Job Description

Posting number: 2026-00111

Department: Public Works

Division: PW Engineering

Job classification: Utility Locator - I AF

Posting type: Open

Categories: Utilities

Summary

The Utility Locator-I is responsible for key components of the utility locating program. By law, underground utilities must be located and marked prior to excavations by contractors and individuals. This position is responsible for locating in the field, street lights, traffic signals, storm drain, and any other utility lines owned by the City of Rio Rancho, within the timeframe required by State Law to ensure that excavators do not damage these lines and injuries to excavators and the general public are prevented. Requests for utility location services arise from contractors, developers, City utility operations, citizens and other entities doing excavation work within the City of Rio Rancho such as gas, electric, telephone and cable companies.

Examples of duties

Education / higher education: High School Graduate or equivalent

Minimum number of years of directly related experience: Two years of increasingly responsible experience in locating or installation of underground utilities.

Education and/or experience preferences: None

Driver’s License requirement: Frequent Driver -- Regular Driver's License Required Endorsements: None

Note -- For any driver, driving record must always meet City driving and insurability standards.

Required certifications, licenses or registrations: None

Preferred certifications, licenses or registrations: None

Qualifications

Knowledge: Reading and interpreting engineering plats, engineering plans, and survey information. State law Chapter 62, Article 14 NMSA 1978, etc., pertaining to location of underground utilities is required.

Skills: Must be able to type rapidly and accurately enough to successfully produce documents/spreadsheets, communicate via e-mail, or perform data entry as necessary to accomplish the essential functions of the position. Use of technology, equipment and software typically used in the office environment. Must be able to operate and accurately use utility locating and survey equipment. Operate desktop, laptop and/or hand-held computers. Must be skilled in applying basic geometric translations for transcribing map or engineering plan information to locations on the ground. Navigating skills and driving skills are necessary.

Abilities: Must be able to comprehend instructions, short correspondence, and memos. Effectively present information in one-on-one and small group situations to customers and other employees. English language proficiency required. Add, subtract, multiply, and divide in all units of measure, using whole numbers, common fractions, and decimals. Fill out forms and compile routine reports. Must be able to apply common sense and understanding to carry out instructions furnished in written, oral, or diagram form.

Interaction with Groups/Agencies/Entities: Internal: Works closely with the Engineering staff, Customer Services staff, and Contract Operators. External: Has above average level of public contract; contacts are frequent and interaction is significant. Works with officials from gas, electric, phone, and cable companies, the local one call notification system, contractors, builders, and the general public on locating water and wastewater lines, valves, and related utility facilities. Presents a friendly, courteous image for the City to the general public, customers, and public officials.

Supplemental information

The following functions are typical for this position. The omission of specific functions does not exclude them if the work is similar, related or a logical assignment for this position. Other duties may be required and assigned.

• Perform a utility locate according to Federal and/or State regulations.
• General knowledge or basic computer skills is essential to navigating and properly reporting the status of each ticket.
• Ability to route in accordance with ticket due dates, time required on each ticket, and proximity of tickets to one area, thus limiting drive time and nonproductive time.
• Consult a variety of utility maps, engineering plats and records to locate storm drainage, street lights & signals. Consults with City staff or location of undocumented infrastructure.
• Locate the infrastructure by calculating distances to ensure exact locations. Operate various equipment including: line tracer, geographic positioning equipment, and electronic and magnetic pipe locators to locate utilities in public streets, alleys, utility easements and other right-of-ways.
• Transfer infrastructure information to the site earmarked for excavation, marking exact location using standardized notations. Use a camera to document markings.
• Maintain accurate daily logbook and prepare various reports including simple sketches and drawings; records may be subpoenaed for damage claims. Properly and thoroughly notate each ticket with vital information to the requestor if any issues arise for each locate. Report and document changes to supporting plats and records. Submit reports to Engineering Section Manager – Records & GIS and to GIS technician for entry into the record database and GIS.
• Properly operate and maintain all equipment used for locating underground infrastructure, including truck and locating equipment.
• Works with contractors, developers, and other utility companies (such as gas, electric, telephone, cable companies, etc.), and statewide organizations in the policies, procedures, and pertinent rules and regulations used in locating underground utilities.
• Immediately respond to emergency tickets within the timeframe as required by State Law, and provide information and directions to contractors, City employees, and the general public to prevent further damage and lessen health and safety hazards. Record utilities damaged by excavators using written documentation and photographs. Coordinate with City legal staff for claims adjustments.
• Coordinate work closely with the utility locating support staff, GIS technician, and others as required.
• Attend local and regional meetings regarding line locating and department safety meetings.