Utility Locator

Location: Burgaw

Salary: $42,996.77 - $63,957.70 Annually
Location : 805 S. Walker Street, Burgaw
Job Type: Full-Time Permanent
Job Number: 2026--00186
Department: UTILITY OPERATIONS
Opening Date: 06/22/2026
Closing Date: 7/6/2026 11:59 PM Eastern

General Definition of Work
The role of a Utilities Protection Technician involves technical work that requires locating and marking underground utilities and related equipment to prevent damage. They respond to requests, with NC811, and mark all utilities owned by Pender County, including water lines, sewer lines, meters, cleanouts, and so on. The Utilities Protection Technician operates and maintains assigned equipment, such as Ground Penetrating Radar, Metal Detector, Cable/Pipe locator, and so on.

The job also involves coordinating with utility companies, contractors, developers, or homeowners to ensure timely and accurate locates are performed. The Utilities Protection Technician works under the moderate supervision of the Field Operations Manager.

Qualification Requirements:

To excel at this job, the individual must be able to competently execute each vital function. The qualifications outlined below are indicative of the knowledge, skills, and abilities required. Reasonable adjustments can be made to accommodate individuals with disabilities so that they can perform the essential functions.

Essential Functions
- Locates and marks water and sewer lines utilizing paint or flags for utility companies, contractors, developers, homeowners, etc. promptly as outlined in NC811 rules and regulations.

- Possesses thorough knowledge of NC811 rules and regulations, county street locations and county geography, and technology needed to complete locate requests including office software, metal locator, ground penetrating radar, and cable/pipe locators.

- Demonstrates ability to read and interpret maps, plans, and specifications.

- Shows ability to prioritize, plan, and organize work independently for effective performance.

- Establishes and maintains an effective working relationship with the public, contractors, developers, and county staff to enhance coordination and reduce damage to utilities.

- Attends local North Carolina Utilities Coordinating Committee meetings for the coordination of projects and locating requests between local utility companies, developers, and contractors.

- Prepares all necessary documentation, records, and reports for locates.

- Assists in the repair and maintenance of water and sewer lines, meters, or other appurtenances as needed.

- Removes vegetation and other obstructions around infrastructure utilizing herbicides or other mechanical equipment around hydrants, valve markers, water tanks, and pump station sites.

- Report damaged meters, leaks, unsafe conditions, or unauthorized use of water immediately to the Field Operations Manager.

- Operates a motor vehicle in connection with assigned duties.

- Subject to "On-Call" rotation.

- Performs other duties or tasks as assigned.
Knowledge, Skills, Abilities, Education & Experience
Knowledge,

Skills and Abilities

The job requires some knowledge of the Pender County water and sewer system, including the tools, materials, and equipment used to locate, install, replace, maintain, and repair utility lines. You should also have some knowledge of computers and be able to use software associated with mapping and locating. You should be able to read and interpret maps, plans, and specifications, as well as have some knowledge of maintenance and manual tasks involved in the installation, maintenance, and repair of utility lines and appurtenances.

You should also be familiar with the use of common hand and power tools, as well as the safe use and operation of common automotive and mechanical equipment. The job requires the ability to perform manual and skilled labor for extended periods, often under unfavorable weather conditions. Finally, you should have the ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with associates.

Education and Experience:

Applicants should possess a high school diploma or GED and have some experience in water and sewer line maintenance, repair, construction, or related fields, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

Physical Requirements

Physical Requirements:

This job involves regular exertion of up to 10 pounds of force, frequent exertion of up to 25 pounds of force, and occasional exertion of up to 50 pounds of force. You'll need to use your hands to finger, handle or feel, and reach with your hands and arms. This job also requires speaking or hearing. You'll need to frequently perform repetitive motions, and occasionally stand, walk, sit, climb, balance, stoop, kneel, crouch, crawl, push, pull, and lift.

You'll need to have standard vision, but no special vocal communication skills or hearing perception are required. Your work will include preparing and analyzing written or computer data, visually inspecting small defects and/or small parts, using measuring devices, assembling, or…