We’re small-town techies and Kansans at heart, committed to helping our communities thrive through fast, reliable internet. We didn’t start broadband to build a business—we built a business to bring broadband to Kansans. When you call us, you’ll reach a real, local person who cares.

We offer an inspiring environment with meaningful work, where employees are encouraged to think creatively and deliver exceptional service. As we continue to grow, we’re looking for a Utility Line Locator to join our team.

A Day in the Life as a Utility Line Locator

A Utility Line Locator plays a critical role in continuing our construction across Kansas. Each day, you’ll accurately locate and mark existing underground utilities to ensure safe excavation and construction activities.

You’ll work both independently and alongside internal teams, documenting markings, entering notes into our systems, and responding to locate requests with urgency and precision. This role requires strong attention to detail, comfort working outdoors in all conditions, and the ability to adapt to changing priorities.

Location:

This position supports services across the state of Kansas and may require overnight travel to meet business needs. To support efficient response times, candidates must reside in or near Shawnee County.

What You'll Do

Key responsibilities: Utility Locating Responsibilities

• Safely and accurately locate underground telecommunications utilities.
• Update and manage Standard, Emergency, and Non-Response tickets in the Kansas One Call (811) system.
• Document locate work with clear photographic evidence.
• Maintain professional relationships with property owners, excavators, utility partners, and government entities.
• Locate and map IdeaTek underground facilities for road, bridge, building, and residential development projects.
• Field-verify existing plant locations to support fiber design accuracy.
• Verify depth of bury to ensure compliance with standards.
• Audit underground facilities and assist with as-built documentation and mapping updates in Vetro FiberMap.
• Respond to high-profile Kansas One Call (811) locates as needed.
• Investigate line strikes and complete incident reports.
• Use locating tools and technology to accurately identify and map underground plant.

Ticket Screening Responsibilities

• Review and screen Kansas One Call (811) tickets to determine if marking of IdeaTek facilities is required.
• Update ticket statuses accurately and timely.
• Ticket screening may vary from minimal to full-time depending on workload, storm events, or operational needs.

What We're Looking For:

To be considered for this role, you'll need the following required qualifications:

• 2+ years of work experience
• Intermediate skills using MS Office, Google applications, and collaborative software.
• Valid Driver's License and ability to drive company vehicle to project sites
• Ability to work on an on-call rotation, including nights, weekends, and holidays
• Ability to lift up to 70 lbs
• Ability to walk 5+ miles per day when needed.
• Comfort working in underground and aerial environments (ladders, bucket trucks)
• Ability to work outdoors in hot/cold conditions and occasionally indoors (customer locations)
• Desire to learn the state of Kansas Laws and Statutes for Underground Utility Locates, Kansas One Call - 811 Processes, National Electrical Safety Code (NESC) Requirements, and Common Ground Alliance - Best Practices

What Will Help You Stand Out

• 1 + years Underground Utility Locating Experience
• Telecommunications Outside Plant Construction Experience
• Experience mapping existing infrastructure (natural gas pipes, water lines, electric lines, and sewer)
• Experience with Construction Planning-constructability, permitting, design, engineering, staking
• General knowledge of Utility Right-of-Ways and Easements
• Familiarity with Telecommunications Fiber Maps (Vetro or others)

Desired Attributes

Beyond qualifications, these attributes set our strongest team members apart:

• Ability to adapt to adverse situations
• High aptitude for learning and growing skills and knowledge
• High attention to detail and commitment to accuracy
• Self-motivated with the ability to manage work independently
• Strong verbal and written communication skills
• Adaptable and responsive to changing priorities
• Strong sense of responsibility and follow-through

Why Join IdeaTek?

IdeaTek is a growing telecommunications company dedicated to bringing fast, reliable internet to underserved communities. We’re a passionate team of problem-solvers who value safety, teamwork, and service.

Some of the ways we support and invest in our employees include:

• Competitive pay
• Medical, dental, vision, life, and 401(k) with match
• Free coaching and counseling for employees and families
• Free internet service (if available) or internet reimbursement
• Tuition reimbursement for personal and professional growth
• Community engagement opportunities
• A culture that values results, effort, and integrity

This role is not eligible for Visa sponsorship.

This role is not eligible for relocation.

Salary and benefits commensurate with experience.

Equal Opportunity Employer.