Utility Locator

Verità Telecommunications Corporation; Columbus, Grandview Heights (OH, OH); On-site; USD 28,000 - 39,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

401(k) with company match

Disability & life insurance

Voluntary life insurance, accident, &

Job summary

Verita Telecommunications seeks an experienced Utility Locator in Columbus, OH. The role combines advanced field locating with mentoring newer locators, ensuring accurate utility marks and safe work zones for directional drilling and trenching.

The position emphasizes precision, documentation, and collaboration with project managers and field crews to prevent utility strikes and project delays.

Qualifications

• Experience performing public/private underground utility locates.
• Proven safety record with minimal locate-related damages.
• Ability to read utility prints, maps, GIS data, and related documents.

Responsibilities

• Perform public and private utility locates to support drilling and trenching.
• Verify bore paths and excavation routes before work begins.
• Identify conflicts and coordinate with project managers and crews to resolve issues.
• Conduct pre-construction site reviews and field assessments for locate completeness.
• Document locates using photos, sketches, GPS data, and reporting systems.
• Respond to emergency locate requests and priority projects.
• Provide guidance on safe clearances and excavation practices.

Skills

Locating operations experience

Independent field work

Strong communication skills

Mentoring field staff

Education

2+ years utility locating experience

Tools

Electromagnetic locating equipment

Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR)

GIS / maps / data interpretation

Job description

Utility Locator

Full Time Columbus, OH, Grandview Heights, OH, US

Verita Telecommunications

Utility Locator

About Verita Telecommunications

Verita Telecommunications builds and protects the infrastructure that keeps communities connected. As we expand our private utility locating capabilities, we're looking for an experienced Utility Locatorwho can both perform advanced field locates and build the next generation of locating talent. This is a dual-track role: part senior technician, part field instructor — someone who takes pride in precision underground and in developing the people who work alongside them.

The Utility Locator is responsible for accurately identifying, marking, verifying, and documenting underground utilities to ensure construction and directional drilling crews can safely and efficiently begin work. This role serves as a critical link between locating operations and field production by proactively resolving conflicts, verifying clear paths, obtaining necessary utility information, and reducing utility strikes and project delays. While this position may assist with onboarding and mentoring newer locators, its primary focus is supporting field operations through accurate locating, quality control, and drill readiness.

Financial Wellbeing

• Competitive pay with ongoing performance review and annual merit increase
• 401(k) with company match
• Choice of various PPO, HMO, and HSA accompanied plans

Family & Lifestyle

Planning for the Unexpected

• Short and long-term disability, life insurance Paid for by the company
• Accidental death & dismemberment Paid for by the company
• Voluntary life insurance, accident, and critical illness

Key Responsibilities

Drill Clearance & Field Operations

• Perform public and private utility locates to support directional drilling, trenching, and construction activities.
• Verify proposed bore paths and excavation routes to ensure crews have accurate utility markings before work begins.
• Identify potential utility conflicts and coordinate with project managers, supervisors, utility owners, and field crews to resolve issues before construction begins.
• Conduct pre-construction site reviews and field assessments to confirm locate completeness and jobsite readiness.
• Perform private utility locates beyond standard 811 scope, including telecommunications, electric, irrigation, lighting, gas, water, sewer, and other privately-owned facilities.
• Utilize electromagnetic locating equipment, transmitters, receivers, and Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR) to verify utility locations and reduce uncertainty in congested utility corridors.
• Interpret utility records, as-built drawings, maps, plats, GIS data, and project plans to identify known and potential underground conflicts.
• Document locates using photographs, sketches, GPS data, and digital reporting systems.
• Respond to emergency locate requests, re-marks, design verification requests, and priority construction projects.
• Support potholing, daylighting, and Subsurface Utility Engineering (SUE) activities when utility verification is required.
• Serve as the primary locating resource for drilling crews by providing field guidance on utility clearances, offsets, and safe excavation practices.
• Monitor locate quality and accuracy to ensure compliance with company standards and damage prevention requirements.
• Maintain company vehicles, locating equipment, and related field assets in proper working condition.
• Assist with onboarding and field orientation of new utility locators.
• Provide ride-along coaching and technical guidance to less experienced team members as needed.
• Share best practices related to utility locating, drill path verification, and damage prevention.
• Support ongoing quality assurance efforts through periodic field audits and coaching opportunities.
• Assist management with improving locating procedures, documentation standards, and operational efficiency.

Qualifications

Required

• 2+ years of experience performing public and/or private underground utility locates.
• Proven, verifiable safety record with minimal to no locate-related damages.
• Proficiency reading utility prints, maps, plat/quarter-section drawings, and GIS/work order systems.
• Experience operating electromagnetic locating equipment; working knowledge of GPR preferred.
• Working knowledge of OSHA regulations, state One-Call/811 laws, and local utility marking standards.
• Valid driver's license with an acceptable motor vehicle record.
• Ability to work independently, exercise sound judgment, and interpret ambiguous or conflicting utility data.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills for both field documentation and instructional delivery.
• Ability to work outdoors in all weather conditions, work in confined spaces, and lift up to 75 lbs.

Preferred

• Certified Locator Technician (CLT) or Utility Locator Technician (ULT) certification (NULCA or equivalent) or 5 years experience.
• Prior experience as a field trainer, mentor, crew lead, or foreman.
• Experience with Subsurface Utility Engineering (SUE) or private/exotic utility locating.
• Familiarity with instructional design, adult-learning principles, or formal train-the-trainer programs.
• CDL or willingness to obtain one, depending on regional fleet requirements.
• Ability to travel to support multi-market training rollouts, as needed.