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Utility Locate & Mapping Technician

City of Sun Prairie
7 days ago
Full-time
On-site
Sun Prairie, Wisconsin, United States
Drone Jobs

This position will mark the location of underground utilities for the City of Sun Prairie. Responsible for pinpointing the paths of cables, pipes, and other conduits that carry utilities underground and physically locating and marking these locations. The location of stormwater and wastewater infrastructure along with traffic signal related conduits are of key importance in this position. The Utility Locate Technician protects underground utilities from damage during projects involving excavation or demolition. Under the general supervision of the GIS Specialist, the incumbent exercises judgement in the oversight and completion of assigned activities. Locating will be the top priority of this position and a year-round responsibility, with the busy season being May through November.

During the winter months, typically November through April, this position will assist with snow removal operations. This includes operating a snowplow and other snow removal equipment.

When not locating or assisting with snow removal operations, this position will assist the GIS team with data entry and other quality control work year-round. The Utility Locate Technician may also be asked to assist both the stormwater and sanitary collection systems crews year-round as needed. 

Essential Job Functions

  • Locates sewer lines as requested.
  • Locates storm sewer lines as requested.
  • Locates traffic signal conduits and related infrastructure.
  • Reads and interprets design plans and specifications for the purpose of making field determinations and assessments.
  • Responsible for researching records and utilizing best available data with which to determine utility locations.
  • Coordinates with Engineering and GIS to keep up to date as-built information of the utility.
  • Informs Engineering and GIS of up-to-date utilities in services areas and changes in service area that needs to be corrected on maps and/or plats or GIS.
  • Wears necessary protective equipment and exercises extreme safety in tool equipment and vehicle operations.
  • Responsible for locating all gravity sewer mains, sewer laterals, manholes, force mains, and stormwater as well as other finished and unfinished pipeline jobs as necessary. 
  • Performs skilled work of a specialized nature involving reading complex utility plans and GIS and operation of technical electronic locating equipment.
  • Monitors and prioritizes incoming locate requests from Diggers Hotline. 
  • Organizes and schedules marking routes and performs physical locates of Diggers Hotline requests.
  • Responsible for providing positive response to locate questions via text, phone, email, or other modes of communication.
  • Responsible for emergency locates.
  • Completes all related paperwork in conjunction with job duties.
  • Makes both oral and written field recommendations to advise contractors or technicians of any areas of existing infrastructure that may be in conflict with proposed construction or will at least require due diligence attention while the site is undergoing excavation/construction.
  • Contacts excavator to reschedule locates if necessary, or contacts excavator when there is a question about the area of excavation.
  • Posts and maintains locate records in computer and ensures full compliance with all locating standards in accordance with State of Wisconsin requirements.
  • Answers questions concerning City of Sun Prairie underground utilities from contractor and/or homeowners.
  • Assists Public Works with Snow Removal Operations.  Operate snowplow trucks and snow removal equipment during snow removal operations for the City Street Department. Snowplow shifts may be assigned, which may include week nights and weekends and will be expected to assist the City Street Department with snow removal operations as needed.
  • Works in emergencies or “On Call” duty when required for snow removal.
  • Assists the Wastewater Collection System team with duties as assigned. Duties may include but are not limited to cleaning dirt, sediment, etc from manhole covers, cleaning & maintaining Wastewater Treatment Plant buildings and grounds, or assisting with inspections. Duties may also include working with the collection system team utilizing the televising truck and vac truck.
  • Assists the Stormwater Collection System team with duties as assigned. Duties may include but are not limited to cleaning dirt, sediment, debris, etc from inlets, outlets, channels and other collection system structures, assisting with inspections, or taking updated photographs of collection system assets.

Requirements of Work

High school diploma, advanced training or certification related locating underground utilities preferred; or any equivalent combination of training and experience which provides the following knowledge, ability and skills:

Knowledge of
  • Basic electricity and use of electrical locating instruments 
  • Basic computer skills including the use of utility mapping and locate ticket systems.
  • Working knowledge of the principles of automotive operation, including large trucks and the laws and ordinances regulating such operation. Working knowledge of related safety precautions. Working knowledge of and ability to use computer software applicable to the duties of the position.
Ability to
  • Locate underground utilities.
  • Work autonomously, in team/collaborative environments, and cross-functionally with other departments/divisions.
  • Provide great customer service.  
  • Analyze a variety of technical problems and to develop and apply appropriate solutions.  
  • Operate heavy automotive equipment including dump truck, front-end loaders, VAC truck, camera truck, skid steer, etc.  
  • Follow written instruction to include snow/ice maintenance routes.  
  • Work effectively with multi-cultural populations. 
  • Communicate effectively both orally and in writing. Ability to maintain effective working relationships with the general public, supervisors and co-workers.  Ability to maintain adequate attendance.
Skill in
  • Demonstrate a professional demeanor and good communication skills with the ability to work well with others in a fast-paced environment.  Demonstrate strong organizational skills (record keeping, time management, follow up, etc.).  Maintain strong verbal and written communication skills.  Excellent attention to detail and sense of urgency, ability to prioritize with an emphasis on quality and accuracy of work.  Strong interpersonal and customer service skills required.  
  • Requires skill in listening, critical thinking, problem analysis and problem solving; written/verbal communication skills; ability to tailor the message, context, and mode of communication to the audience
  • Must possess skill in monitoring one’s own work to ensure quality, accuracy, and thoroughness; sound judgment in recognizing scope of authority; commit to innovation and continuous process improvement, and work collaboratively within the organization.

Necessary Special Requirements:
  • Possession of a valid Class A Wisconsin Commercial Driver's License or ability to obtain one within 6 months of hire.
  • When on emergency call for snow removal, must respond to all emergencies within 45 minutes from time when the call was received.  

Physical Demands:
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
  • Will be working outdoors in various adverse weather conditions.
  • Hand-eye coordination is necessary to operate computers and various pieces of equipment. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision and the ability to adjust focus.
  • Some time may be spent outdoors confirming addresses or GPS locations through direct observation or through the use of a GPS device. Occasional exposure to weather conditions, heat, cold, and/or wetness/humidity.
  • While performing the duties of this job, the employee frequently is required to stand and talk or hear; use hands and fingers to handle, feel, or operate objects, tools, or controls and reach with hands and arms.
  • The employee is required to walk; sit; climb or balance; stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl; and smell.
  • Must be able to lift and carry up to 80 pounds from floor to waist (the weight of a manhole cover).   Must be able to safely carry 50 pounds 50 feet.

The above is intended to describe the general content of the requirements for the performance of this job.  It is not to be construed as an exhaustive statement of duties, responsibilities, or requirements.

The City of Sun Prairie is committed to advancing equity, honoring our diverse identity, and creating an inclusive culture.  These serve as our guiding principles every day in all that we do.  Keep us accountable to this mission and join us in this commitment to a thriving Sun Prairie, as you live, work, and play.  If you need an accommodation during the hiring process, please contact Human Resources at 608-825-1174 or HumanResources@cityofsunprairie.com.