Utilities Locator

General Statement of Duties

Franklin County is seeking a reliable and detail-oriented Utilities Locator to join our team and play a critical role in protecting public safety and infrastructure. This is a hands‑on role where precision, responsibility, and teamwork make a direct impact on the safety of residents and the success of county operations.

Compensation: $47,471 to $49,845

Benefits: Franklin County offers a competitive benefit package that includes medical and dental insurance; elective supplemental insurance such as short‑term disability, vision, and voluntary term life; local government retirement; a 401(k) with a 4% employer contribution; generous paid leave that includes 13 county‑observed paid holidays per year; an employee wellness program with a county‑sponsored gym; and an employee assistance program.

For more information about Franklin County benefit options please visit https://(Use the "Apply for this Job" box below)..

Performs responsible technical support work and other related activities providing location and marking of water and sewer lines and related appurtenances. An employee in this class locates water and sewer lines for contractors, developers, or other utility companies and marks them to prevent construction damage.

Work also involves coordinating with contractors to minimize unnecessary location work, ensuring timely and accurate locations, and maintaining location records and documentation.

Work is usually performed alone and requires independent initiative, meeting deadlines, and working in varied environmental conditions.

• Locate underground utilities, including water and sewer lines, and mark lines with paint or other markers.
• Monitor electronic NC 811 notifications and respond in a timely manner.
• Prioritize requests based on anticipated construction schedules and schedule routes efficiently.
• Enter completed locations into NC 811.
• Assist with updating town utility maps and databases; identify water valves, hydrants, manholes, storm drains, and other infrastructure; check location against current maps and notify GIS staff of inconsistencies.
• Coordinate with contractors to minimize the number of locations needed, eliminate duplications, and ensure timely and accurate locations.
• Establish and maintain records documenting locations and identifying accountability for any damage that occurs; create work orders and related data files.
• Utilize GIS software, GPS receiver, digital camera, inductive and conductive locators, metal detectors, ground‑penetrating radar equipment, and hand tools.
• Participate in general water and sewer line maintenance and repair work, including repairing water meters, lines, making irrigation taps, replacing meter and valve boxes, and fire hydrants; perform pump station maintenance.

Perform related duties as required.

High school graduation and substantial experience in distribution and/or collection system maintenance and/or construction, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

• Valid North Carolina driver’s license.
• Grade I sewer collection system operator certification.
• Grade C water distribution system operator certification.