Utility Locator

Overview

USIC, a leader in the underground utility damage prevention industry, is hiring Utility Locators across the North Shore and Northwest Suburbs in Des Plaines, IL. We perform over 84 million locates annually for telecommunications, electric, gas, water, and sewer utilities across the nation. This role offers a substantial opportunity for individuals passionate about outdoor work, public safety, and problem-solving.

Responsibilities

• Safely and accurately locate underground utilities, including telecommunications, electric power, cable TV, gas, water, and sewer systems.
• Conduct detailed searches for underground utilities within assigned areas, marking locations precisely and completing required documentation with photographic evidence.

Work Conditions

These full-time daytime positions require the ability to work outdoors in various weather conditions. Due to a 48-hour response window on many locates, working after holidays, weekends, overtime, and on-call shifts (including nights) is necessary.

Compensation

Starting rates range from $21.00 per hour for new locators up to $33.00 per hour for those with significant prior experience.

Benefits

• Comprehensive paid training from day one.
• Use of a company-provided vehicle with a fuel card covering all work expenses.
• Company phone and modern equipment to assist with daily operations.
• Daily pay access for financial flexibility.
• Robust insurance options including medical, dental, vision, and life coverage.
• 401(k) retirement plan with employer matching contributions.
• Paid time off and paid holidays available from the first year of employment.
• Additional compensation for weekend and holiday on-call availability, regardless of call-out status.
• Career advancement through an industry-recognized Career Path Program (CPP) and employee recognition program.
• Annual voucher for purchasing work boots and educational scholarship programs including tuition discounts.
• Employee discounts at major retailers and service providers.

Candidate Requirements

• Willingness and ability to work outdoors in all weather conditions; previous outdoor experience is advantageous.
• Comfortable with and able to effectively use technology.
• Availability to work overtime, weekends, and on-call shifts as business needs demand.
• Successful completion of a drug screening process (safety-sensitive role).
• Valid driver's license and clean driving record.
• Physical ability to work in confined spaces, as well as walk, bend, and lift up to 75 pounds.
• Color vision sufficient to distinguish wiring colors and utility marks.
• Ability to read and interpret locate tickets, prints, and maps accurately.
• Effective communication skills for interaction with colleagues, contractors, clients, and homeowners.

Additional Information

USIC emphasizes equal employment opportunity and actively encourages veterans to apply.

Positions include responsibilities on-call during some weekends and holidays. Due to the nature of the work, a high standard of safety and reliability is expected.