Water Line Locator Technician

Position:
Water Line Locator Technician

Department:
Water Dept.

Reports To:
Water Director

Type:
Full Time

Apply at:

The fundamental reason this classification exists is to identify and mark underground water (and other) utility lines before excavation using electronic equipment, maps, and physical probing, preventing damage, ensuring safety, and documenting findings for contractors and engineers. Key duties involve operating locators (like GPR/magnetic sensors), reading blueprints, calculating depth, maintaining records, and providing clear, accurate marks (paint/flags) on the ground, all while working outdoors in various conditions.

Key Responsibilities:

• Response to 811 locate request
• Locate & Mark:
  Use electronic locators, GPR, and metal detectors to find underground pipes, cables, and conduits.
• Map Interpretation:
  Analyze utility maps, engineering plans, and GIS data to plan locate efforts.
• Field Verification:
  Physically verify utility locations using probes, shovels, and measuring tools.
• Marking:
  Accurately mark lines with paint and flags for construction crews.
• Reporting:
  Create reports, update maps (GIS), and document findings.

Skills and Competencies:

Knowledge/skills:

• Interpret utility maps
• Must be able to communicate with engineers, contractors, City staff and homeowners.

Ability to:

• Establish priorities for own workload based upon such factors as the need for immediate action and work objectives.
• Communicate orally with co-workers in face-to-face one-on-one settings, or using devices.
• Work cooperatively with other City employees and the public.
• Work safely without presenting a direct threat to self or others.

Work Environment:

• Work in a variety of weather conditions with exposure to the elements.
• Exposed to computer screens
• Travel to multiple job sites daily.
• Work under hazardous conditions where physical danger exists due to mechanical equipment (i.e., grinding, cutting, crushing, etc.).
• Work in small cramped areas.
• Climb ladders or steps to enter or exit an equipment cab.

• Climb ladders or steps to reach objects.
• Lift arms above shoulder level.
• Work at heights greater than ten feet.
• Travel across rough, uneven, or rocky surfaces.
• Move heavy objects (50 pounds or more) short distances (20 feet or less).
• Move light objects (less than 20 pounds) long distances (more than 20 feet).
• Bend or stoop repeatedly or continually over time.

Requirements:

• Position requires the use of City vehicles on City business. Individuals must be physically capable of operating the vehicles safely, possess a valid driver's license and maintain an acceptable driving record. Use of a personal vehicle for City business will be prohibited if the employee does not have personal insurance coverage.

• This position is subject to the City of Liberal's Drug and Alcohol Testing Policy which includes one or more of the following: pre-employment testing, post-accident testing, reasonable suspicion testing, and follow-up testing.
• Ability to successfully pass a background check and any other pre-employment screenings.

Education and Experience:

Must have a high school diploma or GED.

Must be able to pass State Certification Test within a year of hire.

Locator experience is a must but will train the right person.

Shift Schedule:

Monday - Friday including occasional weekends. Will be on call including holidays.

The job description is a summary of the job's typical functions, not a comprehensive list of all possible responsibilities.