Job Description

Utility Locator Apprenticeship

The Utility Locator Apprenticeship at Colorado Springs Utilities prepares participants to become journey-level Utility Locators. The program is registered with the Department of Transportation (DOT). Apprentices are paid employees who produce high-quality work while they learn skills. The program consists of on-the-job learning which develops skilled workers through structured learning in a work setting. The apprenticeship also provides apprentices with support from a trainer and a crew supervisor to enhance critical hands-on learning.

The Utility Locator apprenticeship is a 3-year, six-step on-the-job learning and technical instruction program. Each of the 3 years’ is separated into "6 blocks", containing on-the-job training and identifying the required assessments and task performance evaluations (TPEs). The participant progresses through the program by successfully completing the required blocks and review processes.

Apprentice pay schedule:
Step 1: $28.58/hour
Step 2: $29.54/hour
Step 3: $30.49/hour
Step 4: $31.44/hour
Step 5: $32.39/hour
Step 6: $34.30/hour

**Candidates with current/previous locating experience will be considered highly qualified for the open apprentice positions

Key Areas of Focus:

• Meet with contractors and homeowners to assess locating needs
• Provide information to homeowners regarding the type, location, and composition of utilities in the area
• Maintain locating equipment, stock levels, and vehicles
• Maintain and update map books and construction print files
• Receive, review, and respond to incoming locate requests
• Locate all applicable utilities, including gas, electric, water, wastewater, and fiber optic, using various types of electromagnetic devices
• Meet with contractors and homeowners to assess locating needs, including access needs
• Provide written and photographic documentation to account for each utility line marked; document unlocatable utilities or abnormal conditions relevant to locate request
• Research and update records for difficult-to-locate utilities
• Assess construction site or facilities before locating in potentially hazardous situations, including locating around energized lines, equipment, and combustible commodities
• Research technical manuals, plans, and historical records to obtain information for assigned projects
• Provide critical locating assistance to internal restoration crews during utility outages, disaster response, and emergencies
• Maintain locating equipment, stock levels, and vehicles
• Assist in performance tests on products and equipment and testing new technology in the locating industry
• Comply with all safety and health programs in support of an incident and injury-free workplace
• Maintain regular and predictable attendance

Who You Are:

Requirements for the role:

• A High School Diploma or equivalent
• A valid, unrestricted driver’s license is required for this role

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS/WORKING CONDITIONS:

• Exerts 50-100 lbs. of force occasionally, and/or 25-50 lbs. of force frequently, and/or 10-20 lbs. of force constantly to move objects. Physical Demand requirements are in excess of those for Medium Work.
• Positions in this class typically require exposure in all environments, weather conditions, and high traffic areas
• 24/7 emergency callouts that require outdoor work to fix outages (i.e. Line, Gas/Water Construction)
  

Our Commitment to Our Employees…
Our people are the heart and soul of Colorado Springs Utilities. They keep the lights on, gas flowing, water coming in, and wastewater leaving. We don't just say people are important – we prove it! That’s why we are honored to invest in protecting the health and financial security of our employees and their families through our rich benefits program.

Time Off to Recharge

• Vacation – Start with 13 days annually, increasing to 24 days with tenure
• Personal Leave –3 days per year
• Paid Holidays –12 paid holidays per year
• Sick Leave – 12 days per year for personal or family health needs
• Vacation Buy – Option to purchase up to 40 additional hours annually

Health & Wellness – Benefits elected are effective the first of the following month

• Medical Plans: Three comprehensive options, including a $0 premium High-Deductible Health Plan (HDHP) with Health Savings Account (HSA) eligibility
• Zero Health: Access to hundreds of medical services at no cost
• Dental & Vision: Two dental plans and one vision plan
• Family Building-Benefits: Support for fertility, preservation, adoption, and surrogacy
• Wellness Program: A voluntary program that rewards you for prioritizing self-care! If you're enrolled in a our medical plan, you and your spouse can earn up to $600 in HRA or HSA contributions by completing healthy activities
• Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA): Pre-tax contributions for healthcare and dependent care expenses
• Health Savings Account (HSA): Available with HDHP

Financial & Retirement Security

• Pension Plan: Colorado PERA provides retirement benefits and peace of mind
• Supplemental Retirement Plans: PERAPlus 401(k), MissionSquare Roth IRA, and 457 plans
• Disability Coverage: Short-Term and Long-Term Disability insurance available
• Life Insurance: Employer-paid coverage with optional supplemental plans
• Long-Term Care Insurance: Available for purchase to support extended care needs

Additional Support

• Employee Assistance Program (EAP): Confidential support for mental health, stress, legal, financial, and work-life balance
• Tuition Reimbursement: Up to $5,250 annually to support continued education
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness: As a qualifying employer, your student loan payments may be eligible for loan forgiveness