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Locating Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

Bedford Regional Water Authority

Be Seen First

Utility Locator

Lynchburg, VA · On-site

$37K - $58K/yr

This role is responsible for performing work locating facilities operated by the Authority, mapping water and sewer facilities and lines, and any work as apparent or assigned. The Locator will assist ...

Bedford Regional Water Authority

Be Seen First

Utility Locator

Bedford, VA · On-site

$37K - $58K/yr

This role is responsible for performing work locating facilities operated by the Authority, mapping water and sewer facilities and lines, and any work as apparent or assigned. The Locator will assist ...

Blood Hound

Advanced Locate Technician

Roanoke, VA · On-site

$25 - $29/hr

Join the Team That Sets the Standard in Utility Locating Ready to take your career to the next level with a company that truly values integrity, hard work, and growth? Blood Hound is USIC ...

JARBO

Construction Laborer

Sterling, VA · On-site

$23 - $26/hr

Utility Services Field Technician - Subsurface Utility Locating Outdoor field experience required. Join a leading subsurface utility exploration provider as a Utility Services Field Technician ...

JARBO

Construction Laborer

Sterling, VA · On-site

$23 - $26/hr

Utility Services Field Technician - Subsurface Utility Locating Outdoor field experience required. Join a leading subsurface utility exploration provider as a Utility Services Field Technician ...

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Locating information

See Virginia salary details

$13

$18

$26

How much do locating jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 15, 2026, the average hourly pay for locating in Virginia is $18.26, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.24 and $19.09 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are some common challenges faced by utility locators in the field, and how can they be managed?

Utility locators often encounter challenges such as unclear or outdated utility maps, working in adverse weather conditions, and dealing with high-traffic or construction-heavy areas. To manage these obstacles, effective communication with team members and other contractors is crucial, as is staying up-to-date with the latest locating technologies and safety protocols. Building strong problem-solving skills and maintaining attention to detail help locators accurately mark utilities, reducing the risk of damage and ensuring project timelines stay on track.

What is a locating job?

A locating job involves finding and marking underground utilities, pipes, or cables to prevent damage during construction or excavation. Workers often use specialized tools like ground-penetrating radar and must follow safety protocols and industry standards. It requires attention to detail and knowledge of mapping and surveying techniques.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a utility locator, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Utility Locator, you need a solid understanding of utility mapping, underground infrastructure, and safety protocols, often supported by a high school diploma or equivalent. Familiarity with electromagnetic locating equipment, GIS mapping systems, and utility detection tools is typically required. Attention to detail, strong problem-solving skills, and effective communication are essential soft skills in this role. These skills ensure accurate identification of utilities, prevent costly damages, and promote safety on construction sites.

What does a locating technician do?

A locating technician, often referred to simply as a 'locator,' is responsible for identifying and marking the locations of underground utilities such as water, gas, electrical, and telecommunications lines before excavation work begins. Using specialized equipment and maps, they ensure that construction and digging projects do not damage critical infrastructure. This job helps prevent service disruptions, costly repairs, and enhances public safety by reducing the risk of accidents related to underground utilities.
Locating jobs near you
Infographic showing various Locating job openings in Virginia as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Internship, 62% Full Time, and 37% Part Time. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $37,990 per year, or $18.3 per hour.

Locate Technician (Entry Level) - Lynchburg VA

Stake Center Locating

Lynchburg, VA • On-site

$20/hr

Full-time

Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 25 days ago

Stake Center Locating rating

7.2

Company rating: 7.2 out of 10

Based on 27 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

Job description

Utility Locator (Field Technician)

Starting pay $20.00!

More than a Job!

Stake Center Locating is hiring entry level Locate Technicians to locate underground utilities, troubleshoot, and mark the ground (using paint and flags), promoting damage prevention in your community. We will train you on the job and equip you with the basic skills to be successful in our 100% paid training. What you’ll need to bring is a preference to work outdoors in all weather, a desire to work independently and an ability to problem solve with speed and accuracy.

What We Offer:

Since 1997, we have been on a mission to make Stake Center a great place to work. We have been working with our locators to make Stake Center the company of choice. What we offer:

  • Pay Rate: $20.00 per hour.
  • We provide late-model vehicles with a fuel card that allows you to avoid high gas prices on your daily commute. In fact, you take the vehicle home every night (for company use only)!
  • PTO and paid Holidays – best in class
  • We are providing vouchers that can be used on 300+ types of Red Wing safety shoes (a total of $200 after every twelve months of service).
  • 401(k) with company match

Key Responsibilities:

We will train entry level Locating Technicians to:

  • Think Safety First!
  • Use a laptop computer to receive, document and process tickets and email.
  • Read maps, interpret blueprints, and determine the best method & sequence for locating.
  • Use provided locate equipment & technology to accurately locate underground utilities.
  • Communicate effectively with peers, managers, and homeowners.

Qualifications:

  • Eighteen years of age or older.
  • High school diploma or equivalent.
  • Valid driver license with an acceptable driving record.
  • Ability to walk up to 5 miles a day 2-3 times a week.
  • Ability to carry up to 5 lbs of electronic locating equipment for extended periods of time; lifting objects up to 25 lbs or lifting in excess of 75 lbs with tool aids.
  • Pass pre-employment background and drug screening.

Schedule:

  • Will need to have the ability to work a flexible schedule (some evenings, weekends, and an occasional Holiday) as ticket/production load requires.
  • Employees will respond to emergency calls during scheduled on-call shift rotation.

We understand what is at stake for our employees, our customers, and our customers’ customers. That is why we continually invest in our people, equipment, and technology. To us you are a professional - this is a career not just a job!

What Stake Center Locating employees say

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