Utility Locator

Swyft Fiber; DeRidder (LA); On-site; USD 48,000 - 64,000; Full time

Job summary

Swyft Fiber is seeking a dedicated Utility Locator to accurately identify and protect underground network facilities. You will mark locations, coordinate with excavators, and ensure permits and paperwork are properly completed for locate tickets.

Responsibilities include operating handheld and sub-site locator systems for fiber optic conduit installation, ensuring public safety, and maintaining equipment. Travel up to 90% may be required, with overtime as needed.

Qualifications

• 3+ years of telecommunications experience.
• 3+ years using geophysical multi-frequency locate equipment.
• Safety Training including electrical clearances, OSHA-12, traffic control, bucket truck safety, and ladder safety.
• Ability to travel up to 90%.
• Ability to work long hours, weekends, and 24/7/365 operations.
• Must have valid driver's license and clean driving record.

Responsibilities

• Identify, locate, and protect underground network facilities.
• Operate locator systems for installation of fiber optic cable.
• Ensure safety of the public and other utilities.
• Coordinate projects, manage tickets, and adhere to budgets.
• Communicate with landowners and officials; build community relations.
• Attend safety meetings and maintain equipment and inventory.

Skills

Communication skills

Geophysical locate equipment

Safety compliance

Overhead lifting ability

Outdoors work endurance

Travel flexibility

Emergency response

Problem-solving

Tools

Locate equipment (handheld/sub-site)

Job description

Utility Locator

Responsible for the correct, safe, and efficient identifying, locating, and protecting of underground network facilities. Ensures clear and complete network identification for the excavator or property owner.

• Searches for underground utilities in an area, properly marks the location, and fulfils the necessary paperwork to complete the Locate.
• Operates the locator system (sub-site and handheld) for installation of underground telecommunications cable conduit, including fiber optic cable.
• Ensures safety of the public and other utilities underground facilities.
• Ensures all applicable permits and locates are complete and on site.
• Ensures safety standards and guidelines are followed on the jobsite and that all safety codes are met.
• Schedules and coordinates projects in logical steps and budgets the time necessary to meet each deadline on locate tickets.
• Prepares and submits material requests in order to meet daily operational needs while maintaining equipment and material inventory.
• Ensures adherence to the budget and, when unexpected complications or issues arise, makes quick and necessary adjustments.
• Collaborates with supervisory staff, contractors, and design professionals to discuss and resolve problems, including work procedures, complaints, and construction or design issues.
• Manages and leads actions that are necessary due to delays, bad weather, or emergencies.
• Develops and maintains good working relationships with a variety of people, including owners, managers, designers, supervisors, contractors, tradespersons, and craft workers.
• Communicates with landowners to resolve issues that arise in easements and on private property.
• Builds and maintains relationships with the community and officials.
• Attends Safety Meetings.
• Maintains vehicle and tools issued by the Company at all times.
• Other duties as assigned.

Job Qualifications

• 3+ years of telecommunications experience required.
• 3+ years of experience utilizing geophysical multi-frequency locate equipment in the underground utility locating industry such as for a contract utility locating firm and/or a major utility company.
• Safety Training including electrical clearances, OSHA-12, traffic control, bucket truck safety, and ladder safety required.
• Ability to travel up to 90%.
• Ability to work long hours involving overtime and weekends, as necessary.
• Ability to respond to the needs of a 24/7/365 operation.
• Must be able to work emergency schedules during natural disasters and network outages.
• Individuals must have a valid driver's license and clean driving record meeting the company and insurance policy conditions.

Skills

• Excellent verbal and written communication.
• Critical thinking.
• Service orientation.
• Complex analysis, troubleshooting, and problem solving.
• Sound judgment and decision making.
• Excellent organizational abilities.
• Time management.
• Proficient in Google Suite or related software.
• Thorough understanding of contracts, plans, specifications, and regulations.
• Ability to remain flexible and efficient in a fast-paced environment.
• Ability to make intelligent and quick decisions and work well under pressure when faced with unexpected occurrences or delays.
• Ability to effectively multitask while analyzing and solving problems.Thorough understanding of engineering, architectural, and other construction drawings.
• Ability to lift up to 50 pounds several times a day.
• Overhead lifting of over 20 pounds.
• Must be able to stand for long periods of time on varied surfaces.
• Position requires working outdoors in all types of weather.
• Ability to climb and work at elevations (i.e., ladders, poles, lift trucks) exceeding 18 feet.
• Ability to work in confined spaces (i.e., attics, crawl spaces, utility holes).

Physical Requirements

This is a physically demanding, Medium position requiring prolonged standing and walking; frequent bending, kneeling, squatting, twisting, reaching, climbing, lifting, carrying, pushing, and pulling; the ability to work at elevated heights and on uneven terrain; and the ability to safely operate tools, equipment, ladders, and vehicles. The position requires working outdoors in varying and sometimes extreme weather conditions and may involve work in remote locations.

Post-Offer Physical Assessment

Due to the physical demands of this position, all candidates who receive a conditional offer of employment will be required to successfully complete a post-offer, pre-placement functional capacity evaluation to verify their ability to safely perform the essential physical functions of the job.

Swyft Fiber is an Equal Opportunity Employer. This position is safety-sensitive and subject to applicable drug and alcohol testing requirements, including DOT regulations where applicable.

This job description describes the general nature and level of work performed by employees in this position. It is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties, responsibilities, qualifications, skills, or working conditions. Additional duties and responsibilities may be assigned by management based on business and operational needs.

The Company reserves the right to modify this job description as business needs change.