Utility Locate Technician

Job Summary

Under the supervision of the Operations and Maintenance department manager, this position is responsible for identifying and marking underground utility lines including gas, water, electricity, and telecommunications. The position employs various locating techniques such as electromagnetic locators, ground-penetrating radar (GPR), and mapping records to prevent damage during excavation. This is a critical role focused on ensuring safety compliance, maintaining accurate GIS records, and protecting essential utility services across campus. This position also provides support to various departments within GCSU Facilities on a range of maintenance and repair needs as required. The standard work schedule is Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM. Weekend work, overtime, on-call, and emergency callback are required.

Responsibilities

Utility Locating - 40%

Receive and respond to excavation notices during normal and after-hours in accordance with established time requirements. Operate various electronic detection equipment to locate and mark underground facilities within prescribed accuracy limits.

Record Keeping - 20%

Update utility maps and collect data as needed to improve GIS information on existing infrastructure.

Compliance - 10%

Use a laptop computer or other devices to receive, document, and close out excavation notices during both normal and after-hours. Ensure GA 811 responses are recorded and correctly documented within required timeframes.

Repairs - 20%

Assist Operations and Maintenance staff with repairs and maintenance items. This includes locating buried utility lines and performing light excavation with hand tools as necessary to expose underground utilities. Assist other tradespeople as needed with a wide variety of maintenance tasks across buildings and infrastructure on campus.

Other - 10%

Perform any other duties and tasks as assigned or as required to meet the goals of the department, division, and Georgia College & State University.

Required Qualifications

Educational Requirements

High school diploma or GED.

Other Required Qualifications

Valid driver's license.

Required Experience

One or more years experience performing utility locates or installation of underground utilities.

Preferred Qualifications

Preferred Experience

5 or more years experience performing utility locates or installation of underground utilities.

Proposed Salary

This position is a pay grade 4. The minimum starting salary $35,441.00. Starting salary within this range is based on relevant years of experience.

For more information about GCSU compensation practices, click here: https://www.gcsu.edu/humanresources/pay-grade-structure.

Required Documents to Attach

• Cover Letter
• Resume / CV
• List of References

Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities

ABILITIES

• Ability to respond to excavation notices during normal business hours and after hours, including weekends, overtime, on-call, and emergency callback situations.
• Ability to operate a motor vehicle safely in support of job duties across campus.
• Ability to lift objects weighing up to 50 pounds, walk and stand for extended periods, and perform strenuous physical labor under adverse field and weather conditions.
• Ability to work independently and prioritize tasks with minimal supervision while meeting established time requirements.
• Ability to read and comprehend technical manuals, blueprints, utility maps, work instructions, safety procedures, and material safety data sheets.
• Ability to communicate effectively in English both orally and in writing with supervisors, coworkers, and staff across multiple departments.
• Ability to work collaboratively with tradespeople and individuals from a variety of professional backgrounds.
• Ability to work safely in outdoor environments and around active utility systems under varying weather and site conditions.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with staff across multiple departments within GCSU Facilities.
• Ability to adapt to a variety of maintenance tasks and support needs as assigned across the department.

KNOWLEDGE

• Knowledge of underground utility systems including gas, water/steam, electricity, fiber communications, sanitary sewer, and telecommunications infrastructure, including basic underground utility types and construction practices.
• Knowledge of electromagnetic locating principles and ground-penetrating radar (GPR) technology and their applications in utility detection.
• Knowledge of utility locating tools, methods, and safe working practices.
• Knowledge of Georgia 811 (Call Before You Dig) laws, regulations, and notification requirements.
• Knowledge of safety standards and compliance requirements related to excavation and underground utility work, including the ability to read and comprehend material safety data sheets and safety procedures.
• Knowledge of GIS (Geographic Information Systems) concepts and utility mapping principles.
• Knowledge of plumbing, electrical, HVAC, and refrigeration systems sufficient to support maintenance and repair operations across campus facilities.
• Knowledge of general facilities maintenance and repair practices across building systems and campus infrastructure.

SKILLS

• Skills in operating electronic detection and locating equipment within prescribed accuracy limits to identify fiber communication, electrical, water/steam, natural gas, and sanitary sewer lines.
• Skills in reading, interpreting, and updating utility maps, blueprints, technical manuals, and infrastructure records to identify types, sizes, and locations of underground utility infrastructure.
• Skills in the use of power tools including circular and reciprocating saws, drills, pipe threading machines, sewer machines, welders, acetylene torches, cut-off saws, hand tools, wrenches, and electrical testing devices.
• Skills in using computers and digital devices to receive and send email, submit work orders, and document and close out excavation notices.
• Skills in light excavation using hand tools to safely expose underground utilities.
• Skills in collecting and entering accurate field data to improve GIS records.
• Skills in the repair and maintenance of electrical and mechanical equipment.
• Skills in written and oral communication, including documentation to ensure GA 811 responses are recorded accurately and within required timeframes.
• Skills in assisting tradespeople with a variety of maintenance and repair tasks across campus facilities.

Other Information

This is not a supervisory position.
This position does not have any financial responsibilities.
This position will be required to drive.
This role is not considered a position of trust.
This position does not require a purchasing card (P-Card).
This position may travel 1% - 24% of the time.
This position does not require security clearance.

Background Check

• Criminal Background Check
• DMV Check
• Drug Screening