Job Outline

POSITION: Damage Prevention Specialist / Utility Locator

Basic Job Function:

Under the direction of a company supervisor, performs work that involves visual inspection of predefined construction areas and reading and interpretation of utility maps to determine the presence of underground utilities, while using special electronic equipment to actually detect and locate said utilities. The utilities may include (but not be limited to) gas, electric, cable TV, telecommunications, sanitary sewer, water lines, street lighting and other facilities within the predefined construction area.

General Duties:

• Use lap top computer or other devices to receive, document and close out excavation notices, both during normal hours and after hours.
• Read and interpret utility maps / prints to identify the type and size of underground utilities.
• Use assigned communication equipment to effectively communicate with excavators, utility reps, and company personnel, regarding underground facilities.
• Operate different electronic detection equipment, to locate and mark under-ground facilities within prescribed accuracy limits.
• Perform light excavation with a shovel, to expose buried utilities when necessary.
• Provide accurate documentation and or sketches related to all locates completed.
• Receive and respond to excavation notices during normal and after hours in accordance with established time requirements.
• Operate company vehicle in a safe manner, and maintain professional appearance.
• Be able to perform manhole entry using assigned equipment and safety devices.
• Perform work in all weather conditions, during normal and after hours.
• Perform all other duties as assigned by supervisor.

KNOWLEDGE AND ABILITIES:

• Successfully complete company’s locator training program, and pass applicable written and field tests.
• Develop general knowledge of State and Local damage prevention regulations
• Develop general knowledge of utility construction patterns and layout.
• Learn and apply safety measures relating to motor vehicle operations, manhole entry and other field related matters.
• Learn the basic skills required within NULCA’s Locator Competency Standards and the U.S. DOT Office of Pipeline Safety as they relates to gas line locating and Operator qualifications.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:

• High School Diploma, or GED and two years related experience, or an
  equivalent combination of education and work experience.

LICENSES AND OTHER REQUIREMENTS:

• Valid State driver's license, including an MVR record that is deemed acceptable by the company.
• Must successfully pass a pre-employment drug screen and background checks. Upon employment, will be subject to random drug testing in compliance with federal, state and company guidelines.

WORKING CONDITIONS AND HOURS

• Outdoor working environment; extensive walking on various types of terrain.
• Driving a vehicle to and from work sites; seasonal heat and cold or other weather conditions.
• Normal working hours between 6:00 am to 6:00 pm; limited work hours after sunset and weekends except for periodic on-call duty. As a construction related industry, there maybe periods of time during the winter when the company may not be able to provide the employee with a forty (40) hour work week.

PHYSICAL ABILITIES:

• Regular use of hands and fingers to operate specialized equipment and tools; reaching overhead above the shoulders and horizontally; bending at the waist; standing and or walking for extended periods of time; hearing and speaking to exchange information; carrying 3-5 lb electronic locating equipment for extended periods of time; lifting objects up to 50 pounds or lifting in excess of 50 lbs with tool aids.

HAZARDS:

• Driving a vehicle during adverse weather conditions, in heavy traffic or at night
• Working around objects and machinery in construction areas.
• Walking on uneven ground and terrain.

Note: This is a general outline of duties and responsibilities for the DPS position, designed to acclimate prospective and current employees with the overall job requirements. This document is not, in any way, intended to be all-inclusive. The company may modify these requirements   as business needs warrant.