Utility Locate & Vacuum Excavation Tech

EPS Group, Inc.; Mesa (AZ); On-site; USD 45,000 - 70,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Life insurance

401(k) matching

Dental insurance

Vision insurance

Paid holidays

PTO

Bereavement leave

Discretionary bonuses

Job summary

EPS Group, Inc. is seeking a field professional to locate and mark underground utilities on project sites in Arizona. You will operate Airvac/vacuum trucks, use locators, and analyze site plans to provide precise utility locations for construction crews.

This role requires a high school diploma and 3 years of line locating experience, with 1–2 years of supervisory duties preferred. CDL A/B is optional, and a valid driver’s license is required. Safety and clear communication are essential.

Qualifications

• Minimum High School diploma or equivalent.
• 3 years of line locating experience preferred.
• 1–2 years of supervisory experience preferred.
• Understanding of underground utility locating and marking practices.
• Hands-on experience operating Airvac/Vacuum trucks and high‑pressure air tools.
• Valid driver’s license with clean driving record; CDL A/B preferred but not required.

Responsibilities

• Locate underground utilities using site plans, maps, blueprints, and equipment.
• Safely operate Airvac trucks to expose utilities via potholing.
• Use electromagnetic locators to detect utilities.
• Analyze work sites to identify potential utility locations.
• Review plans and maps to understand utility layouts.
• Mark utility locations with flags or paint for construction crews.
• Record utility locations and create utility drawings/maps from field data.
• Collaborate with construction teams and managers to convey location information.
• Adhere to safety protocols to minimize excavation risks.
• Perform quality checks to ensure marking accuracy.

Skills

Line locating

Safety awareness

Communication skills

Supervisory experience

Driver's license

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Tools

Airvac/Vacuum trucks

High‑pressure air tools

Electromagnetic locators

Job description

Reports To: Subsurface Utility Engineering Manager

Status: Full-Time, Non-Exempt

Primary Areas of Focus

• Locating and marking underground utilities
• Performing safe "potholing" and utility verification using Airvac truck operations

Core Responsibilities

• Utilize site plans, area maps, blueprints, and electronic equipment to locate underground electrical cables and other underground utilities as required
• Safely operate Airvac trucks to expose underground utilities through non-destructive vacuum excavation (potholing)
• Operate specialized equipment, such as electromagnetic locators, to detect and locate underground utilities
• Conduct a thorough analysis of work sites to identify potential utility locations
• Review construction plans, maps, and other relevant documents to understand the layout of utilities
• Clearly mark the positions of utilities using flags, paint, or other designated markers to provide clear guidance to construction crews
• Maintain accurate records of utility locations for future reference and project documentation
• Create utility drawings and maps based on field observations and measurements
• Collaborate with construction teams, contractors, and project managers to convey accurate information regarding the location of utilities
• Adhere to safety protocols and guidelines to minimize the risk of accidents during utility locating and excavation activities
• Conduct quality control checks to verify the accuracy of utility markings and ensure alignment with project requirements

Skills & Experience

• High school diploma or equivalent
• 3 years of line locating experience is preferred
• 1-2 years of supervisory experience is preferred
• Understanding of underground utility locating and marking practices
• Hands-on experience operating Airvac/Vacuum trucks and high-pressure air tools
• Valid driver’s license with a clean driving record
• CDL Class A or B is preferred but not required
• Strong work ethic, commitment to safety, and excellent communication skills

Physical Requirements

• Required to stand, walk, and sit
• Must be able to lift 60 lbs. occasionally, such as when handling vacuum hoses
• The position requires visits to project sites
• Must have manual dexterity sufficient to operate equipment, a computer keyboard, and a calculator
• Requires prolonged sitting with 15% of the time spent bending and reaching

Perks & Benefits

• Health, life, 401(k), dental, and vision insurance
• Paid holidays, Paid Time Off (PTO), and bereavement leave
• Short-term, long-term disability insurance and leave
• Discretionary bonuses, if applicable

EPS Group is an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. We offer a competitive salary and bonus program, a wide range of benefits including 401(k) with employer match, advancement potential, and the opportunity to become an integral part of a highly respected firm.