Utility Locator

Salary Range

5,146.00 - 6,577.00

Job Summary

The City of Vancouver is currently recruiting for a Utility Locator. The primary responsibilities for the job are to locate water, storm, and sewer underground utilities using utility maps, laptop for accessing utility information and sensitive electronic equipment; coordinate activities with the area locating personnel; and perform a variety of technical activities in support of City utility crews, contractors, excavators and other utility companies.

This is a full-time, regular, non-exempt union position. This position is covered under the provisions of an agreement between the City and the AFSCME union. The schedule for this position is M-F, 8am to 5pm.

Salary for this position is subject to a collective bargaining agreement with negotiated step increases based on seniority. Candidates meeting the minimum requirements for the position will be at the beginning of the listed range, equal to Step 1. Directly related experience, certifications and relevant credentials exceeding minimum requirements will be considered for step credit at hire, with such credit not to exceed Step 4, the approximate midpoint of the listed range, unless otherwise stipulated in the applicable collective bargaining agreement.

Job Details

Essential Functions:

• Consult a variety of utilities maps and operate various equipment including an electromagnetic metal pipeline tracing machine, dousing rods, metal detectors, and a computer to locate and mark City water, storm and sewer mains and services and also signal utilities in public streets, alleys, and utility easements in right of ways using 811 call before you dig time frames and bylaws.
• Contact contractors and customers to schedule appointments for new services and answer any questions
• Respond to questions from and train other City personnel in the policies, procedures, equipment and pertinent rules, regulations and bylaws used in locating underground utilities. Be able to take phone calls from customers and contractors and to schedule appointments and meet times with them.
• Respond to emergency situations to give information and direction to contractors, City employees, and the general public to prevent further damage and lessen health and safety hazards. Carry a pager and respond to emergency locate calls after hours and on weekends as needed.
• Test and evaluate new locate equipment and maintain all locate equipment.
• Climb in and out of water meter vaults to attach equipment for tracing. Calculate distances to ensure exact locations; mark the locations using locate equipment, paint.
• Perform other duties and responsibilities as assigned.

Qualifications

Experience and Education

• Two (2) years of related experience in the installation, maintenance, repair, or location of water, storm and sewer service facilities and lines
• HS Diploma/GED
• Equivalent combinations of education and experience may be considered

Computer Skills

• Skills in Microsoft Word, Excel, and Outlook
• Proficiency using map software, preferably SIDARS, Granite, Map Browser, and/or Hansen
• Ability to read and interpret GIS mapping system

Required Licenses and/or Certifications

Possession of, or ability to obtain:

• An appropriate, valid driver's license.
• A flagging card within six (6) months of hire.
• A valid CPR/First Aid card within three (3) months of hire.

 Knowledge

• Materials, methods, equipment and techniques commonly used in the installation, maintenance, and repair of underground utilities
• Hazards of excavating underground utilities
• Electronic equipment and devices used in locating underground utilities
• Basic mathematical principles
• Safe work practices
• Modern office procedures, methods and computer equipment
• Use of personal computers and basic software

Abilities

• Must have the ability to walk several miles a da in all weather conditions.
• Determine the size and location of water and sewer lines
• Read and interpret engineering plans, drawings and sketches
• Must be able to pull heavy sewer and storm manhole lids.
• Operate a personal computer and appropriate software
• Work in a manner consistent with the City of Vancouver’s Operating Principles
• Work and act as a team player in all interactions with other City employees
• Provide a high level of customer service at all times
• Project and maintain a positive image with those contacted in the course of work
• Develop and maintain collaborative and respectful working relationships with team members and others
• Consistently provide quality service
• Maintain regular and dependable attendance
• Demonstrate a commitment to valuing differences among people and to being inclusive.
• Show the utmost respect for others, and act as a team player.
• Promote safety as a guiding principle and a regular practice in accomplishing work by focusing on safe practices and complying with safety and health policies and procedures.
• Recognize unsafe conditions which may be hazardous to an employee or to the public.
• Works in safe and responsible manner; not putting self or others at risk. Complies with applicable policies and procedures including but not limited to using personal protective equipment, observing warning signs, learning about potential hazards, and reporting all unsafe conditions.

This position is subject to successful completion of a pre-employment reference check, a basic criminal background check, and a driving abstract.

The City of Vancouver is committed to advancing equity and creating a welcoming and inclusive workplace. We recognize that progress depends on more than just a verbal commitment; it depends on making meaningful organizational change. We developed and continue to develop strategies to enhance employee-centered programs, eliminate recruitment and advancement barriers, elevate employee understanding of DEI and cultural competency and build an inclusive and welcoming place to call work. We hope you’ll consider joining us on the journey!

Safety: The City of Vancouver believes every employee plays a role in maintaining a safe workplace. The City of Vancouver promotes safety as a guiding principle and practice and accomplishes work by creating safe work environments, complying with safety and health policies and procedures and consistently seeking improvements that support operational excellence.

Diversity and Inclusion: At the City of Vancouver, we value and foster a workplace comprised of people with a range of different backgrounds, experiences and cultures. We recognize that a diverse and inclusive team is key to innovation, effectiveness and a positive culture. We are proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement: The City of Vancouver is dedicated to maintaining a work environment that extends equal opportunity to all individuals, regardless of their race, color, sex, age, religion, national origin, marital status, veteran status, disability sexual orientation or gender identity. Employment decisions will be made to further the principle of equal employment opportunity and to comply with state, federal and local laws. We affirm through this policy statement our continuing commitment to the principles of equity and nondiscrimination.

Veterans’ Preference: Under Washington law, qualified veterans may be eligible for Veterans’ preference when applying for City of Vancouver positions. Honorably discharged Veterans, their surviving spouses or spouses of honorably discharged Veterans with a permanent and total service-connected disability who would like to be considered for a Veterans’ preference for this job should provide the qualifying documents as instructed during the application process.

ADA Accommodation: Accommodations will be considered for applicants or candidates with a qualifying disability that prevents them from participating in this process. Accommodations will be made where the City can reasonably provide them without imposing an undue hardship on the business or compromising the integrity of the recruitment process. An applicant with any disability who believes that they need an accommodation should contact Human Resources: call 360-487-8417 or email [email protected]

Job Posting End Date

August 16, 2026