UTILITY TECHNICIAN- 40010101

Durham County Government; Durham (NC); On-site; USD 52,000 - 70,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Sign-on bonus

Job summary

Durham County Utilities Division is seeking a Utility Technician to perform locates and mark subsurface utilities to prevent damage during construction. This role supports the County's sanitary sewer, reclaimed water, and domestic water systems and works under close supervision.

Qualifications include a high school education or GED and at least 1 year of experience, a valid NC driver’s license, and experience with locator equipment.

Qualifications

• High school education or GED required with 1 year of related experience.
• Knowledge of utility construction and wastewater systems.
• Ability to read and interpret plans and to communicate clearly in writing and speech.

Responsibilities

• Identify, locate, and mark subsurface utilities to prevent damage during construction.
• Ensure NC811 locates are completed within required timeframes and update systems.
• Prepare clear written reports and assist in related wastewater and collection system tasks.

Skills

Knowledge of utility construction

Wastewater collection systems

Plan reading & interpretation

Written and verbal communication

Record-keeping

Education

High school education or GED

1 year of experience or equivalent

Tools

Metrotech vLoc3-Pro

Metrotech VM-810

CST/Berger magnetic locators

GPR equipment

GPS equipment

NASSCO certification or training

Job description

Join Durham County Government

Durham County Government is home to over 2,000 dedicated professionals working together to deliver essential services that strengthen and support our vibrant, diverse community. As the heart of a fast-growing region, we offer meaningful careers across a wide range of fields—giving you the opportunity to make a real impact where you live, work, grow, and play. Learn more at www.dconc.gov.

DEPARTMENT

County Engineering

DATE POSTED

September 2, 2026

CLOSING DATE

October 2, 2026

HIRING RANGE

$51,726 - $69,798

POSITION NUMBER

40010101

JOB TYPE

Full-Time, 37.5 hrs/week, Non-Exempt

• THIS POSITION QUALIFIES FOR A $6,000 SIGN ON BONUS AFTER SUCCESSFUL COMPLETION OF THE PROBATIONARY PERIOD**
• THIS POSTING IS SUBJECT TO CLOSE WITHOUT NOTICE***

GENERAL DESCRIPTION

The purpose of this job is to provide semi-technical work within the County owned Utilities service area including sanitary sewer, reclaimed water, and domestic water in Rougemont.

This position works under close supervision according to set procedures.

For more information about the Utilities Division at Durham County please visit: Durham County Utilities Jobs (dconc.gov)

RESPONSIBILITIES

Durham County Utilities Division is seeking a detail oriented and motivated individual to fill the position of Utility Technician to perform locates. This position is responsible for identifying, locating, and marking the location of Durham County subsurface utilities to minimize accidental damage or disruption of service due to construction excavation activities; complying with all state and local regulations; ensuring NC811 locates are completed within the required timeframes and update the NC811 Positive Response system; prepare clear and concise written reports and forms; assist in other wastewater plant and collection system tasks such as inspections of new construction, rehabilitation projects of existing infrastructure, collection system inspections, gathering data for GIS mapping, and maintenance at the TWWTP and other Durham County owned facilities; and perform related duties as required.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

The functions listed below are those that represent the majority of the time spent working in this position. Management may assign additional functions related to the type of work of the position as necessary.

• Performs locates, tickets tracked and entered correctly.
• Prints, sorts, collects and route all NC811 locates for the County Sewer grid areas.
• Ensures compliance with applicable rules, regulations, contracts, processes, policies, procedures, codes and licenses.
• Inspects sewer extensions, sewer rehabilitation, new construction of sewer mains and lateral connections to the County’s sewer system.
• Performs related work as assigned.

KNOWLEDGE SKILLS AND ABILITIES

• Knowledge of utility construction methods, practices, techniques, processes, and material.
• Knowledge of wastewater collection systems.
• Skilled at utility locate equipment operation.
• Ability to establish effective working relationships with contractors, engineers, owners, the general public, and other employees.
• Ability to communicate effectively orally and in writing and exercise tact and firmness in the enforcement of requirements.
• Ability to read and interpret plans, specifications and to compare them with various aspects of construction in progress.
• Ability to maintain accurate records.

MINIMUM EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS

• High school education or GED equivalent.
• One (1) year of experience; or an equivalent combination of education, training and experience that provides the required knowledge, skills, and abilities.

SPECIAL CERTIFICATIONS AND LICENSES

Must possess a valid driver’s license issued by the State of North Carolina for the type of vehicle or equipment operated.

PREFERRED EXPERIENCE, TRAINING & CERTIFICATION(S)

Two (2) years of utility locator experience with the use of;

• Metrotech vLoc3-Pro, Metrotech VM-810, and CST/Berger magnetic locators;
• GPR and GPS equipment,
• Extensive knowledge of standards and processes of utility line construction.
• GPR certificate, Utility locator training classes, or NASSCO Certification.
• Grade 1 Collections certification (or the ability to obtain certification within one (1) year of employment).

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

• Performs light to medium work that involves walking or standing virtually all the time and involves exerting between 20 and 50 pounds of force on a regular and recurring basis, and stooping, jumping, lifting, digging, pushing, and raising objects involving 50 to 100 pounds of force on an occasional basis, or skill, adeptness and speed in the use of the fingers, hands or limbs on repetitive operation of mechanical or electronic office or shop machines or tools within moderate tolerances or limits of accuracy.

UNAVOIDABLE HAZARDS (WORK ENVIRONMENT)

Involves Routine And Frequent Exposure To:

• Bright/dim light; Dusts and pollen.
• Extreme heat and/or cold; Wet or humid conditions.
• Extreme noise levels, Animals/wildlife.
• Vibration; Fumes and/or noxious odors.
• Traffic; Moving machinery.
• Electrical shock; Heights.
• Disease/pathogens.
• Toxic/caustic chemicals.

AMERICANS WITH DISABILITIES ACT COMPLIANCE

Durham County is an Equal Opportunity Employer. ADA requires Durham County to provide reasonable accommodations to qualified persons with disabilities. Prospective and current employees are encouraged to discuss ADA accommodations with management.

STANDARD CLAUSES

May be required to work nights, weekends, holidays, and emergencies (man-made or natural) to meet the business needs of Durham County.

This job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of essential functions and responsibilities that are required of an employee for this job. Other duties, responsibilities, and activities may change or be assigned at any time with or without notice.

ESSENTIAL SAFETY FUNCTIONS

It is the responsibility of each employee to comply with established policies, procedures, and safe work practices. Each employee must follow safety training and instructions provided by their supervisor. Each employee must also properly wear and maintain all personal protective equipment required for their job. Finally, each employee must immediately report any unsafe work practices or unsafe conditions as well as any on-the-job injury or illnesses.

Every manager/supervisor is responsible for enforcing all safety rules and regulations. In addition, they are responsible for ensuring that a safe work environment is maintained, safe work practices are followed, and employees are properly trained.

BACKGROUND CHECK STATEMENT

This position may be subject to a background check, which could include, but is not limited to, criminal history (employment-related and/or SBI fingerprint-based), credit history, motor vehicle records, educational verification, and checks of the sexual offender registry, depending on the specific requirements of the role. A conviction record does not automatically disqualify an applicant from employment consideration, unless otherwise required by applicable state law.