Utility Locator

Delaware, County of (OH); Delaware (OH); On-site; USD 48,000 - 62,000; Full time

Job summary

Delaware County, Ohio is seeking a field-based Utility Locator to locate and mark County sewer infrastructure and support mapping efforts. You will work with GIS data, as-built drawings, and records to ensure accurate utility locations and safe excavation practices.

The role requires a High school diploma or GED and 2+ years in utility locating, with a valid driver’s license. You will communicate with contractors and the public, respond to emergency locate requests, and maintain meticulous

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED required with 2+ years in utility locating or related field.
• Must maintain valid driver’s license and insurance with acceptable driving record.
• Must meet qualifications for driving on county business as a continued condition of employment.

Responsibilities

• Receives and responds to Ohio 811 locate requests within required timelines.
• Locates and marks County sewer infrastructure using marking methods.
• Uses GIS, as-built drawings, and records to determine underground locations.
• Verifies field conditions by accessing manholes and sewer structures.
• Maintains accurate records of locate tickets, field activities, and discrepancies.
• Communicates locations to contractors, developers, and the public.
• Responds to emergency locate requests and supports repair operations.
• Operates locating equipment and maintains tools and vehicles.
• Adheres to safety policies and participates in training as assigned.

Skills

Geospatial locating

GIS mapping

Safety compliance

Communication skills

Recordkeeping

Driving

Education

High school diploma or GED

Tools

GIS mapping software

Electronic locating equipment

Job description

Individual performs technical field work related to locating, identifying, and marking underground sanitary sewer infrastructure throughout Delaware County rights-of-way, easements, and service areas. Ensures compliance with Ohio utility protection laws and safe excavation practices by accurately locating County-owned wastewater collection assets. Maintains utility records, supports infrastructure mapping efforts, and provides information to contractors, developers, property owners, and County personnel regarding underground sewer facilities. Individual reports to the Utility Coordinator.

• High school diploma or GED required, with a minimum of two (2) years of experience in utility locating, underground utilities, or related field work involving wastewater or public infrastructure;
• Must possess a valid driver’s license and proof of insurance that complies with the County policy combined with an acceptable driving record.
• Must meet and maintain qualifications for driving on county business as a continued condition of employment.

• All required licenses and certificates must be maintained as a condition of continued employment.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

• Receives, reviews, prioritizes, and responds to Ohio 811 utility locate requests in accordance with required response timelines;
• Locates and marks County-owned sanitary sewer infrastructure including gravity sewers, force mains, manholes, laterals, and related appurtenances using paint, flags, stakes, and other approved marking methods;
• Utilizes GIS mapping systems, as-built drawings, engineering plans, utility records, and electronic locating equipment to determine underground facility locations;
• Verifies field conditions by accessing manholes, cleanouts, and other sewer structures to confirm utility alignment, depth, and location;
• Performs measurements and basic calculations to ensure accurate utility markings;
• Communicates with contractors, developers, property owners, and the public regarding utility locations, markings, and utility locate requests;
• Maintains accurate records of locate requests, field activities, sketches, measurements, completed tickets, and discrepancies identified during field investigations;
• Notifies appropriate personnel regarding inaccuracies or needed corrections to infrastructure records;
• Responds to emergency utility locate requests by locating and marking County-owned sewer infrastructure in support of emergency repair operations;
• Operates and performs routine inspection and minor maintenance of locating equipment and tools and reports maintenance or repair needs for assigned equipment and vehicles;
• Follows all County policies, safety procedures, OSHA requirements, traffic control practices, and confined space awareness guidelines;
• Assists in training and mentoring new employees regarding utility locating procedures and equipment operation, as assigned;
• Operates a motor vehicle in the performance of assigned duties;
• Demonstrates regular and predictable attendance;
• Attends various training sessions, video conferences, and workshops;
• Performs typing, word processing, and related computer operations;
• Works overtime and outside of typical work schedule/business hours as required; and
• Other duties as assigned.

NON-ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

• Performs related non-essential functions required.

I. JOB REQUIREMENTS

Equipment:

Individual operates a variety of utility locating, mapping, and communication equipment including electronic utility locators, pipe locators, sondes, magnetic detectors, measuring devices, hand tools, computers, tablets, mobile communication devices, GIS and mapping software, and County vehicles. May also operate traffic control devices and other equipment necessary to safely perform utility locating and field operations. Individual uses personal protective equipment as necessary. Ability to safely operate a motor vehicle is required.

Critical Skills/Expertise:

• Knowledge of underground utility locating methods, equipment, and procedures;
• Knowledge of wastewater collection systems, utility maps, as-built drawings, and GIS applications;
• Knowledge of Ohio 811 requirements, excavation safety practices, and applicable OSHA regulations;
• Ability to accurately locate and mark underground sewer infrastructure;
• Ability to read and interpret maps, plans, drawings, utility records, and technical documents;
• Ability to operate utility locating equipment, computers, and related technology;
• Ability to maintain accurate records and documentation;
• Ability to perform mathematical calculations and measurements;
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships;
• Ability to work independently, prioritize assignments, and meet required deadlines;
• Ability to follow written and verbal instructions and adhere to established safety procedures;
• Communicate professionally and effectively with internal and external customers, both orally and in writing;
• Organize and prioritize work assignments, multi task with accurate focus and refocus in a fast paced environment;
• Efficiently operate computer programs such as, but not limited to, Microsoft Word, Excel, Outlook, and agency specific programs;
• Deliver excellent customer service, externally and internally;
• Proficiency in grammar, writing, mathematical skills, spelling, and punctuation;
• Thorough knowledge, adherence and aptitude to follow safety policies, procedures and practices; and
• Thorough knowledge, adherence and aptitude to follow federal, state, county, and department policies and procedures, laws and regulations.

II. DIFFICULTY OF WORK

Work involves technical field assignments requiring the interpretation of utility maps, as-built drawings, GIS data, locate requests, and field conditions to accurately locate and mark underground sewer infrastructure. Work requires applying established utility locating procedures, techniques, and safety standards to identify and verify the location of wastewater collection system assets. Assignments vary based on site conditions, accessibility, available records, and infrastructure complexity and require attention to detail, technical aptitude, and the ability to recognize and document discrepancies between field conditions and available infrastructure records. Work is performed primarily in the field under established guidelines, required response timelines, and departmental procedures.

III. RESPONSIBILITY

Individual is responsible for accurately locating and marking County-owned sewer infrastructure and maintaining related records and documentation. Errors in judgment, utility locating, or recordkeeping may result in utility damage, excavation delays, service interruptions, safety hazards, or additional costs to the County. Individual is expected to exercise care in the operation of assigned equipment and vehicles and to comply with established policies, procedures, and safety standards. Work is performed under general supervision and is reviewed through observations, reports, completed assignments, and overall results achieved.

The position has no direct supervisory responsibilities but may provide guidance and assistance to other employees regarding utility locating procedures and equipment use, as assigned.

IV. PERSONAL WORK RELATIONSHIPS

Individual has regular contact with coworkers, supervisors, contractors, developers, property owners, utility representatives, and the general public for the purpose of exchanging information, coordinating locate activities, responding to utility locate requests, and promoting safe excavation practices. Incumbent may also interact with representatives of other governmental agencies and external organizations regarding utility locations, infrastructure records, and construction projects. Courtesy, professionalism, and effective communication are required to maintain productive working relationships and support County operations.

V. PHYSICAL EFFORT AND WORK ENVIRONMENT

Physical Requirements:

Individual performs moderate to heavy work, which may require the lifting, carrying, pushing, or pulling of tools, equipment, materials, and other items weighing up to fifty (50) pounds regularly and heavier items occasionally with assistance.

Physical Activity:

Individual performs the following physical activities: standing, walking, climbing, balancing, stooping, kneeling, crouching, reaching, lifting, carrying, pushing, pulling, grasping, feeling, talking, and hearing. Duties frequently require walking on uneven terrain, accessing utility easements, traversing construction sites, and entering or accessing sewer system structures.

Visual Activity:

Requires visual acuity sufficient to read and interpret utility maps, GIS data, engineering drawings, locate tickets, and other technical documents, operate locating equipment, identify utility markings, and observe field conditions and potential hazards.

Job Location:

Individual works primarily outside and is regularly exposed to varying weather conditions, temperature extremes, traffic hazards, construction site conditions, noise, dust, mud, and wastewater-related environments. Work may require travel throughout the County service area and occasional work in confined or restricted spaces. Personal protective equipment is required in accordance with established safety procedures.