Water & Sewer Locator I - Planning & Engineering Division

City of Savannah; Savannah (GA); On-site; USD 42,000 - 62,000; Full time

Job summary

City of Savannah seeks a Water & Sewer Locator I to perform technical duties locating and marking underground utilities including water, sewer, and stormwater lines. The role supports safe excavation and ensures compliance with state law, coordinating with contractors and city crews to protect public infrastructure.

Responsibilities include on-site communication with contractors, reviewing drawings, and prioritizing GA 811 tickets.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED required; 1 year of utility operation experience including locating with electronic methods.
• Knowledge of GA 811/Underground Protection Center guidelines and state DIG LAW.
• Must possess and maintain a valid state driver’s license with acceptable driving history.

Responsibilities

• Locate water, sewer, and stormwater mains and facilities using EM locating units, GPR, and other methods.
• Meet with contractors/work crews on site and coordinate with Savannah DOT Traffic staff and Permits.
• Oversee excavation activities by contractors for utility lines; verify locates and protect infrastructure.
• Review, sort, and store as-built/construction drawings; manage GA 811 tickets by geographic sections.

Skills

Utility locating

Geospatial concepts

Education

High school diploma or GED

Tools

Ground Penetrating Radar

Electromagnetic Locator

Mobile devices/tablets

Job description

This position performs technical duties in the marking and locating of underground utilities. The Water & Sewer Locator I performs technical duties to locate and mark underground water, sewer, stormwater, and other City utilities. This position ensures compliance with the Georgia Utilities Facilities Protection Act / “State Dig Law”, supports safe excavation activities, and collaborates with contractors, developers, and city crews to protect public infrastructure and public safety.

• Locates water, sewer, and stormwater mains, service lines, and facilities using electromagnetic locating units, ground-penetrating radar, and other methods for locating underground pipes, conduits, and appurtenances.

• Meets and communicates with contractors and work crews on the job site; Ensures compliance with the State of Georgia Underground Protection Act.

• Verifies that new subdivision and private development underground water, sewer, and storm facilities are readily locatable.

• Reviews. sorts, separates, and stores as-built and construction drawings.

• Separates, categorizes, and prioritizes Georgia 811/Utilities Protection Center tickets by geographic working sections of the city and county.

• Contacts contractors to verify and set up meeting times and locations.

• Coordinates duties with Savannah Department of Transportation Traffic staff and Traffic Permits

• Locates utilities in conflict with contractor's excavation plans; operates electromagnetic locator; ground penetrating radar; traces metal pipes without direct contact; excavates small sites with shovel, post-hole diggers, or vacuum extractor; probes utilities with probing rod.

• Locates utilities for City Departments as needed

• Oversees contractors in the excavation of water, sewer, or storm lines.

• Performs other related duties as assigned.

Requires a high school diploma or GED equivalent with one (1) year of utility operation experience, including one (1) year of utility locating experience using a generally accepted electronic locating method; or any equivalent combination of education, training, and experience.

Must possess and maintain a valid state driver's license with an acceptable driving history.

Additional Requirements

Background investigation, including supervised drug screen, post offer/pre-employment medical screen; andverification of education, certifications, and licenses required prior to employment.

Knowledge of engineering drawings and facility mapping.

Knowledge and interpretation of GA 811/Underground Protection Center guidelines and Georgia Utilities Facilities Protection Act (DIG LAW).

Knowledge in reading and interpreting professionally designed construction drawings

Knowledge of city infrastructure, design, construction, and operation.

Knowledge of computer applications, with iPhone and tablet applications related to the work.

Knowledge of surveying theories and practices.

Knowledge of underground utility locating theory, including electronic, geospatial, and geotechnical.

Knowledge of computers and other modern office equipment.

Skill in establishing priorities and organizing work.

Skill in reading and interpreting professionally designed construction drawings

Skill in the operation of computers, IPhones, tablets, and other modern office equipment.

Skill in operating Ground Penetrating Radar and Electro-Magnetic Utility Locating equipment.

Skill in public and interpersonal relations.

Skill in oral and written communication.

Minimum Standards

SUPERVISORY CONTROLS: The Water and Sewer Planning & Engineering management assigns work in terms of general instructions. The designated supervisor spot-checks completed work for compliance with procedures, accuracy, and the nature and propriety of the final results.

GUIDELINES: Guidelines include federal clean water regulations, Ga 811/Utilities Protection Center guidelines, Georgia

Utilities Facilities Protection Act (DIG LAW) regulations, and city policies. These guidelines often require interpretation in application.

COMPLEXITY: The work consists of related technical utilities and locating duties. The volume of work and coordination with other utilities contribute to the complexity of the position, along with compliance with the Georgia Utilities Facilities Protection Act (GUFPA) - State Dig Law.

SCOPE AND EFFECT: The purpose of this position is to perform technical duties in the location of underground utilities. Successful performance in this position safeguards the public and utilities from damage.

PERSONAL CONTACTS: Contacts are typically with co-workers, other city employees, contractors, developers, engineering consultants, State Public Service Commission, GA 811 Staff, and members of the general public.

PURPOSE OF CONTACTS: Contacts are typically to give or exchange information, explain services, provide services, and resolve problems.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS: The work is typically performed while walking, intermittently sitting, standing, stooping, bending, or crouching. The employee frequently lifts light and heavy objects, climbs ladders, uses tools or equipment requiring a high degree of dexterity, and distinguishes between shades of color.

WORK ENVIRONMENT: The work is typically performed outdoors. The employee may be exposed to noise, dust, dirt, grease, machinery with moving parts, and occasional cold or inclement weather. The work requires the use of protective devices, such as masks, goggles, or gloves.

SUPERVISORY AND MANAGEMENT RESPONSIBILITY: None.