Underground Utility Line Locator

**PROGRAM IS CURRENTLY UNDER CONSTRUCTION.  WILL BE MOVING TO AN ONLINE MODEL (LMS) THAT WILL BE MORE ACCESSIBLE TO CANDIDATES.  PLEASE CONTINUE TO APPLY.  FIRST ONLINE CLASS COULD BEGIN BY THE END OF 2026.  THANK YOU.

Underground Utility Line Locator Training

Underground Utility Line Locator Training Program at the Energy Innovation Center Institute is a free, 2 week, unpaid, interactive training program (Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday / 8:30 am - 3:30 pm).

What we offer:

• 2 weeks of Hands-On Field and Classroom Training
• Possible interviews with top utility companies upon graduation
• Coaching for career advancement

What is the role of an underground line locator:

• An underground facility locator, also called a utility locator, is responsible for accurately finding and marking the location of buried utilities like natural gas, electric, communications and water and waste water systems using specialized electronic equipment, maps, and plans, to prevent damage during construction projects by clearly indicating their precise location before excavation begins: this typically involves researching relevant utility records, operating locating equipment in the field and properly marking the identified utility lines on the ground’s surface.

What are the key responsibilities of an underground facility locator?

Job Responsibilities include data collection, locating, marking, and safety.

1. Receiving locate requests: An underground facility locator responds to requests from public utilities, contractors or other parties to locate underground utilities in a designated area.

2. Data analysis: An underground facility locator reviews existing utility maps, blueprints, and as-built plans to identify potential locations of underground utilities.

3. Field locating: A facility locator uses specialized equipment like ground penetrating radar, electromagnetic locators, and utility locating trucks to pinpoint the exact location of buried utilities.

4. Marking locations: A facility locator clearly marks the identified utility lines on the ground using the appropriate color flags, paint or other visible markers.

5. Documentation: A facility locator will record findings and details of the locate process including the location, depth, and type of utility.

6. Safety Compliance: A facility locator will adhere to safety protocols while performing locator work, working in construction sites and around live utilities.

What are the required skills for an underground facility locator?

1. Technical knowledge: Understanding how to operate and maintain utility locating equipment and interpreting utility maps. Understanding the applicable state’s 1Call Law.

2. Physical ability: Ability to work outdoors in various weather conditions and walk long distances.

3. Locating: Identify and mark the location of underground utilities.

4. Using laptop computers: Ability to utilize laptop computers or other devices to receive, document, and finalize utility locate requests.

5. Read and interpret maps: Ability to read and interpret maps (blueprints, as-built record drawings) to identify the buried location, type, and size of the underground facility.

6. Communication skills: Effective written and oral communication with contractors and underground facility owners, property owners, and other stakeholders to perform locate requests.

7. GIS knowledge: Ability to utilize Geographic Information Systems (GIS) for data analysis and mapping.

8. Operate electronic detection equipment: Ability to operate and maintain electronic locate detection equipment.

9. Operate work vehicle safely: Ability to operate a work vehicle in a safe manner in the performance of the locate.

Qualifications:

• Valid driver’s license
• Able to successfully pass a drug test
• Available during normal work hours and possible after-hours emergency situations
• High school diploma or equivalent
• Able to communicate, read, and write effectively in English
• Able to distinguish colors
• Able to perform utility locating work outside in all weather conditions
• Felony free

*Other conditions may apply.

Unpaid, 2 week training.

Location:

• Pittsburgh, PA 15219

Work Location: In person