Utility Technician - Locator

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

Benefits offered by this job

Sign-on bonus

Job summary

NCRWA is seeking a Utility Technician in Durham County to perform utility locates for sewer, reclaimed water, and domestic water systems. The role involves ensuring NC811 compliance, preparing reports, and supporting GIS data updates, with duties including inspections and data gathering for infrastructure projects.

Ideal candidates have strong knowledge of utility construction, experience with locating equipment, and the ability to work with contractors and the public.

Qualifications

• High school education or GED equivalent.
• One year of experience or equivalent combination of education, training and experience.
• Must possess a valid NC driver’s license.

Responsibilities

• Performs locates and processes NC811 tickets accurately.
• Prints, sorts, and routes NC811 locates for county sewer areas.
• Ensures compliance with applicable rules, regulations, and licenses.
• Inspects sewer extensions and new construction in the county system.
• Performs related duties as assigned.

Skills

Utility construction

Wastewater systems

Locating equipment

Relationship building

Communication skills

Reading plans

Record keeping

Education

High school diploma or GED

Tools

Metrotech vLoc3-Pro

Metrotech VM-810

CST/Berger locators

GPR

GPS equipment

Job description

Salary: $51,726.00 - $69,798.00 Annually

Application Deadline: Oct 2, 2026

Construction/Utilities/Contracting

**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.

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 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.