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Miss Utilities Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Equipment Operator

Sterling, VA

$18.75 - $25.75/hr

Perform precise excavation around live utilities, maintaining strict adherence to safety and miss Utility guidelines. * Conduct daily pre- and post-operation equipment inspections, perform routine ...

Reviews Miss Utility policy and ensures employee compliance. * Preplans and schedules pipe installation on a daily basis as required. * Knowledgeable of inspection requirements and material or ...

Reviews Miss Utility policy and ensures employee compliance. * Preplans and schedules pipe installation on a daily basis as required. * Knowledgeable of inspection requirements and material or ...

Reviews Miss Utility policy and ensures employee compliance. * Preplans and schedules pipe installation on a daily basis as required. * Knowledgeable of inspection requirements and material or ...

Reviews Miss Utility policy and ensures employee compliance. * Preplans and schedules pipe installation on a daily basis as required. * Knowledgeable of inspection requirements and material or ...

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Miss Utilities information

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$13

$18

$26

How much do miss utilities jobs pay per hour?

As of May 31, 2026, the average hourly pay for miss utilities in the United States is $18.42, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.38 and $19.23 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Utility Locator (Miss Utility), and why are they important?

To thrive as a Utility Locator, you need strong knowledge of underground utility systems, map reading, and safety regulations, typically supported by a high school diploma and on-the-job training or certification. Proficiency with electromagnetic locating equipment, GPS devices, and ticket management software is essential. Attention to detail, effective communication, and problem-solving skills help you accurately identify utility locations and coordinate with contractors. These skills are crucial to prevent utility damages, ensure public safety, and maintain efficient construction and excavation operations.

What are some common challenges faced by Miss Utility field technicians during the utility locating process?

Miss Utility field technicians often encounter challenges such as working in adverse weather conditions, navigating congested or high-traffic areas, and interpreting outdated or incomplete utility maps. Accurate utility locating requires close attention to detail and strong communication with construction crews and property owners to prevent accidental damage to underground infrastructure. Technicians must also remain up to date with evolving safety regulations and best practices to ensure both personal safety and the protection of critical utility lines.

What are Miss Utilities?

Miss Utilities, also known as 'Call Before You Dig' services, are organizations that help prevent damage to underground utility lines during excavation projects. Before digging, homeowners and contractors are required to contact Miss Utilities to have utility companies mark the locations of underground pipes, cables, and wires. This service is free and helps ensure safety, prevents service interruptions, and protects property. Using Miss Utilities helps avoid costly repairs and potential injuries caused by accidentally striking utility lines.

What is the difference between Miss Utilities vs Locating Technician?

AspectMiss UtilitiesLocating Technician
CertificationsTypically requires utility marking certificationsOften requires similar utility marking certifications
Work EnvironmentIndoor and outdoor utility marking, often in urban areasPrimarily outdoor work, locating underground utilities
Industry UsageUsed by utility companies, contractors, and municipalitiesEmployed by utility companies, contractors, and excavation firms
Search & Comparison IntentCommonly compared for utility marking rolesOften compared with Miss Utilities in utility locating jobs

Miss Utilities and Locating Technicians both focus on identifying underground utilities, often requiring similar certifications and working in comparable environments. While Miss Utilities typically refers to the service or program that alerts the public about utility markings, Locating Technicians are the professionals performing the actual underground utility location. Both roles are essential in construction and excavation projects, ensuring safety and compliance.

More about Miss Utilities jobs
What cities are hiring for Miss Utilities jobs? Cities with the most Miss Utilities job openings:
What states have the most Miss Utilities jobs? States with the most job openings for Miss Utilities jobs include:
Infographic showing various Miss Utilities job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $38,319 per year, or $18.4 per hour.
Equipment Operator

$18.75 - $25.75/hr

Full-time

Posted 25 days ago


Job description

Equipment Operator

Company Overview

Benchmark is a premier design-build, site and underground utility construction firm, completing over 500 projects spanning over eight (8) years. With a heavy focus on mission critical facilities, our teams collaborate seamlessly to ensure our customers receive the highest level of service in the construction industry. At Benchmark, our success is fueled by our exceptional workforce. We prioritize training and professional development, encouraging our team to expand and enhance their unique skills, so they can fully realize their potential. If you are driven and passionate about excellence, we want to hear from you. Join us and be a part of our dynamic team, where your skills and ambitions will be nurtured and valued.

Position Summary

The Equipment Operator is responsible for safely and efficiently performing excavation and earthmoving tasks in support of utility construction and sitework projects. This role involves operating a range of heavy equipment—primarily medium to large size excavators—to dig trenches, move materials, set structures and pipes and prepare sites for utility installation. The Operator works closely with the crew to ensure precision, safety, and productivity in all phases of excavation work.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities (All Levels)

  • Operate excavators, mini-excavators, loaders, and related earthmoving equipment for trenching, excavation, and backfill.
  • Perform precise excavation around live utilities, maintaining strict adherence to safety and miss Utility guidelines.
  • Conduct daily pre- and post-operation equipment inspections, perform routine maintenance (fueling, lubrication, fluid checks), and report any issues immediately.
  • Follow trench safety, shoring, and barricading standards at all times.
  • Assist the crew with trench preparation, pipe installation, backfill, and site cleanup when not operating equipment.
  • Communicate clearly with spotters and crew members using hand signals and radios to ensure safe coordination.
  • Load, unload, and position materials and trench boxes safely using proper rigging techniques.
  • Maintain a clean and organized work area; follow company and OSHA safety standards.
  • Document equipment use, inspections, and fuel logs accurately as required.
  • Support general labor, excavation and other site tasks as assigned.

Qualifications

  • Minimum 3 years of experience operating excavation or heavy construction equipment.
  • Proven ability to perform precision excavation near utilities and structures.
  • Knowledge of trench safety, shoring, and excavation best practices.
  • OSHA certification preferred.
  • Valid driver’s license and willingness to drive trucks is preferred; ability to tow small trailers a plus.
  • Strong communication and teamwork skills; able to follow instructions and work efficiently in a crew environment.
  • Ability to perform routine maintenance and basic troubleshooting on equipment.
  • Physically capable of working outdoors in varying weather conditions and lifting up to 50 lbs.
  • Reliable, safety-minded, and drug-free.


Why Join Benchmark Utility Services

Benchmark Utility Services offers competitive compensation, comprehensive benefits and a dynamic work environment that values excellence, teamwork, and professional growth. If you possess the Qualifications and skills to excel in this role, we encourage you to apply.

Equal Opportunity Employer.