UTILITY TECHNICIAN- 40010101

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

Benefits offered by this job

$6,000 Sign-On Bonus

Job summary

Durham County Government is seeking a Utility Technician for the County Utilities Division in Rougemont, NC. This full-time position performs semi-technical locates, prepares reports, and supports NC811 processes to protect underground utilities and infrastructure.

Under supervision, you will locate and mark subsurface utilities, assist in inspections, GIS data gathering, and maintenance at facilities, with a focus on safety and regulatory compliance.

Qualifications

• High school education or GED equivalent.
• One year of experience in a utility locate role or equivalent.

Responsibilities

• Performs locates; tickets tracked and entered correctly.
• Prints, sorts, and routes NC811 locates for county sewer grid areas.
• Ensures compliance with applicable rules, regulations, contracts, processes, policies, procedures, codes and licenses.
• Inspects sewer extensions, rehab, and new construction related to the county sewer system.
• Performs related work as assigned.

Skills

Utility locate equipment

Wastewater knowledge

Communication skills

Plan interpretation

Record keeping

Contractor coordination

Education

High school diploma / GED

Tools

NC811 locate equipment

GIS mapping support

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**

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.

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 CERTIFCATIONS 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:

Physical demands refer to the requirements for physical exertion and coordination of limb and body movement.

• 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):

Unavoidable hazards refer to the job conditions that may lead to injury or health hazards even though precautions have been taken.

Involves routine and frequent exposure to:

• Bright/dim light; Dusts and pollen.
• Extreme heat and/or cold; Wet or humid conditions.
• Vibration; Fumes and/or noxious odors.
• Traffic; Moving machinery.
• Electrical shock; Heights.
• Disease/pathogens.
• T oxic/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.

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.

Durham County is an Equal Opportunity Employer