Utility Locator - Public Works

Colonial Group; Lafayette (CO); On-site; USD 55,000 - 85,000; Full time

Job summary

The City of Lafayette seeks a skilled Utility Locator to identify water, wastewater, and other City utilities and support safe excavation. The role requires interpreting plats, coordinating with contractors, and ensuring UNCC compliance.

Strong data mapping and field marking are essential, along with emergency response capabilities. Proven utility locating experience in Colorado, familiarity with GIS tools, and the ability to work independently under pressure will be valued.

Qualifications

• Knowledge of utility locating laws, standards and Colorado regulations.
• Ability to interpret plats and easements; surveying principles.

Responsibilities

• Perform timely and accurate locates of City utilities in proposed excavation areas.
• Coordinate with contractors, utility companies and the public to clarify scope and work area.
• Use GPS, GIS and other data sources to determine utility presence and update records.
• Mark utility locations clearly with paint or flags according to UNCC standards.
• Maintain and map City infrastructure data and support asset management systems.

Job description

Identifies and marks water, wastewater, stormwater, and other infrastructure to protect City facilities from damage, meet Utility Notification Center of Colorado (UNCC) requirements, and support contractors, City staff, and the public in the safe and efficient planning and execution of excavation, boring, and other subsurface work. Uses a variety of data sources, including mapping software, document management systems, as-built drawings, specialized equipment, and field observations to ensure accuracy and timeliness in accordance with UNCC requirements. Work includes a high level of independent judgment, including the ability to work under pressure when responding to emergencies and other afterhours requests.

TYPICAL QUALIFICATIONS:

KNOWLEDGE:

Considerable knowledge of applicable laws, standards and regulations relating to utility location in the state of Colorado; thorough knowledge of the process of utility locating. Considerable knowledge of the methods, materials used in the construction, repair and maintenance of water systems including automated metering systems, wastewater collection systems, and stormwater systems. Ability to read and interpret plats and easements; knowledge of surveying principles and techniques

SKILL:

Reading and interpreting maps and specifications; operating specialized equipment required to perform the job, and a high level of computer proficiency

ABILITY:

Apply standard testing and analysis procedures and operate appropriate equipment; provide technical advice to contractors and the public; understand and respond to customer needs; employ technical skills to maintain accurate computer records and utilize applicable software; review and interpret engineering plans and drawings and utilize a variety of reports and records; establish and maintain effective working relationships with contractors, developers, the public and other employees; address problems and trends in a timely, efficient, and equitable manner; address multiple demands and meet deadlines; adapt to interruptions, equipment, failures, unusual demands, and/or changing priorities.

TRAINING:

High school diploma or equivalent required. Prefer candidates hold current Level I Water Collection Certification and Level I Water Distribution Certification. Flagger, trenching and shoring and other construction safety certifications preferred. Two (2) years of college or technical school with major course work in civil engineering or related area preferred.

EXPERIENCE:

Minimum of 2 years of utility locating experience required, or equivalent combination of training and experience that provides evidence that the applicant possesses the required knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform essential functions of the position. Five years of direct utility locating experience preferred.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

The following duties are illustrative only and are not intended to be all inclusive:

Performs timely and accurate locates of City utilities, including but not limited to:

• Monitors UNCC ticketing system. Reviews and responds to requests in accordance with required time limitations, including response to afterhours emergency requests.
• Coordinates with contractors, utility companies, and the public as necessary to clarify scope of work and extent of work area.
• Researches and interprets data, including plats, easements, as-built drawings, geographic information systems, field notes, and other data sources to determine whether City utilities are present in proposed excavation areas.
• Coordinates with other City staff as needed to determine locations of utilities where limited documentation is available.
• Clearly marks locations of City utilities in accordance with UNCC standards through use of paint, flags, or other accepted methods. Refreshes markings as required.
• Operates and maintains specialized tools and equipment. Maintains knowledge of technology and best practices. Makes recommendations on locating equipment purchases.
• Trains staff in use of equipment and in locating practices.
• Reviews locates with contractors as needed. Provides oversight of active work as needed to ensure protection of City facilities, including monitoring of directional boring work.
• Keeps City staff apprised of work impacting public rights-of-ways and easements to ensure permitting and appropriate management of impacts.
• Communicates effectively with the contractors, developers, engineers, City staff and the public on inquiries and issues related to location of utilities.
• Coordinates with Risk Manager on investigation of utility damage and resolution of related claims.

Maintains accurate mapping of City infrastructure, including but not limited to:

• Identifies discrepancies between City records and field conditions. Provides GIS staff with information to update records.
• Supports operations and maintenance staff in mapping of asset management and repair work.
• Utilizes GPS and other survey equipment to acquire data for areas with incomplete or inaccurate records.
• Supports engineering staff in review of as-built drawings and conversion of data into GIS and asset management systems.
• Supports other operations, maintenance, and engineering functions, including but not limited to:
• Performs water meter installation, replacement, repair, troubleshooting, customer support, and reading.
• Responds to utility emergencies including but not limited to water main breaks, wastewater backups, and flooding.
• Supports winter snowplowing operations, including temporary shift work assignments as necessary.
• Perform related work as required and assigned

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Ability to obtain a valid Colorado Class B Commercial Driver's License within 6 months of hire and maintain a safe driving record.
• Ability to obtain a Level I Water Distribution Certification and Level I Water Collection Certification within 6 months if not already certified.
• Ability to obtain Certification in Flagging / Traffic Control, Confined Space, Construction Site Safety, and Excavation Safety training within 3 months if not already certified. This position is on call frequently.
• Be able to respond to emergency locates and City emergencies such as utility damage, water main breaks, etc. within 30 minutes of call-out.