Utility Locator

Swyft Fiber; Metairie (LA); On-site; USD 45,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

Swyft Fiber is seeking a Utility Locator to identify, locate, and protect underground network facilities. You will mark locations, operate locator equipment, and ensure safety and compliance for excavation work.

This role requires fieldwork, strong communication, and the ability to coordinate with contractors, landowners, and site staff. Applicants should be prepared for outdoor work in varying weather and conditions.

Qualifications

• 3+ years of telecommunications experience required.
• 3+ years of experience utilizing geophysical multi-frequency locate equipment.
• Safety Training including electrical clearances, OSHA-12, traffic control, bucket truck safety, and ladder safety required.

Responsibilities

• Searches for underground utilities, marks locations, and completes locate paperwork.
• Operates locator system for installation of underground telecom cables and fiber optic lines.
• Ensures public safety and other utilities are protected underground.
• Ensures permits and locates are complete and on site.
• Adheres to safety standards and guidelines on site.

Skills

Verbal communication

Written communication

Safety compliance

Problem solving

Time management

Team collaboration

Fieldwork

Outdoor work

Lifting up to 50 lbs

Job description

Job Title: Utility Locator

Department

FLSA Classification

EEO Classification

Last Modified

Operations

Non-Exempt

Technicians

04/23/2025

Job Summary

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.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities

• 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.

Disclaimer

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.