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Locating Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

Cable Protection Services, Inc

Dispatcher

Midlothian, VA · On-site

$16 - $30/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

Utility locating work is often done outdoors in various weather conditions.Computer Proficiency: Some positions may require basic computer skills.Ability to Distinguish Colors: Being able to ...

Cable Protection Services, Inc

Dispatcher

Midlothian, VA

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Utility locators are often contracted by One-Call/811 centers to provide locating services for excavation projects and must adhere to the guidelines of 811 ONE CALL systems and any state regulated ...

City of Fredericksburg

Utility Locator

Fredericksburg, VA · On-site

$42K - $47K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

This role involves independently locating and marking water, sewer, electric, and gas lines, even in challenging conditions. It requires blueprint reading skills, the ability to handle manhole lids ...

City of Fredericksburg

Utility Locator

Fredericksburg, VA · On-site

$15.75 - $19.75/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

This role involves independently locating and marking water, sewer, electric, and gas lines, even in challenging conditions. It requires blueprint reading skills, the ability to handle manhole lids ...

Dycom Industries, Inc.

Assoc Technical Trainer

Manassas, VA · On-site

$30.50 - $40.50/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Conduct engaging and informative training sessions for new and existing field technicians on utility locating techniques, equipment operation, and safety protocols through in-person and virtual ...

Riverside Health System Non-Providers

$15.60 - $20.25/hr

Provides Library Services by answering questions; locating library materials; compiling, recording, sorting, and shelving library materials; recording identifying data and due date to issue materials ...

Davis H Elliot Company, Inc.

Utility Locator

Roanoke, VA

$14 - $17.50/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Responsible for locating, pinpointing the paths of cables, pipes and other conduits that carry utilities underground. Our efforts are driven on Quality and Safety to protect underground utilities ...

Riverside Health System

Library Assistant

Newport News, VA · On-site

$15.60 - $20.25/hr

Provides Library Services by answering questions; locating library materials; compiling, recording, sorting, and shelving library materials; recording identifying data and due date to issue materials ...

Riverside

$15.60 - $20.25/hr

Provides Library Services by answering questions; locating library materials; compiling, recording, sorting, and shelving library materials; recording identifying data and due date to issue materials ...

Riverside Health System

Library Assistant

Newport News, VA · On-site

$15.60 - $20.25/hr

Provides Library Services by answering questions; locating library materials; compiling, recording, sorting, and shelving library materials; recording identifying data and due date to issue materials ...

Davis H Elliot Company, Inc.

Utility Locator

Lynchburg, VA

$15.50 - $19.50/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Responsible for locating, pinpointing the paths of cables, pipes and other conduits that carry utilities underground. Our efforts are driven on Quality and Safety to protect underground utilities ...

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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.

Utility Locator - VA - Field Chesterfield Richmond

Cable Protection Services, Inc

Midlothian, VA • On-site

$19 - $32/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 15 days ago

Job description

A utility locator is a person or company specializing in identifying and marking the location of underground utilities (like pipes and cables) before construction or excavation work begins, using specialized equipment and techniques to ensure safety and prevent damage. Utility locators play a crucial role in preventing accidents and damage to underground infrastructure during construction projects.
How they work: They use specialized equipment like ground-penetrating radar (GPR) and electromagnetic (EM) locators to detect and map the location, depth, and direction of buried utilities. They may also use tracer wires or transmitter/receiver systems to locate and trace utilities. Once the utilities are located, they mark the area with flags, paint, or other visual markers to indicate their location and electronically document.
Why they are important: Damage to underground utilities can cause serious accidents, injuries, and property damage, as well as costly repairs and disruptions to essential services. Utility locators are often contracted by One-Call/811 centers to provide locating services for excavation projects and must adhere to the guidelines of 811 ONE CALL systems and any state regulated requirements
Types of utilities located: Water and irrigation pipes, Gas and oil lines, Electrical power lines, Communication lines, Sewers and drainage
Requirements:
  • Valid Driver's License: A valid driver's license is typically required to operate company vehicles.
  • Safe Driving Record: A clean driving record is often a requirement.
  • Ability to Work Outdoors: Utility locating work is often done outdoors in various weather conditions.
  • Computer Proficiency: Some positions may require basic computer skills.
  • Ability to Distinguish Colors: Being able to distinguish between colors used to identify wiring and mark underground utilities is important.
  • Ability to Lift and Move Equipment: Utility locators may need to lift and move equipment up to 50 pounds or more.
  • Routinely: work alone in remote locations with arms above shoulder level, operate vehicle, squeeze, fine hand motion, bend, stoop, stand, walk, lift up to 55 pounds, use keyboard and mouse and carry 3-15 lb electronic locating equipment for extended periods of time, perform work in all weather conditions, operate a company vehicle in safe manner, work overtime, possible travel, and perform on-call/after hours responsibilities on a rotating schedule

Benefits
  • Paid Training Program
  • Paid Travel Expenses
  • Company take home vehicle and fuel card
  • Uniform attire and safety equipment
  • Paid Time Off and Holidays
  • Insurance (including medical, prescription, dental, vision, disability, life insurance)
  • 401(k) w/ Company Match
  • Quarterly, Anniversary, Birthday, Christmas Bonus
  • Cellular discounts
  • Company phone or Bring your own Phone program

Ability to Pass a Drug Screen: Many companies require applicants to pass a pre-employment drug screen.

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