Position Summary
The 811 Utility Locator is responsible for locating and marking underground utility lines in response to Miss Utility / 811 locate requests throughout Central Delaware and Southern Maryland. This role helps prevent utility damages, service interruptions, and safety hazards by accurately identifying and marking buried facilities before excavation begins.
Locators work independently in the field using utility locating equipment, mapping systems, and electronic ticket management software while maintaining strong communication with contractors, municipalities, and utility owners.
Key Responsibilities
Utility Locating & Marking
- Respond to 811 locate requests within required state deadlines
- Locate underground utilities including:
- Electric
- Gas
- Communications/Fiber
- Water
- Sewer
- CATV
- Mark utilities according to APWA color code standards
- Read and interpret utility maps, prints, and GIS data
- Verify clear and accurate markings before closing tickets
Field Operations
- Drive assigned company vehicle throughout service territory
- Work outdoors in varying weather and terrain conditions
- Use locating equipment such as:
- Electromagnetic locators
- Ground penetrating equipment
- GPS/GIS systems
- Tablets/mobile ticket systems
- Maintain daily productivity and quality standards
Documentation & Reporting
- Complete ticket documentation accurately and on time
- Upload photos and notes for completed locates
- Report damaged utilities, unsafe conditions, and mapping discrepancies
- Maintain compliance with Delaware and Maryland 811 regulations
Customer & Contractor Interaction
- Communicate professionally with excavators and property owners
- Explain markings and locate limitations when needed
- Coordinate meet tickets and emergency requests
- Represent On The Mark Locators professionally in the field
Coverage Area
- Central Delaware
- Southern Maryland
- Rural, residential, commercial, and highway environments
Travel throughout assigned territory is required daily.
Required Qualifications
- Valid driver’s license with clean driving record
- Ability to work independently with minimal supervision
- Basic computer and smartphone/tablet skills
- Strong attention to detail
- Ability to read maps and directions
- Ability to lift 50 lbs and walk long distances
- Comfortable working outdoors year-round
Preferred Qualifications
- Previous utility locating experience
- Knowledge of Miss Utility / 811 systems
- Experience with Subsurface Utility Engineering (SUE)
- GIS or mapping experience
- Construction or utility field background
- Knowledge of APWA color code standards
Work Environment
- Outdoor field environment
- Exposure to heat, cold, rain, snow, mud, and uneven terrain
- Occasional on-call or emergency response work
- Independent field work with daily route assignments
Skills & Competencies
- Time management
- Route planning
- Problem-solving
- Safety awareness
- Communication skills
- Attention to detail
- Accountability
- Ability to work under deadlines
Typical Equipment Used
- Vivax / Radiodetection locating equipment
- Tablets/mobile ticket management systems
- GPS mapping tools
- Company truck
- Safety PPE and traffic control equipment
Performance Expectations
- Meet daily locate completion goals
- Maintain low damage ratio
- Submit accurate ticket documentation
- Follow all company safety procedures
- Maintain professional appearance and customer service standards
Certifications (Preferred or Required After Hire)
- OSHA 10
- First Aid/CPR
- State locator certification (if applicable)
- Defensive driving certification