Utility Locator Technician (Engineering/Surveying Technician)

Job Description:

Utility Locator Technician (Engineering/Surveying Technician)

Description

About the Opportunity

THE IDEAL CANDIDATE
The Public Works Department is looking for a detail-oriented and safety-focused professional with experience using specialized locating equipment and GIS data to accurately mark underground utilities. The ideal candidate has a strong understanding of utility maps and regulatory compliance. They are skilled in communication, recordkeeping, and equipment maintenance, ensuring collaboration with contractors and agencies while protecting vital County infrastructure.

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ABOUT THE POSITION The Utility Locator Technician within the Public Works Department is responsible for identifying, marking, and mapping County-owned and maintained underground utilities, including electrical (Street Lighting and Traffic Signals) and storm drain facilities, to prevent damage and service disruptions. As a Utility Locator Technician, you will utilize specialized equipment and maps to detect and document underground utility locations. You will collaborate with other divisions within Public Works to ensure all utility information is up-to-date. Candidates with experience in utility locating or GIS mapping are encouraged to apply. The work of this position is fast paced, independent, and requires continued work planning, organization and record-keeping on the part of the Technician. This position is subject to overtime, standby, and callback assignments. Performs related duties as assigned.
DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS This is the journey level in the Engineering/Surveying Aide/Technician series. Incumbents are assigned average complexity projects and exercise limited judgement and initiative in completing assignments. This classification is distinguished from Senior Engineering/Surveying Technician in that the latter classification is the journey level and performs more difficult and complex work with a higher degree of independence. Unless otherwise provided, this position is part of the Classified Service of the County and is assigned to the Technical Services Bargaining Unit for labor relations purposes. Individuals who are in a full-time classification position are required to serve a twelve-month probationary period, which may be extended an additional six months, for a total of eighteen months. Incumbents may also be subject to overtime, standby, callback, weekend, holiday and shift assignments as identified in their MOU (Memorandum of Understanding). The Job Task Analysis provides information detailing the physical and functional demands of the classification. For the complete job task analysis, visit the Risk Management website at http://www.stancounty.com/riskmgmt/ under "Disability Management".

Typical Tasks

TYPICAL TASKS Duties may include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Perform drafting, computing, and checking of field operations as related to the layout and construction of roads, drainage and water systems, subdivisions, bridges, traffic signals, street lighting systems and other public works infrastructure;
• Prepare and review maps, right of way deeds and legal descriptions;
• May act as liaison between contractors, developers, and County staff;
• May serve as a lead worker;
• Create and edit G.I.S layers and maps using ArcView;
• Use Windows operating system and Microsoft Office;
• Locate and mark underground utilities, including electrical (Street Lighting and Traffic Signals) and storm drain facilities, using specialized locating equipment and maps;
• Read and interpret utility maps, as-built drawings, and Geographic Information Systems (GIS) data to accurately identify utility locations;
• Respond to and process utility locate requests through USA North from Contractors, Public Agencies, and all others in compliance with local and state regulations;
• Maintain detailed records of completed locates, including maps, reports, and documentation of findings;
• Operate and maintain all assigned utility locating equipment, mobile devices and computers, tools, and vehicles in good working condition; and
• Perform other related duties as assigned to support County infrastructure and utility management.

When assigned to Engineering:

• Assist in the design of Public Works projects by preparing plans, profiles, cross sections, making quantity estimates, horizontal and vertical alignments and curve computations and establishing highway and hydraulic gradients;
• Write engineering specifications for proposed projects; make estimates for projects planned or under construction; draft engineering reports; assist in the application of principles of engineering design and theory to assigned projects;
• May act as construction inspector for projects under contract;
• Make field or laboratory tests of materials used for construction;
• Prepare engineering reports; and
• Conduct traffic studies and prepare related reports.

When assigned to Surveying:

• Make surveying calculations;
• Participate on a survey party; and
• Perform related duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications (Knowledge, Skills, Abilities, Education/Experience)

Knowledge:

• Basic computer and modern office automation technology, including pertinent software;
• Engineering and surveying mathematics, including algebra, geometry, and trigonometry; and
• Principles, methods, and techniques of drafting.

When assigned to Engineering:

• Basic principles and practices of engineering and materials, including physics, mathematics, chemistry, drafting, real property description, design, construction, hydraulics, and mechanics;
• Common engineering methods and standards; and
• Principles, practices techniques and instruments used in engineering drafting.

When assigned to Surveying:

• Basic principles and practices of surveying including mathematics, drafting, real property description, design, and construction;
• Techniques and practices of field surveying;
• Common surveying methods and standards; and
• Principles, practices techniques and instruments used in drafting.

Skills/Abilities

• Prepare maps, drawings, and layouts from notes and sketches using a supported version of AutoCad;
• Interpret laws, rules, and regulations;
• Prepare clear, accurate notes and reports;
• Inspect construction projects to determine compliance with approved specifications and plans;
• Communicate effectively orally and in writing;
• Apply engineering and survey knowledge in varied work assignments;
• Perform precise survey work and skilled drafting work;
• Maintain records and prepare reports;
• Follow oral and written directions;
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with other employees and the public;
• Work cooperatively with others; and
• Perform related duties as assigned.

When assigned to Engineering:

• Make accurate engineering computations;
• Use specialized measuring and testing equipment for the materials testing laboratory or in assisting in the traffic division; and
• Prepare charts, graphs and diagrams related to engineering studies.

When assigned to Surveying:

• Make accurate surveying computations.

Experience and Education Any combination of experience and training that would provide the required knowledge and abilities is qualifying.

• Sixty (60) semester/90 quarter units from an accredited college or university with a minimum of 30 semester/45 quarter in engineering, mathematics, physics or other engineering related coursework.; AND
• One (1) year of technical field or office engineering or survey experience at a level of difficulty equivalent to the work performed by an Engineering Aide in Stanislaus County.

• Additional qualifying experience may substitute for the education one year for year basis. One additional year of upper division college coursework with major coursework in engineering may substitute for the experience.

Proof of education may be required for verification purposes at the time of application. Applicants who are unable to submit proof must call 209-525-4171 to make other arrangements before 5 pm on the final filing date. Failure to submit proof or make other arrangements before the final filing deadline will result in disqualification.
Desirable Qualifications: In addition to the minimum qualifications, applicant screening may focus on the following desirable qualifications. Please list any of these qualifications you may have within the "Duties" section of the online application.

• One (1) year of full time, professional experience as a subsurface utility locator.

Application and Selection Procedures

APPLICATION PROCEDURES/FINAL FILING DATE Applications cannot be submitted later than 5:00 p.m. on the final filing date. Make your online application as complete as possible so a full and realistic appraisal may be made of your qualifications. Resumes will not be accepted in lieu of a completed application. Attaching your resume and cover letter are an optional feature for those who wish to do so in addition to completing the required application. Information on your resume and cover letter will not substitute for the education, work experience and required fields on the County application. The online County application is the primary tool used to evaluate your job qualifications. EXAMINATION PROCESS Most County recruitments consists of the steps detailed below and are governed by Merit Principles. The examination process ensures that all applicants are given the same opportunity to gain employment within Stanislaus County.

• Application Review and Screening. Applications are carefully screened based on information provided. Those who submit incomplete applications that lack relevant qualifications or do not submit all required documents will not be invited to move on.
• Written Examination. Applicants will be invited to participate in a written exam that tests knowledge for the position.
• Oral Examination. Applicants are invited to a panel interview in which they will be evaluated by County subject matter experts.
• Eligible Lists. Candidates who pass the examination will be placed on an eligible list for that classification. Eligible lists are effective for six months but may be extended up to eighteen months.

TENTATIVE RECRUITMENT SCHEDULE Application Deadline: MAY 1, 2025 Oral Examination: Week of MAY 12, 2025 Note: The eligible list generated from this recruitment may be used to fill future extra-help, part-time and full-time vacancies throughout Stanislaus County . GENERAL INFORMATION Final appointment will be conditional upon successfully passing a County paid pre-employment drug screening (if applicable for position) and a job-related background investigation. Some positions may require possession or the ability to obtain, and maintenance of a valid California Driver’s license or the ability to utilize an alternative method of transportation when needed to carry out job related essential functions. Stanislaus County supports the good health of its workforce. More information is available athttp://myclubwellness.org Cell phones are typically incompatible with the online application format or browser. We recommend using a desktop or laptop computer. If you are still having technical difficulties, please call NEOGOV at 1-855-524-5627.

Benefits associated with this position can be found at Benefits Summary.

Closing Date/Time: 5/1/2025 5:00 PM Pacific

Salary:

$67,121.60 - $81,577.60 Annually