Area Manager Utility Locator (Wisconsin/Minnesota)

STATUS: Full Time, Exempt (Salary) Employee
RELEVANT WORK EXPERIENCE: Area supervisor and locate experience required
Reports to: VP of Operations
Direct Reports: Area Supervisor

Position Summary:
As the Area Manager, you will be responsible for the coordination, management, and supervision of our locating technicians and supervisors operating within specific geographic areas. You will play a pivotal role in ensuring that all projects are completed accurately, on time, and in compliance with safety regulations and 811 law. This position requires a combination of leadership, technical expertise, customer relations, and excellent communication skills to drive excellence within the team.
 
Key Responsibilities:

• Serve as a daily point of contact for employees, addressing operational issues, locates, and general concerns
• Act as liaison between Northern Lights, clients, and internal teams, ensuring timely and professional communication
• Oversee field operations across assigned geographic areas; overnight travel required
• Manage field supervisors and support personnel-related issues in coordination with upper management and HR
• Monitor and manage tickets through the Northern Lights portal, ensuring efficient workflow and timely responses
• Regularly review and approve timecards, monitor hours, and coordinate vacation schedules
• Adjust service maps and locator working hours to meet departmental needs and manage ticket volume
• Oversee equipment calibration and maintain documentation; support field teams in troubleshooting difficult or complex locates
• Conduct monthly field and desktop audits to ensure procedural compliance and data accuracy
• Perform initial damage documentation and reporting; assist with root cause tracking as needed
• Coordinate and support client reporting requirements within internal systems
• Assist with new locator training and ongoing field support
• Maintain consistent communication via email and text; follow up on key issues promptly
• Support company safety initiatives and reinforce a safety-focused culture

Qualifications & Attributes:

• Strong attention to detail and a safety-first mindset
• Willingness to travel frequently (75% as needed)
• Excellent troubleshooting and problem-solving skills, particularly in the utility locate industry
• Solid understanding of Northern Lights policies and field practices
• Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively with teams and maintain a positive, solutions-focused mindset
• Strong verbal and written communication skills
• Self-motivated with the ability to learn quickly and adapt to evolving technologies
• Professional character, integrity, and commitment to team success
• Valid driver’s license and ability to obtain DOT physical certification
• Must be able to pass a drug screen
• Be available to answer calls for emergencies, to include after-hours, ensuring continuous communication and support.

Working Conditions:

• Dayshift work primarily, with occasional alternative shift work.
• Exposure to dust, dirt, foul odors, irritating noises, extreme weather conditions, and other safety hazards. Exposure to moving mechanical parts, equipment, fumes, airborne particles, high places, toxic chemicals, and electrical shock risk.
• Loud noise level environments.
• Employees are expected to have, utilize, maintain, and wear all Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) as required by Northern Lights Locating, the client and any other applicable regulatory agency or management directive.
• Ability to work in outdoor environments and perform field audits in various weather conditions.