Utility Locator Technician (Fixed Term Position)

Job Description:

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Locates underground water sewer and storm sewer lines for the Utilities Department private utilities and fiber contractors. This includes the following:

• Contacts utility companies and contractors to schedule locates.
• Reviews asbuilt records plats and sanitary sewer video inspections to determine original utility installation location.
• Records depth direction and type of pipe located.
• Collects and records updated data on the type and location of valves hydrants manholes catch basins and other appurtenances.
• Uses onboard laptop computer and is familiar with ARC Map DIGTIX Citrix and Beehive asset management system. Keeps accurate records of work performed and materials and equipment used. Will use a computer to log information.
• Uses equipment to locate utility lines and main breaks including metal detector pipeline locator pipe and cable locator leak detector and measuring devices.
• Performs routine maintenance on equipment as needed.
• Performs related duties as required by management to meet the needs of the city.
• Takes proper safety precautions to prevent accidents. Responsible for the safety of self others materials and equipment. Uses all required safety equipment and follows all safety regulations policies and procedures. Reports all accidents and damage to city property.
• Knows and complies with all city and department policies and city values; participates in professional trainings and development; and adheres to attendance and workplace attire policies.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• Ability and willingness to respond to afterhour call outs and snow shifts.
• Ability to adapt and navigate changing priorities and evolving approaches. Skill in linking shortterm planning with strategic thinking to anticipate future consequences of current tactics.
• Ability to appropriately respond to residential problems and respond to Department of Public Works callout procedure when necessary.
• Ability to be organized demonstrate attention to detail map out processes meet deadlines effectively track progress and demonstrate dependability and reliability.
• Ability to build and maintain positive relationships.
• Ability to certify in confined space entry within six months of hire.
• Ability to deal courteously and effectively with the public in difficult situations.
• Ability to effectively communicate and clearly describe program goals and objectives including assessing a situation and adjusting their style to meet the needs of the specific situation or audience.
• Ability to maintain complete and accurate records.
• Ability to model professional maturity in dealing with all people and processes and demonstrating skill in social perception by modeling consideration and tact while maintaining focus on tasks at hand.
• Ability to perform a wide range of physical and manual tasks in an outdoor environment.
• Ability to prioritize and manage multiple work efforts in a high activity work environment.
• Ability to receive candid performance feedback and participate in open dialogue with supervisor and peers regarding team dynamics and work plan progress.
• Ability to respond to afterhours calls and participate in Snow Operations.
• Ability to use all required safety equipment.
• Ability to use the following types of tools and equipment and train others in their safe and proper use: backhoe excavator single and tandem axle truck and snowplow frontend loader hand tools power tools long handle tools jackhammer grinder compressor tamper locating equipment.
• Ability to work irregular hours weekends evenings holidays and/or emergencies as required to respond to water and wastewater main breaks and other Public Works emergencies.
• Knowledge of applicable OSHA EPA and DOT safety regulations.
• Skill in confidently and professionally working with others.
• Skill in providing excellent customer service including approaching situations with compassion and empathy while exhibiting patience and grace in setting boundaries.
• Skill in recognizing the importance of collaboration and ability to build lasting relationships and connections with other city employees and community members. This includes skill in growing and continually fostering a hightrust highteamwork environment.
• First Aid/CPR certified through Red Cross or equivalent accredited institution.
• ATSSA or equivalent certification as a traffic flagger.
• Certification for backhoe and loader under the Equipment Operators Certification and Training Program or ability to obtain within one (1) year of hire.
• Valid Commercial Drivers License Class A or ability to obtain within nine (9) months of hire and once obtained maintained in good standing.
• Valid Drivers License and ability to maintain an acceptable motor vehicle record.
• Have and maintain acceptable background information including criminal conviction history.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Ability to communicate fluently in English and Spanish.
• Ability to read and interpret design drawings blueprints maps quarter section books computer generated drawings and records measurements and locations mainlines manholes taps etc.
• Ability to use computers and other technology.
• Knowledge of City of Boulder design criteria and standard specifications.
• Certified as State of Colorado Class 2 Wastewater Collection and/or Class 2 Water Distribution Operator or a Class 1 in one discipline and a Class 1 in the other.
• Experience in heavy construction.

REQUIRED EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

• High school diploma or GED.
• One (1) year experience in utilities maintenance or construction (water and/or wastewater).
• Certified as State of Colorado Class 1 Water Distribution Operator and/or Class 1 Wastewater Collection Operator or ability to obtain within one (1) year of hire.
• Certified Utility Locator within one (1) year of hire.

SUPERVISION

Supervision Received: Utilities Field Services Supervisor
Supervision Exercised: None

WORKING CONDITIONS AND REQUIREMENTS

• Physical and Mental EffortAbility to work in and around moving traffic and equipment; in areas of limited access; and confined spaces requiring standing walking bending and kneeling. Requires upper body strength to lift and carry equipment and supplies as needed.
• Work Environment:Works yearround in an outdoor environment and at times in adverse weather conditions such as rain wind heat cold and snow. Works in an industrial setting subject to continuous interruptions and background noises. May experience stress from demanding deadlines public contact and changing priorities and conditions. May experience stress from encounters with concerned or distraught customers.
• Machines and Equipment Used:Hand and power tools longhandled tools backhoe excavator single and tandem axle truck and snowplow frontend loader hand tools power tools rodder jackhammer grinder compressor tamper locating equipment sewer jet bucket machine combo cleaners CCTV equipment hydroexcavators vactor style trucks twoway radio gas detection equipment pipe/leak locators correlators and computers (handheld laptop and stationary). Required to wear protective safety gear and use safety equipment to protect against potential biohazards possibly encountered.

Additional Job Description:

Last updated:02/20/2025

The City of Boulder is committed to a diverse and inclusive workplace. We are an equal opportunity employer and do not discriminate on the basis of race national origin gender gender identity sexual orientation protected veteran status disability age or other legally protected statute. For individuals with disabilities who would like to request an accommodation please send a request to