Utility Locator/Damage Prevention Specialist

SAM; Portland (ME); On-site; USD 42,000 - 52,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Dental coverage

Vision coverage

Long-term disability

Life Insurance

401(k) match

Tuition reimbursement

Cell phone stipend

Paid time off

Parental leave

Career development

Job summary

SAM in Portland, ME is seeking a field utility locator to respond to locate requests, mark underground facilities, and document field activities. You’ll use locating equipment and maps, work with contractors and homeowners, and maintain accurate ticket records.

No prior locating experience is required as SAM provides training. Ideal candidates are reliable, safety-minded, and comfortable working outdoors in all weather conditions.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Valid driver’s license.
• Strong communication skills and the ability to work well with contractors, homeowners, and team members.
• Comfortable working independently in the field and solving problems as they arise.
• Willingness to work outdoors in all seasons and weather conditions.
• No prior utility locating experience required — we provide training.
• Experience in utility location or knowledge of 811 dig laws is a plus, but not required.

Responsibilities

• Respond to utility locate requests by locating and marking underground facilities in accordance with state 811 requirements, client standards, and company procedures.
• Utilize locating equipment, utility maps, records, and field judgment to identify the approximate path of buried utilities with accuracy and consistency.
• Complete clear and thorough ticket documentation, including field notes, photos, and positive response updates.
• Communicate professionally with contractors, homeowners, utility owners, dispatch, and internal leadership regarding job status, access issues, and field conditions.
• Manage daily workload efficiently while maintaining production expectations, quality standards, and required response times.
• Work safely in a fast-paced field environment by following company safety procedures, damage prevention practices, PPE requirements, and safe vehicle operation standards.

Skills

Strong communication

Independent worker

Outdoor work

Problem solving

Safety minded

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Job description

Who We Are

Founded in 1994, Surveying And Mapping, LLC (SAM) is a nationwide leader in geospatial and construction-phase solutions. With more than 50 offices and 1,600 professionals, we deliver the scale, technology, and expertise needed to support projects of any size. SAM streamlines project delivery through a single, coordinated team, offering in-house capabilities across land surveying, aerial mapping, subsurface utility engineering (SUE), utility coordination (UC), GIS, BIM, and construction engineering inspection (CEI).

By combining advanced technology, digital workflows, and decades of experience, we provide accurate, actionable data that helps clients move critical infrastructure projects forward with confidence. At SAM, you’ll be part of a team that values innovation, growth, and the opportunity to make a tangible impact on the built environment.

Your Impact at SAM

• Respond to utility locate requests by locating and marking underground facilities in accordance with state 811 requirements, client standards, and company procedures.
• Utilize locating equipment, utility maps, records, and field judgment to identify the approximate path of buried utilities with accuracy and consistency.
• Complete clear and thorough ticket documentation, including field notes, photos, and positive response updates.
• Communicate professionally with contractors, homeowners, utility owners, dispatch, and internal leadership regarding job status, access issues, and field conditions.
• Manage daily workload efficiently while maintaining production expectations, quality standards, and required response times.
• Work safely in a fast-paced field environment by following company safety procedures, damage prevention practices, PPE requirements, and safe vehicle operation standards.

What You Bring to SAM

• High school diploma or equivalent
• Valid driver’s license and ability to meet company MVR standards
• Strong communication skills and the ability to work well with contractors, homeowners, and team members
• Comfortable working independently in the field and solving problems as they arise
• Willingness to work outdoors in all seasons and weather conditions
• No prior utility locating experience required — we provide training
• Experience in utility location, damage prevention, or knowledge of 811 dig laws and safe excavation practices is a plus, but not required

Our Perks

• Health and Wellness Benefits: BlueCross BlueShield health insurance coverage begins the month after your hire date, with dental plans available and free vision coverage for employees, company-paid premiums for Long-term disability/Life Insurance (with HSA + FSA plans), SAM Cares program focused on holistic well-being
• Financial Benefits: Employee Referral Rewards Program of $1K, $2,500 or $5K, Fidelity retirement plans with a 5% company match, tuition reimbursement, optional cellphone stipend
• Work-Life Balance: Paid time off including vacation/sick/holidays, parental leave to support families
• Professional Development: Customized career development plan for licensing and certifications, Project Manager Business Academy, CAD Training Program, Individual Development Plans/Career Check-Ins, SAM WINS - our initiative for women-focused leadership and development, Milestone Anniversary Recognition, SAMbassador mentorship program
• Perks and Discounts: Access to “Perks at Work” for discounts on wellness + travel + leisure and everyday purchases, company-sponsored events, free office snacks
• Culture and Awards/Achievements: SAM Named 2026 Top Workplace USA for the fourth Year; 2026 SAM Ranks No. 92 on ENR Top 500 Design Firms