Utility Location Specialist I
Responsible for performing responsible technical work to locate and provide location data for water and sewer lines and related appurtenances requested by other contractors through the North Carolina 811, Inc. network. An employee in this class locates water and sewer lines for contractors, developers, or other utility companies and marks them to prevent construction damage. Work is usually performed alone and requires independent initiative and the ability to meet deadlines. Work is performed under the general supervision of the Utility Systems Supervisor and is evaluated by visual inspection of work, periodic meetings, compliance with safety procedures, and overall quantity and quality of work performed.
ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS
- Operates locator devices to locate underground utilities, including water and sewer lines; marks lines with paint wand or other markings.
- Receives and prioritizes location work orders from NC 811; and drives City provided vehicle to location sites maximizing efficiency of time.
- Utilizes cell phone, computer or tablet to receive work orders and locator requests.
- Services valves, fire hydrants and meters; and clears vegetation and debris from around flush hydrants and fire hydrants.
- Meets with contractors, homeowners and others to determine utility locations, explain process, etc.; and digs to find water and sewer utilities.
- Performs other related job duties as assigned.
- Reports all issues discovered while locating to his or her supervisor for corrective action.
QUALIFICATIONS
Education and Experience:
High school diploma or equivalency; and six (6) years of related work experience; or an equivalent combination of education and experience. Must also have a minimum of 4 years experience directly related to utility location.
Special Qualifications:
- Possession of a valid driver’s license to operate a motor vehicle. Requirement exists at the time of hire and as a condition of continued employment.
- Must be certified at the NC Water Distribution System Operator Grade A level or Collections Grade 4. Combinations of Distribution and Collections certifications will be considered.
- Must have minimum of one (1) year experience as Utility Locator II
- May be required to serve as Operator in Responsible Charge (ORC) or back-up ORC for water distribution of sewer collections, depending on area of assignment.
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:
- Knowledge of city utility construction and maintenance policies, practices, engineering standards, and customer service policies.
- Knowledge of street locations and city/county geography.
- Knowledge of computer mapping software and hardware.
- Knowledge of the principles and practices of surveying, drafting, and design.
- Ability to read and interpret plans and specifications.
- Ability to interpret and apply the City’s engineering specifications, and state and federal regulations relating to streets, roadways, sanitary sewer systems and water distribution systems.
- Ability to establish and maintain effective work relationships and communicate effectively with the general public, contractors, other locators and employees.
- Ability to operate location tools and equipment; understands when equipment is not operating properly and reports to his or her supervisor.
- Ability to prepare accurate records.
- Performs other related job duties as assigned.
PHYSICAL DEMANDS
Work in this classification is defined as light work requiring the physical exertion of in excess of 20 pounds of force occasionally, and/or in excess of 10 pounds of frequently, and/or a negligible amount of force to move objects. Physical requirements includes stooping, kneeling, crouching, reaching, walking, standing, pushing, pulling, lifting, grasping, feeling talking, and hearing. Employee must have the visual acuity to visually inspect small defects or parts, operation or inspection of machines and earth moving equipment, use measurement devices, and to determine the neatness and accuracy of work assigned. Employee must have the stamina to work for extended periods some of which in emergency situations.
WORK ENVIRONMENT
Work is primarily performed in outside environmental conditions, including extreme heat and cold with snow and ice. Employee is subject to noise which may cause the employee to shout in order to be heard above the ambient noise level. Employee is subject to workplace hazards including proximity to moving mechanical parts or exposure to chemicals, oils, fuels, and potential for blood borne pathogens in raw untreated sewage. Employee is subject to atmospheric conditions due to exposure to fumes, odors, dusts and oils. May work in close quarters, crawl spaces, shafts, manholes, small areas of water lines, and other areas which could cause claustrophobia.