Utility Locator

Town of Smyrna; Lumbrook (DE); On-site; Full time

Job summary

The Town of Smyrna is seeking a Utility Locator to identify and document the locations of underground utilities. This critical role requires expertise in utility locating, effective communication with various stakeholders, and adherence to safety and operational standards. Ideal candidates will have a high school diploma, utility locating experience, and knowledge of GIS software to support the maintenance of municipal assets.

Qualifications

• 3+ years of experience with underground utility locating or equivalent training.
• Valid driver’s license with a clean driving record.
• Basic understanding of underground utility systems.

Responsibilities

• Locate and mark Town-owned underground water, sewer, and electric lines.
• Document all field activities and coordinate with contractors and Town personnel.
• Assist utility crews during emergencies, including line breaks or storm events.

Skills

Attention to Detail

Organizational Skills

Communication

GIS or Utility Mapping Software

Education

High school diploma or GED

Tools

Electromagnetic Locating Equipment

Job description

Job Title: Utility Locator
Department: Public Works
Status: Non-Exempt/Union
Classification: Emergency Essential
Reports to: Public Works Director

Position Summary: The Utility Locator is responsible for accurately identifying, marking, and documenting the location of Town-owned underground utilities, including water, sewer, and electric infrastructure. This critical role ensures public safety and protects municipal assets by preventing accidental utility damage during excavation and construction activities. The Utility Locator will respond to locate requests via Miss Utility of Delmarva and coordinate directly with contractors, engineers, and Town personnel. This position starts at $23/hr.

Key Responsibilities:

• Locate and mark Town-owned underground water, sewer, and electric lines in accordance with APWA color standards and Town policies.
• Respond to Miss Utility (811) locate tickets within required timeframes.
• Read and interpret utility maps, construction drawings, GIS systems, and as-built plans.
• Document all field activities, locations, and ticket responses in accordance with Town and regulatory standards.
• Communicate effectively with contractors, residents, and coworkers to explain utility locations and resolve issues.
• Maintain and calibrate locating equipment; report malfunctions or need for replacements.
• Assist with record-keeping of new installations or changes to existing utilities for accurate future locating.
• Support utility crews during emergencies, including line breaks or storm events, as needed.
• Follow all applicable safety procedures and participate in training as required.

Required Qualifications:

• High school diploma or GED.
• Valid driver’s license with a clean driving record.
• 3+ years of experience with underground utility locating or equivalent training.
• Basic understanding of underground utility systems, including water, sewer, and electric.
• Ability to work independently in outdoor environments, in various weather conditions.
• Ability to read and interpret utility maps and drawings.
• Strong attention to detail and organizational skills.
• GIS or utility mapping software experience.
• Prior experience using electromagnetic locating equipment (e.g., Metrotech, Vivax, Radio detection).

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience working with SCADA or utility management systems
• Familiarity with trench safety and confined space procedures
• Experience supporting water/sewer/electric crews in field construction or emergency response

ADA Requirements:

• This is medium work requiring the exertion of up to 20 pounds to move objects.
• Work could require climbing, stooping, kneeling, crouching, crawling, reaching, walking, pushing, pulling, lifting, and grasping; vocal communication is required for expressing or exchanging ideas by means of the spoken word.
• Hearing is required to perceive information at normal spoken word levels; mental acuity is required to make rational decisions through sound logic and deductive processes.
• Visual acuity is required for depth perception, color perception, peripheral vision, preparing and analyzing written or computer data, visual inspection involving small defects and/or small parts, use of measuring devices, assembly or fabrication of parts, operation of machines, operation of motor vehicles or equipment, determining the accuracy and thoroughness of work, and observing general surroundings and activities.
• The worker is subject to inside and outside environmental conditions.