Utility Locator/Designator

Job Title: Utility Locator/DesignatorJob Description

The Utility Locator/Designator operates and maintains vacuum excavation trucks and related equipment to safely and accurately locate and designate underground utilities. This role uses a variety of pipe and cable locating devices, creates clear field sketches and measurements, documents daily activities, and conducts records research to support subsurface utility engineering and construction projects. The position requires strong technical skills, attention to detail, and a commitment to safety while working in and around traffic.

Responsibilities

• Operate and maintain a vacuum excavation truck and related equipment safely and efficiently.
• Designate and locate a variety of underground utilities using multiple types of pipe and cable locating devices.
• Create clear, legible field sketches and perform accurate field measurements to document utility locations.
• Document daily activities thoroughly and perform records research to verify and support utility information.
• Perform basic equipment maintenance tasks to ensure reliability and safety of vehicles and tools.
• Apply an understanding of basic traffic control principles and follow safety precautions when working in and around traffic.
• Identify various underground utilities and recognize surface features associated with different utility types.
• Support subsurface utility engineering efforts by providing accurate utility location data.
• Coordinate with project teams to share findings and contribute to effective project planning.
• Follow instructions, participate in training and mentoring, and maintain a positive, can-do attitude.
• Demonstrate leadership and mentoring skills by supporting less experienced team members.
• Use technical tools such as ground penetrating radar, surveying equipment, and CADD software when required and as skills allow.

Essential Skills

• Minimum of 2-4 years of experience in utility locating or designating using various types of pipe and cable locating devices.
• Hands-on experience operating and maintaining vacuum excavation trucks.
• Basic knowledge of various underground utilities and the ability to identify surface features associated with those utilities.
• Understanding of basic traffic control and the hazards associated with working in and around traffic, with the ability to follow all safety precautions.
• Ability to create legible field sketches and perform accurate field measurements.
• Ability to document daily activities clearly and conduct records research related to underground utilities.
• High school diploma.
• Valid current driver's license and the ability to obtain a Department of Transportation (DOT) Medical card for commercial motor vehicle operation.
• Ability to follow instructions and work effectively within established procedures.
• Strong mechanical aptitude and ability to perform basic equipment maintenance tasks.
• Leadership and mentoring skills with the ability to support and guide team members.
• Positive, can-do attitude and willingness to be trained and mentored.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Experience with Subsurface Utility Engineering (SUE).
• Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR) experience.
• Land surveying and general surveying experience.
• Experience using CADD software.
• Project coordination experience and strong technical skills.
• Current Commercial Driver's License (CDL).
• NULCA or other relevant industry certification.
• Ability to perform additional equipment maintenance tasks beyond basic requirements.
• Interest in continuous learning supported by training, mentoring, and career development resources.

Work Environment

This role involves working primarily in the field, often in and around active traffic, requiring strict adherence to safety and basic traffic control procedures. You will regularly operate and work around vacuum excavation trucks and other utility locating equipment, and may use technologies such as ground penetrating radar, surveying instruments, and CADD tools. The work environment is collaborative and team-oriented, with a strong emphasis on training, mentoring, and career advancement. The organization is employee-owned, fostering an entrepreneurial spirit, freedom to innovate, and a culture where achievements are shared and celebrated. The benefits and work culture support a family-friendly lifestyle, encourage diverse and inclusive teams, and provide opportunities for professional growth and having a meaningful voice in the workplace.

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Charlotte, NC.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $20.00 - $25.00/hr.

Individual compensation offered for this position within this range will depend on many factors, including qualifications, skills, relevant experience, job knowledge, geographic location, internal equity, and other pertinent job-related factors.

Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your job classification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may be subject to specific elections, plan, or program terms. If eligible, the benefits available for this temporary role may include the following: • Medical, dental & vision • Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital • 401(k) Retirement Plan - Pre-tax and Roth post-tax contributions available • Life Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and dependents) • Short and long-term disability • Health Spending Account (HSA) • Transportation benefits • Employee Assistance Program • Time Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation or Sick Leave)

Workplace Type

This is a fully onsite position in Charlotte,NC.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Sep 18, 2026.

About Actalent

Actalent is a global leader in engineering and sciences services and talent solutions. We help visionary companies advance their engineering and science initiatives through access to specialized experts who drive scale, innovation and speed to market. With a network of almost 20,000 consultants and 5,000 clients across the U.S., Canada, Asia and Europe, Actalent serves many of the Fortune 500. We are proud to be an Engineering News-Record (ENR) Top 500 Design Firm for our engineering design services and a ClearlyRated Best of Staffing winner for both client and talent service.

The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications without regard to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protected by law.

If you would like to request a reasonable accommodation, such as the modification or adjustment of the job application process or interviewing process due to a disability, please email actalentaccommodation@actalentservices.com for other accommodation options.

San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance: Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, for all positions located in the city and county of San Francisco, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.

Massachusetts Lie Detector: It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.

Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI): We may use Artificial Intelligence (AI) to support parts of our hiring process, including sourcing, screening, and evaluating candidates. AI helps assess applications and qualifications, but final decisions are made by our hiring team. By applying, you acknowledge and agree that your application may be reviewed using AI tools.