What are the responsibilities and job description for the Water & Sewer Locator II - Planning & Engineering position at City of Savannah?
Purpose
This position performs technical duties in the marking and locating of underground utilities.
This position plays a critical role in protecting the City’s infrastructure, workforce, and community by accurately locating and marking underground utilities. Serving as a key link between engineering, construction, and field operations, the incumbent ensures that water, sewer, and stormwater systems are clearly identified and safeguarded before excavation begins. Through advanced locating technology, technical expertise, and coordination with internal and external partners, this role helps prevent service disruptions, supports regulatory compliance, and promotes safe and efficient project delivery across the City of Savannah.
Essential Job Functions
Requires a High School Diploma or GED equivalent with four (4) years of utility operation and construction 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; and verification of education, certifications, and licenses required prior to employment.
Additional Information
Knowledge, Skills & Abilities
Knowledge of engineering drawings, facility mapping, and water valve requirements.
Knowledge and interpretation of GA 811/Underground Protection Center guidelines and Georgia Utilities Facilities Protection Act (DIG LAW).
Knowledge of city infrastructure, design, construction, and operation.
Knowledge of GIA applications.
Knowledge of computer applications, with iPhone and tablet applications related to the work.
Knowledge of surveying theories, practices, and mapping.
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 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 Sr. Civil Engineer assigns work in terms of general instructions. The Sr. Civil Engineer 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 Underground 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.
City Of Savannah Employee Benefits
Overview of Benefits
Paid Holiday
Paid Vacation
Paid Sick Leave
Defined Benefit Retirement Pension Plan
Protective Services Retirement Plan (select positions)
Deferred Compensation Retirement Plan
Retirement Seminars
PPO Medical Insurance
Dental Insurance
Vision Insurance
Flexible Spending Accounts
Wellness Programs
Health & Wellness Incentives
Long Term Disability
Excellence and Service Recognition
Employee Development and In-Service Training
Educational Assistance Program
Uniform Allowance (select positions)
Employee Assistance Program
Discounts and Memberships
Employee Relations
Direct Deposit
Credit Union
Pretax Parking Deductions
Employer Assisted Home Purchase Program
Domestic Partnership Benefits
Healthcare
PPO Medical Plus Plan
PPO Medical Basic Plan
Dental Plus Plan
Dental Basic Plan
Vision Service Plan
Life Insurance
Basic Life and ADD
Supplemental Life Employee
Supplemental Life Spouse
Supplemental Life Child
Benefits costs are paid by the City of Savannah, by the employee or shared by both the City and the employee.
01
Describe your experience locating underground utilities using electromagnetic locating equipment, ground penetrating radar (GPR), or other methods. What types of utilities have you worked with, and how do you ensure accuracy in your locates?
02
Explain your understanding of the Georgia Underground Facilities Protection Act (Dig Law) and GA 811 requirements. How have you ensured compliance with these regulations in your previous work?
03
Describe your experience reviewing and interpreting as-built drawings, construction plans, or utility maps. How do you verify that field conditions match documented infrastructure?
04
This role requires regular coordination with engineers, contractors, and crews in the field. Provide an example of a time you had to communicate technical information on-site. How did you ensure clarity and prevent errors or delays?
05
Working around underground utilities can present safety risks and unexpected challenges. Describe a situation where you encountered a difficult or potentially hazardous locating scenario. What steps did you take to resolve it safely and effectively?
This position performs technical duties in the marking and locating of underground utilities.
This position plays a critical role in protecting the City’s infrastructure, workforce, and community by accurately locating and marking underground utilities. Serving as a key link between engineering, construction, and field operations, the incumbent ensures that water, sewer, and stormwater systems are clearly identified and safeguarded before excavation begins. Through advanced locating technology, technical expertise, and coordination with internal and external partners, this role helps prevent service disruptions, supports regulatory compliance, and promotes safe and efficient project delivery across the City of Savannah.
Essential Job Functions
- Locates water, sewer, and stormwater mains, service lines, and facilities with both electromagnetic locating units, ground penetrating radar, and other methods of locating underground pipe, conduits, and appurtenances.
- Meets and communicates with City of Savannah Sr Civil Engineer(s), contractors, and work crews on the job site;
- Ensures compliance with the State of Georgia Underground Protection Act as needed.
- 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.
- Contact contractors to verify and set up meeting times and locations.
- Locates water valves, manholes, meters, fire hydrants, and other utilities; operates electro-magnetic 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.
- Oversees and performs water valve locating and exercising for the Water Valve Exercising Crew.
- Performs other related duties as assigned.
Requires a High School Diploma or GED equivalent with four (4) years of utility operation and construction 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; and verification of education, certifications, and licenses required prior to employment.
Additional Information
Knowledge, Skills & Abilities
Knowledge of engineering drawings, facility mapping, and water valve requirements.
Knowledge and interpretation of GA 811/Underground Protection Center guidelines and Georgia Utilities Facilities Protection Act (DIG LAW).
Knowledge of city infrastructure, design, construction, and operation.
Knowledge of GIA applications.
Knowledge of computer applications, with iPhone and tablet applications related to the work.
Knowledge of surveying theories, practices, and mapping.
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 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 Sr. Civil Engineer assigns work in terms of general instructions. The Sr. Civil Engineer 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 Underground 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.
City Of Savannah Employee Benefits
Overview of Benefits
Paid Holiday
Paid Vacation
Paid Sick Leave
Defined Benefit Retirement Pension Plan
Protective Services Retirement Plan (select positions)
Deferred Compensation Retirement Plan
Retirement Seminars
PPO Medical Insurance
Dental Insurance
Vision Insurance
Flexible Spending Accounts
Wellness Programs
Health & Wellness Incentives
Long Term Disability
Excellence and Service Recognition
Employee Development and In-Service Training
Educational Assistance Program
Uniform Allowance (select positions)
Employee Assistance Program
Discounts and Memberships
Employee Relations
Direct Deposit
Credit Union
Pretax Parking Deductions
Employer Assisted Home Purchase Program
Domestic Partnership Benefits
Healthcare
PPO Medical Plus Plan
PPO Medical Basic Plan
Dental Plus Plan
Dental Basic Plan
Vision Service Plan
Life Insurance
Basic Life and ADD
Supplemental Life Employee
Supplemental Life Spouse
Supplemental Life Child
Benefits costs are paid by the City of Savannah, by the employee or shared by both the City and the employee.
01
Describe your experience locating underground utilities using electromagnetic locating equipment, ground penetrating radar (GPR), or other methods. What types of utilities have you worked with, and how do you ensure accuracy in your locates?
02
Explain your understanding of the Georgia Underground Facilities Protection Act (Dig Law) and GA 811 requirements. How have you ensured compliance with these regulations in your previous work?
03
Describe your experience reviewing and interpreting as-built drawings, construction plans, or utility maps. How do you verify that field conditions match documented infrastructure?
04
This role requires regular coordination with engineers, contractors, and crews in the field. Provide an example of a time you had to communicate technical information on-site. How did you ensure clarity and prevent errors or delays?
05
Working around underground utilities can present safety risks and unexpected challenges. Describe a situation where you encountered a difficult or potentially hazardous locating scenario. What steps did you take to resolve it safely and effectively?
- Required Question