Utility Line Locator

Locates all underground Las Cruces Utility (LCU) owned lines for customers, contractors, and other City departments in accordance with local, state and federal regulations, guidelines, laws, and specifications to prevent damage to utilities and streets.

ENVIRONMENTAL FACTORS

Position functions 95% outside in all types of weather conditions; exposure to gas fumes, fire and mechanical hazards, explosive hazards, traffic, dust, and noise. Protective clothing includes safety helmet with face shield, fire retardant coveralls, eye wear, hearing protection, steel toe boots, and protective vests.

PHYSICAL FACTORS

Heavy physical work involving frequent sitting, bending, stooping, and crouching; walking up to five miles per day; lifting/pushing/pulling/carrying items weighing up to 100 pounds; visual acuity to read electronic equipment and maps.

WORK SITUATION FACTORS

Position requires working extended hours, standby and on-call status; responding to emergency situations; interacting with customers. Regular attendance is an essential function of this job to ensure continuity of services. Position is subject to drug testing in accordance with applicable State and Federal regulations and City of Las Cruces policy. DOT REGULATIONS REQUIRE DRUG AND ALCOHOL TESTING AND RELEASE OF INFORMATION FORM (49 CFR PART 40).

FIRST CONSIDERATION MAY BE GIVEN TO CURRENT EMPLOYEES WHO MEET THE MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS.

Meeting or exceeding the minimum qualifications does not guarantee an invitation to participate in the process.

This posting will be used to fill a full-time, regular, non-exempt position in the Utilities Department but may be utilized to fill other Utility Line Locator vacancies to include full time, part time, and/or contract.

Full-time, regular, non-exempt, union represented position.

This position is graded BC14 or CN14.

• Works with contractors and the public regarding locate requests for sub-divisions, new construction, and other construction projects.
• Conducts patrols within City limits and the rural county to oversee the security of the gas, water, and sewer systems; ensures all locating equipment is in proper working order.
• Research as-builts, Arc GIS Map-room Database, maps, and line cards; interviews staff to determine location of lines.
• Operates VAC truck and/or other heavy equipment such as a backhoe/compact excavator to locate LCU lines.
• Maintains accurate records regarding locates; works through Excavation Damage Prevention Dispatcher to contact contractors or homeowners to verify addresses, locations and/or to meet at job sites.
• Responds to emergency locates; ensures all LCU Utility Lines are properly located prior to excavation.
• Inspects and investigates damaged LCU Utility Lines or exposed LCU Utility Lines due to wash outs; determines extent of damage; recommends repair or replacement; performs minor repairs.
• Produces pipeline inspection cards for exposed LCU Utility Lines; maintains records of locates and maps.
• Determines if LCU Utility Lines are live or abandoned through research and when necessary, by requesting a crew to tap a Utility Line.

Equivalent to a high school diploma PLUS three years of experience in Utility Line locating or working on LCU utility systems. A combination of education, experience, and training may be applied in accordance with City of Las Cruces policy.

LICENSES/CERTIFICATIONS

Valid Class A commercial license is required. Operator Qualified (OQ) within 60 days of employment. Position requires an acceptable driving record in accordance with City policy.

Considerable knowledge of: City of Las Cruces utility systems;utility locating practices, procedures, principles, and techniques; G.I.S., G.P.S.; materials, equipment, rules, and regulations governing the installation, repair, and maintenance of underground utilities; required safety procedures.

Ability to: Operate basic electronic locating and potholing equipment; read maps; read and interpret specifications and regulations; communicate effectively, both orally and in writing, with both internal and external customers and establish effective working relationships; locate underground utilities using multiple methods of locating; complete forms to record or report information in standard format as specified by the form; perform mathematical calculations such as, algebra, and trigonometry using a calculator or computer; investigate accidents or damages to underground utilities and prepare clear, concise written documentation on such investigations; enter data or information into a personal computer or other keyboard device to update a database; carry out oral and written instructions and work with minimal supervision.

Skills in: Operating electronic equipment used in locating underground utilities; operating a personal computer with installed generic and specialized software.

Employment Type: Recruiting multiple types p/t, f/t, seasonal, etc.