Utility Locate Technician
Also posted as Utility Locator Technician; Underground Utility Locate Technician; Damage Prevention Technician; One-Call Technician; Electric and Gas Locate Technician
A utility locate technician identifies and marks underground electric, gas, communications, and other utility facilities so excavation and construction can proceed without damaging critical infrastructure. Most people start with a high school diploma plus employer or technical training rather than a four-year degree.
Below: what it pays, what you'd do, the skills you need, and how to become one.
The role profile
Everything you need to know about this role, the same details employers use to post openings and colleges use to build training.
How much does it pay?
Explore the core responsibilities of this role, from daily operations and equipment handling to safety, quality, and performance requirements.
Complete locate tickets
Receive, interpret, route, and close out one-call and excavation locate tickets.
Locate buried facilities
Use electromagnetic locators, maps, GIS, GPS, and records to identify underground facilities.
Mark the field
Mark facilities with approved paint, flags, symbols, offsets, and documentation.
Resolve field conflicts
Sort out map conflicts, inaccessible facilities, abandoned lines, and uncertain conditions.
What skills do you need?
Three core skills sit at the heart of this role. You can learn all of them through short, hands-on training.
Utility Locating
Locating buried utilities electronically before excavation.
Ticket Interpretation
Reading and completing one-call tickets accurately.
Map & Record Reading
Interpreting utility maps, GIS, and as-built records.
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