Locate Technician I

Forsyth County Government; Cumming (GA); On-site; USD 36,571 - 44,698; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical Insurance

Retirement Plan (401K)

Paid personal leave

Observed holidays

Job summary

Forsyth County Government is hiring an entry-level Utility Locate Technician in Cumming, GA. The role involves performing utility line locating under supervision, assisting with excavation responses, and adhering to safety protocols. A high school diploma is required, and candidates must obtain GPR certification within one year.

The position offers full-time status with benefits including medical insurance, retirement plan, and personal leave accrual based on years of service. Ideal for those seeking a stable career in public service.

Qualifications

• Must learn utility locating practices including reading maps.
• Must obtain GPR or similar certification within one year.
• Must possess a valid Georgia Driver’s License.

Responsibilities

• Assist in coordinating responses to excavation requests.
• Monitor work environment and use safety equipment.
• Maintain assigned vehicles and assist with inspections.

Skills

Utility locating practices

Safety protocols

Reading maps

Using detection equipment

Education

High school diploma or GED

Tools

Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR)

Laptop computer

Hand tools (e.g., paint stick, shovel)

Job description

Job Details

• Salary: $40,635.00 Annually
• Location: Cumming, GA
• Job Type: Full-time
• Job Number: 03595
• Department: Water Department-Engineering
• Opening Date: 05/19/2026
• Closing Date: 6/19/2026 11:59 PM Eastern

Position Information

The purpose of this classification is to perform entry-level work associated with locating and marking County-owned utility lines in support of excavation and construction projects. Employees in this classification work under the close supervision of a supervisor or an assigned Utility Locate Technician II, learning the fundamentals of utility locating and safe excavation support. This position serves as a developmental role with the expectation that the incumbent will obtain Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR) certification or similar assigned training and/or certifications within one (1) year to qualify for promotion to the Utility Locate Technician II position.

Essential Functions

• Assists with coordinating the County’s response to Utility Protection Center (UPC) requests (Call Before You Dig): receives and reads locate requests from the BOSS 811 or similar software sent from the UPC; responds to excavation notices in accordance with established time requirements; inputs requested information into system; use laptop computer or other devices to receive, document, and close out excavation notices.
• Follows established safety procedures; assists in monitoring work environment and use of safety equipment; places markers, signs, and cones around project/work site; wears proper protective equipment (PPE).
• Ensures routine maintenance is performed on assigned truck and equipment; conducts pre‑ and post‑trip inspections, including checking all fluids, gauges, lighting, mirrors, tires, body damage, seats and seatbelts, cleanliness of vehicle, etc.; fuels trucks; loads and secures materials; reports all problems or necessary repairs to appropriate personnel immediately; completes and maintains inspection, gas usage and other associated documentation.
• Operates a personal computer, general office equipment, or other equipment as necessary to complete essential functions, to include the use of word processing, spreadsheet, database, or other system software.
• Uses a variety of hand tools and equipment to perform assigned duties, including but not limited to manhole pick, pry bar, paint stick, paint, shovel, probe rod, measuring wheel, and metal detector.
• Assists in responding to Utility Protection Center (UPC) requests (Call Before You Dig) under the direction of a supervisor or an assigned Utility Locate Technician II.
• Learns and performs utility line locating for manholes, service connections, valves, and other utilities. Travels independently or with an Utility Locate Technician II. Assists with reading utility maps/plans, conducts visual inspections, operates detection equipment, marks utility locations, takes photos, updates maps and databases, and maintains documentation.
• Observes and assists in responding to complaints and questions related to utility line locates; under guidance provides information and initiates basic problem resolution.
• Prepares and/or assists in preparing forms, logs, charts, and other documentation as directed.
• Receives and processes various forms, reports, policies, and reference materials; retains and forwards as appropriate.
• Develops and updates knowledge of applicable laws, regulations, policies, and procedures; attends workshops and training sessions as appropriate.
• Additional Functions: This classification is designed as a safety sensitive position which is subject to random drug and alcohol testing and any other drug testing methods as stated in policies adopted by Forsyth County concerning drug and alcohol.

Minimum Qualifications

High school diploma or GED; no prior work experience required. Must possess the ability to learn and execute utility locating practices, including reading maps, using detection equipment, and following safety protocols. Must obtain Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR) or similar assigned training and/or certifications within one (1) year of hire to be eligible for promotion to Utility Locate Technician II. Must possess and maintain a valid Georgia Driver’s License.

Benefits

• Personal Leave Accrual
  • 0 - 4 Years: 20 days per year – 6.16 hours per pay period
  • 5 - 14 Years: 25 days per year – 7.70 hours per pay period
  • 15+ Years: 30 days per year – 9.24 hours per pay period
• Observed Holidays
  • New Year's Day
  • Martin Luther King Day
  • Memorial Day
  • Independence Day
  • Labor Day
  • Veteran's Day
  • Thanksgiving (two)
  • Christmas (two)
• Medical Insurance
  • Aetna Choice POS II – $2000 Individual Deductible (Basic Plan)
  • Aetna Choice POS II – $1000 Individual Deductible (Plus Plan)
  • Kaiser Permanente HMO – $0 Individual Deductible
• Dental Insurance
  • Base $1,000 Plan
  • Buy-Up $1,500 Plan
• Vision Insurance
  • The vision plan offered by Forsyth County Board of Commissioners is administered by Aetna and will offer office visit copays for exams, as well as copays for lenses, frames, and contacts.
• Basic Life & AD&D Insurance
  • The Forsyth County Board of Commissioners provides term life insurance and accidental death and dismemberment (AD&D) protection for each full-time employee. This is a County-paid benefit.
• Disability Insurance – Short Term and Long Term
  • 100% paid by Forsyth County. Eligibility begins date of hire.
  • Short Term Disability – 60% of weekly earnings to a maximum of $1,000.00 a week. Eligibility begins 14 days after an accident or sickness and has a benefit period of 24 weeks.
  • Long Term Disability – 60% of monthly earnings to a maximum of $5,000.00 a month. Eligibility begins at 26 weeks to coordinate with the end of Short Term benefits and continues 24 months (Own Occupation).
• Additional Life Insurance And AD&D
  • Rates vary based on amount of coverage selected. Additional life insurance may be purchased for employee, spouse, and children.
• Retirement Plan (401K)
  • Fully vested at five years of employment – 20% graduated vesting annually. Eligible to begin contributions immediately upon hire.
  • Six months through one year of County Service: Forsyth County matches your contributions, dollar for dollar, up to 5% of your pay. That’s a 100% return on the first 5% of pay you save.
  • Years one through five: Forsyth County “seeds” your account with 5% of your pay each year, and matches 100% of what you contribute, up to 5% of your pay.
  • Years 5 through 10: The County continues its automatic “seed” contribution of 5% of pay, matches up to the first 5% of pay that you contribute, then adds a 50% match up to the next 5%.
  • After 10 years of service: You continue to receive a 100% County match on the first 5% of pay you contribute, and 50% on the next 5% of pay you save. But now, the automatic contribution the County makes to “seed” your account each year increases to 7.5% of your pay.