Utility Locator job description.
A Utility Locator identifies and marks the location of underground utilities, such as gas, water, electric, and telecommunications lines, before excavation or construction work begins. Using electromagnetic locating equipment and ground-penetrating radar, the locator interprets utility maps and field signals to mark lines accurately, helping prevent damage, service outages, and safety incidents. The role requires fieldwork in varied weather conditions and close attention to safety procedures.
The Utility Locator job description · $29
The full editable .docx — role summary, 8 worked responsibilities, qualifications, and skills, formatted for your letterhead. Delivered to your inbox within 24 hours — usually instantly.
Role: Utility Locator Reports to: Field Operations Supervisor
A Utility Locator identifies and marks the location of underground utilities, such as gas, water, electric, and telecommunications lines, before excavation or construction work begins. Using electromagnetic locating equipment and ground-penetrating radar, the locator interprets utility maps and field signals to mark lines accurately, helping prevent damage, service outages, and safety incidents. The role requires fieldwork in varied weather conditions and close attention to safety procedures.
- Locate and mark underground utility lines using electronic detection equipment
- Interpret utility maps, blueprints, and as-built drawings
- Respond to locate requests within required response windows
What's inside the document.
One-paragraph plain-English explanation of the role's outcome and scope.
8 responsibilities phrased the way the work is actually done.
5 qualifications a candidate must have to perform on day 30.
3 qualifications that would make a candidate excellent in year two.
6 skill chips you can copy directly into your ATS.
Field Operations Supervisor
A complete document set.
- Word document (.docx) — fully editable
- PDF — signature-ready
- Google Docs — one-click copy to your Drive
- 12 months of updates to this document
- Commercial-use licence for internal and client work
The work, not the title.
- Locate and mark underground utility lines using electronic detection equipment
- Interpret utility maps, blueprints, and as-built drawings
- Respond to locate requests within required response windows
- Document locate results and maintain accurate field records
- Communicate with excavation crews and property owners on-site
- Identify and report damaged or unmarked utility lines
- Maintain and calibrate locating equipment
- Follow safety protocols for working near live utilities and traffic
Required — and what would make a candidate excellent.
- High school diploma or equivalent
- Valid driver's licence
- Ability to work outdoors in all weather conditions
- Ability to read utility maps and technical drawings
- Strong attention to detail and safety awareness
- Prior experience in utility locating, construction, or surveying
- Locating certification (e.g., NULCA)
- OSHA safety training
Eight steps from download to publish.
- 01Open the Utility Locator job description in Word or your one-click Google Docs copy.
- 02Replace placeholders for company name, reporting line, and location with your specifics.
- 03Tighten the summary to one paragraph that names the team's outcome, not just the role.
- 04Edit the responsibilities to match the actual scope of the seat — aim for 6 to 8 items, not 12.
- 05Separate required qualifications from preferred. Required is what a candidate must have to do the work on day 30; preferred is what would make them excellent in year two.
- 06Add salary range guidance using BLS, Payscale, or your own band data — do not copy generic figures.
- 07Have the hiring manager and one peer read it. Cut anything that wouldn't survive a candidate question.
- 08Publish to your ATS, intranet, and external careers page.
The right document at the right moment.
Use this Utility Locator job description any time you are opening or reopening a seat at this level. The entry band sets the calibration — copy the document, tighten it to your specific scope, and circulate to the hiring panel before the first interview.
The reporting line (Field Operations Supervisor) and skills list are starting points. Override either if your org structure or stack differs from the norm — the template is a draft, not a contract.
Honest answers before you download.
- What training does a Utility Locator need?
- Most employers provide on-the-job training on locating equipment and procedures; some also require or prefer formal locating certification such as NULCA.
- Is this a physically demanding job?
- Yes, the role involves extended outdoor fieldwork, walking job sites, and working in varied weather, so physical stamina is important.
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This Utility Locator job description is a professionally drafted starting point for your hiring process and is not legal advice. Hiring practice varies by jurisdiction (e.g. pay-transparency laws differ across US states and AU jurisdictions). Adapt this document for your specific location and have employment counsel review any clauses you add before publishing. Salary varies by region, employer type, and experience. Reference BLS or current industry surveys for ranges. Full disclaimer.