Utility Asset Protection Technician

Overview

General Statement of Duties An employee in this class is responsible for technical support work and other related activities providing location and marking of water and sewer lines and related appurtenances. Duties include water and sewer lines locates for contractors, developers, or other utility companies and marks them to prevent damage. Work also involves coordinating with contractors to minimize unnecessary location work and ensure timely and accurate locations, and maintenance of locations records documentation.

Work is usually performed alone and requires independent initiative and the ability to meet deadlines. Work may subject the employee to environmental conditions, extreme temperatures, and construction noise and hazards. Work around raw sewage is subject to the final OSHA standards on blood borne pathogens. The employee may be required to report after normal working hours for emergencies. Work is performed within the Administrative Operations Division of the Public Utilities Department under regular supervision of the Utilities Project Manager and is evaluated based on conferences, review of completed work, and observation of demonstrated skills.

• Considerable knowledge of county utility construction and maintenance policies, practices, engineering standards, and customer service policies.
• Considerable knowledge of methods, materials, and equipment used in distribution and collection system design, construction, and maintenance.
• Knowledge of NC 811 rules and regulations.
• Working knowledge of county street locations and county geography.
• Knowledge of information technology needed to complete the work including office software, utility detection and location equipment.
• Ability to read and interpret plans and specifications.
• Ability to interpret and apply the county’s engineering specifications and details, and state and federal regulations water and sanitary sewer systems.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective work relationships and communicate effectively with the general public, contractors, and other employees.
• Ability to operate location tools and equipment.
• Ability to prepare accurate records.
• Ability to prioritize, plan and organize work independently for effective execution.
• Locates underground utilities including water and sewer lines; marks lines with paint or other markings; monitors electronic emailed NC 811 notifications and responds in a timely manner; prioritizes requests based on anticipated construction schedules; schedules route for efficient and effective use of time; enters completed locations into NC 811.
• Actively collaborates with team members to update county utility maps and geodatabase; compares field location against current maps; notifies asset management team of inconsistencies so that locations can be verified.
• Coordinates with contractors to minimize the number of locations needed, eliminate duplicate and unnecessary locate requests, and ensure timely and accurate locations; creates effective working relationships with contractors and County staff to enhance coordination and reduce damage to utilities.
• Establishes and maintains records to document completed utility locates and assist in identifying accountability for any damage that occurs.
• Utilizes GIS software to view maps online, digital camera, inductive and conductive locators, metal detectors, ground penetrating radar equipment and hand tools.

Graduation from high school and considerable experience in subsurface utility location; or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

• Possession of a valid North Carolina driver's license.
• Prefer possession of certified training in utility location.

Salary information:
This job classification will be eligible for a $500 (taxable) Hiring Incentive. Policy Requirements Apply.