Utility Locator - Transportation

Pima County; Tucson (AZ); On-site; USD 30,000 - 40,000; Full time

Job summary

Pima County Department of Transportation is seeking a Utility Locator to accurately identify, mark, and document underground utilities supporting County infrastructure. The role requires interpreting engineering maps, coordinating with contractors, and maintaining records of locator services.

The position includes handling logs and tickets, following safety regulations, and possibly training others in locating techniques. A valid driver license is required at application and appointment.

Qualifications

• 1 year of work experience reading and interpreting engineering maps, utility drawings, construction plans, or schematics.
• Six months of experience locating and marking underground utilities; college coursework may substitute.

Responsibilities

• Identify precise locations of County-owned, operated, or maintained underground utilities.
• Mark the physical location and path of utilities within regulatory timeframes.
• Attend pre-construction meetings with contractors and the public.
• Comply with safety regulations on roadways and in work zones.
• Document logs, work-orders, and tickets for utility locator services.
• Conduct basic investigations of damaged utilities and coordinate repairs.

Skills

Engineering maps reading

Public safety awareness

Effective communication

Education

Engineering/Surveying courses

Tools

Utilisphere

Blue Stake

Radiodetection

Job description

Job Description Summary Department - Transportation Job Description Job Type: Classified Job Classification: 5800 - Utility Locator Salary Grade: 6 Pay Range Hiring Range: $21.76 - $25.56 Per Hour Pay Range: $21.76 - $29.36 Per Hour Range Explanation: Hiring Range is an estimate of where you can receive an offer. The actual salary offer will carefully consider a wide range of factors, including your skills, qualifications, experience, education, licenses, training, and internal equity. Pay Range is the entire compensation range for the position. The Pima County Department of Transportation is seeking a Utility Locator to accurately identify, mark, and document underground utilities that support the County’s signals, lighting, fiber, and future conduit systems.

Essential Functions

As defined under the Americans with Disabilities Act, this classification may include any of the following tasks, knowledge, skills, and other characteristics. This list is ILLUSTRATIVE ONLY and is not a comprehensive listing of all functions and tasks performed by incumbents of this class. Work assignments may vary depending on the department’s need and will be communicated to the applicant or incumbent by the supervisor.

• Reviews engineering maps, utility drawings, construction plans, base maps, electrical schematics, and other computerized, micro-fiche, or printed reference material to determine precise locations of County-owned, -operated, or -maintained underground utilities;
• Identifies and marks the physical location and path of underground utilities owned, operated, or maintained by the County within the time constraints provided by state, federal, or other regulatory agencies;
• Attends and participates in pre-construction meetings and conferences with contractors and private citizens to determine requirements for County utility locator services;
• Observes all County, state and federal safety regulations and requirements while working on public or private roadways;
• Communicates policies, procedures and regulatory requirements to contractors and the public regarding utility locator services;
• Completes appropriate logs, records, work-orders, and tickets to document utility locator services accomplished, as required by County or other regulatory agencies;
• Conducts internal investigations of damaged, County-owned, operated, or maintained underground utilities and identifies sewer line or manhole discrepancies to the appropriate authorities for correction or repair as required;
• Performs operator-level servicing and maintenance of equipment and vehicles used to locate and mark underground utilities and arranges for further vehicle maintenance when required;
• May train or lead other Utility Locators in the procedures and techniques required to locate, identify, record and mark underground utilities.

Minimum Qualifications

• One year of work experience reading and interpreting engineering maps, utility drawings, construction plans, or schematics. OR: Six months of experience locating and marking underground utilities. (18 semester hours of college-level course work from an accredited college, technical trade school or university in engineering, surveying, drafting, blueprint reading, construction, or cartography may substitute for the above work experience requirements.) Qualifying education and experience must be clearly documented in the "Education" and "Work Experience" sections of the application. Do not substitute a resume for your application or write "see resume" on your application.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience locating and marking underground electrical utilities using Radiodetection or equivalent equipment, including proper operation of transmitters and receivers to accurately trace and mark electric utility lines.
• Experience with reading and interpreting engineering maps, utility drawings, construction plans, base maps, electrical schematics, and related reference materials to determine the locations of underground utilities.
• Experienced using computer-based ticketing platforms such as Utilisphere or similar systems to receive, track, and respond to Blue Stake requests submitted by excavators.
• Experience updating and maintaining as-built redline construction plans and electrical schematics to document field discrepancies identified during inspections or construction activities.
• Experienced accessing underground vaults, pull boxes, poles, and other electrical enclosures to connect and operate locating equipment for identifying and marking underground utilities.

Selection Procedure

Pima County Human Resources Department reserves the right to admit to the selection process only those candidates that meet the minimum qualifications. All applications will be assessed based on an evaluation of the listed education and experience. Candidates meeting the minimum qualifications may be further evaluated/scored against any advertised Preferred Qualifications. The hiring authority will interview and select the successful candidate from a referral list provided by Human Resources. Additional assessments/testing may be required as part of the selection process.

Licenses and Certificates

Valid driver license is required at time of application. Valid AZ driver license is required at time of appointment. The successful applicant will be subject to a 39-month DOT Motor Vehicle Record review to determine applicant’s suitability to operate county vehicles in accordance with Pima County administrative procedures. Failure to obtain and maintain the required licenses and certifications shall be grounds for termination. Any offer of employment resulting from this recruitment is contingent upon Fleet Services’ review and approval of the candidate’s driving record.

Special Notice Items

The County requires pre-employment background checks. Successful candidates will receive a post-offer, pre-employment background screening to include verification of work history, education, and criminal conviction history. A prior criminal conviction will not automatically disqualify a candidate from employment with the County. Employees in this classification are routinely required to work at, near, or in busy automotive traffic patterns. Employees in this classification may encounter wildlife such as reptiles (snakes, lizards, etc.) and insects that may pose safety hazards. This position will require a post-job offer physical and/or drug screen.

Physical/Sensory Requirements

Constantly operates and inspects Blue Stake equipment. Occasionally positions self to use, inspect, clean or repair tools. Constantly observes details at close range. Frequently required to exchange and obtain accurate information. Occasionally moves tools and equipment weighing up to 50 pounds. Frequently operates a motor vehicle safely and legally, in accordance with applicable state and federal transportation laws. Must have valid driver license and clean driving record. Action Activity - bending, climbing, kneeling, reaching, squatting and stooping; Motion Activity - simple and firm grasping, fine movement; Hearing Activity - in noisy areas, on a radio, behind themselves and equipment alarms; Speaking Activity - in person, on the phone, and on a radio; Vision - operate a motor vehicle, operate machinery, operate a forklift/power industrial equipment, distinguish colors, have depth perception, have peripheral vision.

Working Conditions

Occasionally exposed to loud noise levels. Constantly exposed to light to heavy traffic conditions. Occasionally exposed to heavy vehicular construction equipment. Occasionally exposed to walking long distances on streets and rough terrain.

EEO Information

Pima County Government is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer. We are committed to an inclusive and diverse workforce and will not discriminate in employment opportunities or practices on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, age, disability, gender, sexual orientation, kinship, political interest or any other characteristic protected by law. Pima County stands out as an exceptional workplace, offering a supportive environment that fosters professional growth and personal satisfaction. As one of the largest employers in the region, Pima County prioritizes its commitment to creating a diverse and inclusive workplace, recognizing the unique contributions of each employee. Embracing innovation and collaboration, Pima County provides multiple opportunities in which individuals can make a meaningful impact on their community. One of the key advantages of working for Pima County is its comprehensive benefits package. Employees enjoy competitive salaries, generous health insurance coverage, and retirement plans that contribute to long-term financial security. Pima County recognizes the importance of a healthy work‑life balance, offering flexible work schedules, a generous family leave policy and wellness programs that prioritize employee well‑being. Furthermore, Pima County takes pride in fostering a culture of continuous learning and development. Employees benefit from opportunities for professional advancement through training programs, workshops, and educational reimbursement programs. In addition, a County-wide employee recognition program rewards employees who exemplify the County values of being accountable, respectful and ethical as well as providing great customer service. By joining Pima County, individuals become part of a dedicated team working towards a common goal: enhancing the quality of life for residents and building a vibrant future. Pima County is not just an employer; it's a community that values its employees, encourages their growth, and invests in their success.