Technical Specialist I (Dig Safe)

Job no: 529168

Work type: Staff Full Time

Location: UMass Amherst

Department: Utilities Mechanical

Union: AFSCME

Categories: Facilities/Grounds, Skilled Labor

About UMass Amherst

The flagship of the Commonwealth, the University of Massachusetts Amherst is a nationally ranked public land-grant research university that seeks to expand educational access, fuel innovation and creativity, and share and use its knowledge for the common good. Founded in 1863, UMass Amherst sits on nearly 1,450-acres in scenic Western Massachusetts and boasts state-of-the-art facilities for teaching, research, scholarship, and creative activity. The institution advances a diverse, equitable, and inclusive community where everyone feels connected and valued—and thrives, and offers a full range of undergraduate, graduate and professional degrees across 10 schools and colleges, and 100 undergraduate majors. We believe every member of our university community can contribute to our ongoing success by striving for the highest level of excellence as we seek breakthrough solutions to mounting environmental, social, economic, and technological challenges in our world.

Job Summary

The Utilities Mechanical Technical Specialist I (Dig Safe) receives and processes all requests for any excavation throughout the campus grounds. Serves as a primary contact for the University with Dig Safe headquarters, submits mapping of excavation (s), receives, records and communicates Dig Safe confirmation numbers to various groups throughout the campus, Dig Safe Headquarters, and to contractor(s). Maintains Dig Safe files and reports for the campus. Investigates and reports violations of Massachusetts Statute Chapter 82, Section 40 to appropriate authorities for action. Under general supervision, the Technical Specialist I performs skilled technical and mechanical duties to support operation, maintenance, and repair of campus Utility and Mechanical systems.

Essential Functions

• Follows University of Massachusetts Health and Safety guidelines.
• University's primary liaison with Dig Safe Headquarters and various University agencies/departments.
• Receives requests for Dig Safe permits throughout the University as required by Massachusetts Statute Chapter 82, Section 40.
• Obtains exact information regarding location, intersecting street, type of work, extent of work, name of caller, start date, and name of company performing the excavation.
• Within 72 hours of request, submits requests to Dig Safe Headquarters for notification to appropriate utility companies/agencies before excavation can begin.
• Obtains Dig Safe confirmation number and communicates with various University agencies, including Facilities Planning, Telecommunications Services and Physical Plant Utilities Department.
• Maintains Dig Safe files, including mapping data and any related Dig Safe data and reports Including photographic documentation of markings.
• Using Global Positioning Systems (GPS), verifies location of excavation and pre-marks area.
• Coordinates and performs utilities markings designating existing utilities. (Markout procedure)
• Performs and call Backs (any Locate performed outside normal working hours not at the convenience of the Contractor but which is the result of a notice dispatched to the Contractor by the Dig Safe Center or UMA).
• Performs Special Locates (a Notice of Excavation dispatched by Dig Safe, Inc., to Contractor for the purpose of identifying and/or marking the Location of UMA underground facilities in the area of the proposed excavation) due to customer sensitivity, scope of UMA project or if detailed Information is needed.
• Inputs UMA 40 scale photogrammetry map updates and forwards any changes to appropriate agency for revision.
• Tours campus daily to verify Dig Safe permitting at all excavation sites. Notifies appropriate authorities when violations are discovered and Recommends penalties.
• Maintains mandatory Dig Safe training requirements and qualifications.
• When not performing dig safe related duties this position will report to the Physical Plant Mechanical Utility Section Head for assignments as needed within the Utility department.
• Perform technical mechanical tasks in support of the Utility Mechanical Department, including installation, maintenance, and repair of water, steam and other distribution systems on campus.
• Functional supervision of 1 to 5 employees.
• Monitor and maintain valve operations, pumps, meters and related mechanical components within the utility distribution systems.
• Support the Utilities department in the operation of control systems and instrumentation related to mechanical components.
• Provide hands-on assistance during the installation or retrofitting of utility mechanical systems under the direction of operators and supervisors.
  
  

Other Functions

• Performs other duties as assigned.
  
  

Minimum Qualifications (Knowledge, Skills, Abilities, Education, Experience, Certifications, Licensure)

• Considerable knowledge of methods, materials, tools, practices and procedures used in the dig safe locating trade.
• Ability to work with personal computer to do word-processing, spreadsheets, and understand AutoCAD drawings.
• Considerable knowledge of methods, tools, practices, materials and techniques used in fabrication, understand AutoCad drawings, repair and/or rebuilding of parts and equipment used in the dig safe location trade.
• A working knowledge of the occupational hazards and safety precautions of the dig safe locating trade.
• The ability to interpret and execute diagrams, sketches, layouts operating charts, plans or models, and/or blueprints, and to follow written or oral instructions.
• Ability to perform physically demanding work and to work in dirty, hot, moist surroundings.
• Ability to perform "Call Backs" and Specialty Locates" outside of normal working hours.
• Ability to functionally supervise 1 to 5 employees.
• Ability to interact and work with outside contractors.
  
  

Additional Details

Qualifications acquired on the job:

• The ability to supervise and instruct helpers and/or assistants.
• The ability to accurately estimate time and materials.
• Ability to operate Microsoft, Excel and similar business software.
• Ability to operate "SQL Anywhere" (Sybase Software) or similar.
  
  

Physical Demands/Working Conditions

• Ability to perform physically demanding work and to work in dirty, hot, moist surroundings.
• Exposure to utility systems including pressurized water lines, steam pipes, boilers, and mechanical equipment.
• May involve physical work such as lifting, climbing, standing for extended periods.
• Required to adhere to campus and OSHA safety policies.
  
  

Work Schedule

• Monday - Friday, 7:00am - 3:00pm.
• 40 hours per week.
  
  

Salary Information

• AFSCME Non-Exempt Grade 14.
• Classified Step Scale.
  
  

Special Instructions to Applicants

Along with the application, please submit a resume. References will be checked at the finalist stage. Please be prepared to provide contact information for three (3) professional references.

The University of Massachusetts Amherst welcomes all qualified applicants and complies with all state and federal anti-discrimination laws.

Advertised: Dec 10 2025 Eastern Standard Time

Applications close: Mar 10 2026 Eastern Daylight Time

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