Underground Utility Locator (A7)

The City of Annapolis is seeking a self-motivated, detail-oriented technical professional to serve as Utility Locator. Operating under limited direct supervision, this position identifies, locates, and marks underground water and wastewater utility infrastructure across the City to prevent service disruptions and catastrophic utility strikes during construction excavation.

As Utility Locators usually work independently, candidates are expected to exercise considerable initiative and sound independent judgment in interpreting readings from electronic locating equipment, analyzing utility maps, and optimizing daily field routes. Additionally, this position provides crucial operational support to Water Distribution and Wastewater Collection, performing line repairs, maintenance, grease interceptor inspections, and operating heavy equipment (equivalent to an Equipment Operator II) when needed.

• Utility Locating & Marking: Locates and physically marks existing City water lines, water valves, wastewater lines, and related underground infrastructure using specialized electronic locating equipment and standardized utility color codes.

• Map & Drawing Analysis: Researches and interprets construction drawings, engineering plans, and 1"=40' scale utility maps to pinpoint excavation sites and accurately identify underground utility locations.

• Infrastructure Mapping Updates: Collects updated field data and provides precise operational information to update official City 1"=40' scale utility maps.

• Field Access & Maintenance: Manually accesses utility appurtenances, including valve boxes, water meters, and wastewater lids.

• Worksite Traffic Safety: Sets up, maintains, and removes traffic safety controls, cones, and signage when performing locating or maintenance tasks in high-risk roadway environments.

• Equipment & Fleet Operations: Transports tools and equipment to assigned sites; performs lubrication and minor routine maintenance on assigned equipment.

• Heavy Equipment Operation (Equipment Operator II Support): Operates heavy equipment—including backhoes, front-end loaders, Vac-Con trucks, and jet or continuous sewer rodders—to support line repairs, system maintenance, and grease interceptor inspections.

• Administrative Reporting: Prepares clear, concise written reports regarding completed locating tickets, infrastructure findings, and equipment maintenance logs.

• Blueprint & Map Reading: Ability to read and interpret complex engineering drawings, utility 1"=40' scale maps, and technical operating manuals.

• Equipment Signal Interpretation: Ability to accurately interpret signals, frequencies, and digital outputs from electronic utility locating devices.

• Color Perception: Ability to distinguish colors clearly to mark underground utilities with designated industry color codes (e.g., blue for water, green for sewer).

• Traffic Safety Rules: Good knowledge of traffic safety regulations, work zone setups, and accident prevention practices in hazardous traffic environments.

• Independent Execution: Ability to organize daily field assignments into efficient routes that minimize backtracking and maximize City-wide coverage while working alone.

• Overtime Availability: Dependability and mandatory availability for emergency overtime and after-hours call-outs as required.

• Education: Graduation from an accredited high school or possession of a high school equivalency (GED) certificate.

• Experience: Minimum of two (2) years of full-time employment in underground utility work, utility construction, or a closely related field.

• Licensure: Possession of a valid Class "B" Commercial Driver’s License (CDL).

• Prior computer experience and familiarity with electronic locating devices.

• Experience operating heavy municipal equipment (e.g., Vac-Con, backhoe, sewer rodder).

• Safety-Sensitive Designation: This position is designated as Safety-Sensitive. Appointment is contingent upon passing a pre-employment drug and alcohol screening, and incumbents are subject to mandatory random chemical substance testing consistent with Federal, State, and City guidelines.

• Physical Capability: High physical strength and agility sufficient to lift, maneuver, and handle heavy objects up to 100 lbs. (e.g., manhole covers, valve lids, heavy tools) and climb into/operate large trucks and heavy equipment.

• Environmental Tolerance: Work is performed almost exclusively outdoors in all extreme weather conditions in active roadway environments around heavy machinery and hazardous traffic.

• Sensory Requirements:

  • Visual: Sufficient visual acuity to operate heavy equipment by day and night, observe road hazards, read maps/reports, and distinguish color codes.

  • Auditory & Speaking: Clear hearing and speaking abilities to communicate via two-way radio, telephone, and in-person in noisy construction zones.

The City of Annapolis Government does not discriminate or retaliate in employment against any person seeking employment or employed in the civil service because of any consideration of political or religious affiliation or belief, race, color, sex, age, family status, national origin, marital status, disability, veteran status, genetic information, sexual orientation, or gender identity.

Salary : $45,145 - $72,319