Utility Locator

The role of a Utilities Protection Technician involves technical work that requires locating and marking underground utilities and related equipment to prevent damage. They respond to requests, with NC811, and mark all utilities owned by Pender County, including water lines, sewer lines, meters, cleanouts, and so on. The Utilities Protection Technician operates and maintains assigned equipment, such as Ground Penetrating Radar, Metal Detector, Cable/Pipe locator, and so on. The job also involves coordinating with utility companies, contractors, developers, or homeowners to ensure timely and accurate locates are performed. The Utilities Protection Technician works under the moderate supervision of the Field Operations Manager.

Qualification Requirements:

To excel at this job, the individual must be able to competently execute each vital function. The qualifications outlined below are indicative of the knowledge, skills, and abilities required. Reasonable adjustments can be made to accommodate individuals with disabilities so that they can perform the essential functions.

- Locates and marks water and sewer lines utilizing paint or flags for utility companies, contractors, developers, homeowners, etc. promptly as outlined in NC811 rules and regulations.

- Possesses thorough knowledge of NC811 rules and regulations, county street locations and county geography, and technology needed to complete locate requests including office software, metal locator, ground penetrating radar, and cable/pipe locators.

- Demonstrates ability to read and interpret maps, plans, and specifications.

- Shows ability to prioritize, plan, and organize work independently for effective performance.

- Establishes and maintains an effective working relationship with the public, contractors, developers, and county staff to enhance coordination and reduce damage to utilities.

- Attends local North Carolina Utilities Coordinating Committee meetings for the coordination of projects and locating requests between local utility companies, developers, and contractors.

- Prepares all necessary documentation, records, and reports for locates.

- Assists in the repair and maintenance of water and sewer lines, meters, or other appurtenances as needed.

- Removes vegetation and other obstructions around infrastructure utilizing herbicides or other mechanical equipment around hydrants, valve markers, water tanks, and pump station sites.

- Report damaged meters, leaks, unsafe conditions, or unauthorized use of water immediately to the Field Operations Manager.

- Operates a motor vehicle in connection with assigned duties.

- Subject to "On-Call" rotation.

- Performs other duties or tasks as assigned.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

The job requires some knowledge of the Pender County water and sewer system, including the tools, materials, and equipment used to locate, install, replace, maintain, and repair utility lines. You should also have some knowledge of computers and be able to use software associated with mapping and locating. You should be able to read and interpret maps, plans, and specifications, as well as have some knowledge of maintenance and manual tasks involved in the installation, maintenance, and repair of utility lines and appurtenances. You should also be familiar with the use of common hand and power tools, as well as the safe use and operation of common automotive and mechanical equipment. The job requires the ability to perform manual and skilled labor for extended periods, often under unfavorable weather conditions. Finally, you should have the ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with associates.

Education and Experience:

Applicants should possess a high school diploma or GED and have some experience in water and sewer line maintenance, repair, construction, or related fields, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

Physical Requirements:

This job involves regular exertion of up to 10 pounds of force, frequent exertion of up to 25 pounds of force, and occasional exertion of up to 50 pounds of force. You'll need to use your hands to finger, handle or feel, and reach with your hands and arms. This job also requires speaking or hearing. You'll need to frequently perform repetitive motions, and occasionally stand, walk, sit, climb, balance, stoop, kneel, crouch, crawl, push, pull, and lift. You'll need to have standard vision, but no special vocal communication skills or hearing perception are required. Your work will include preparing and analyzing written or computer data, visually inspecting small defects and/or small parts, using measuring devices, assembling, or fabricating parts within arm's length, operating machines, operating motor vehicles or equipment, and observing general surroundings and activities. You'll be regularly exposed to outdoor weather conditions, and occasionally to wet and humid conditions (non-weather), working near moving mechanical parts, exposure to fumes or airborne particles, exposure to toxic or caustic chemicals, exposure to the risk of electrical shock, exposure to vibration, and exposure to bloodborne pathogens. You may be required to wear specialized personal protective equipment. Your work location will be generally noisy (e.g. ground maintenance, heavy traffic).

Special Requirements:

We will consider any relevant experience that is equivalent to the required qualifications.

- Must have a valid driver's license in the State of North Carolina.

- Should possess or be able to obtain a certification in a utility location within 12 months of employment.

- Should possess or be able to obtain a certification as a North Carolina C-Distribution or Collections I operator within two years of employment.

- Preferred possession of NCDOT Flagger certification, or the ability to obtain it within 12 months of employment.

- Preferred possession of First Aid/CPR/AED certification, or the ability to obtain it within 12 months of employment.

Salary : $42,997 - $63,958