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Per Diem Utility Locator Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Utility Locator

Pascagoula, MS ยท On-site

$22/hr

Mississippi Gulf Coast Area Pay: $22.00 per hour Employment Type: Full-Time Summary B&D Contracting is seeking a dependable and safety-focused Utility Locator to work throughout the Mississippi Gulf ...

Maintain company equipment per service requirements and safety guidelines * Any other duties and ... As the Utility Locator usually works alone, an employee in this class is expected to exercise ...

Maintain company equipment per service requirements and safety guidelines * Any other duties and ... As the Utility Locator usually works alone, an employee in this class is expected to exercise ...

Maintain company equipment per service requirements and safety guidelines * Any other duties and ... As the Utility Locator usually works alone, an employee in this class is expected to exercise ...

Utility Locator

Atlanta, GA ยท On-site

$16 - $26/hr

Maintain company equipment per service requirements and safety guidelines * Any other duties and ... As the Utility Locator usually works alone, an employee in this class is expected to exercise ...

Utility Locator

Middletown, OH

$15.25 - $19/hr

Maintain company equipment per service requirements and safety guidelines * Any other duties and ... As the Utility Locator usually works alone, an employee in this class is expected to exercise ...

Utility Locator

Middletown, OH ยท On-site

$15.25 - $19/hr

Maintain company equipment per service requirements and safety guidelines * Any other duties and ... As the Utility Locator usually works alone, an employee in this class is expected to exercise ...

Maintain company equipment per service requirements and safety guidelines * Any other duties and ... As the Utility Locator usually works alone, an employee in this class is expected to exercise ...

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Per Diem Utility Locator information

See salary details

$13

$18

$26

How much do per diem utility locator jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 22, 2026, the average hourly pay for per diem utility locator 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 is a per diem utility locator?

A Per Diem Utility Locator is a professional who is hired on a daily or as-needed basis to identify and mark the location of underground utilities such as water, gas, electric, and telecommunication lines. They use specialized equipment and maps to ensure that construction or excavation projects do not damage these utilities, helping to prevent service interruptions and safety hazards. The 'per diem' aspect means they are typically paid by the day rather than receiving a salary or hourly wage, making this a flexible role suited to project-based or short-term work.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a per diem utility locator?

To thrive as a Per Diem Utility Locator, you need knowledge of utility mapping, the ability to read blueprints, and a high school diploma or equivalent. Familiarity with electromagnetic locating equipment, GPS devices, and utility marking systems is typically required. Attention to detail, strong problem-solving, and effective communication are standout soft skills for this role. These skills are crucial for accurately identifying underground utilities, ensuring safety, and preventing service interruptions during excavation projects.

What are some common challenges faced by per diem utility locators, and how can they be addressed?

Per Diem Utility Locators often encounter challenges such as working in varying weather conditions, interpreting outdated or incomplete utility maps, and ensuring accurate markings to prevent damage during excavation. To address these issues, it's important to remain vigilant about safety protocols, maintain clear communication with contractors and utility companies, and utilize advanced locating equipment when possible. Building strong observational skills and staying updated on best practices can help you adapt to different field environments and improve efficiency.

What is the difference between Per Diem Utility Locator vs Per Diem Construction Worker?

AspectPer Diem Utility LocatorPer Diem Construction Worker
CredentialsTypically requires utility locating certifications and safety trainingMay require general construction safety certifications, but less specialized
Work EnvironmentOutdoor, utility lines detection, often in urban or rural areasConstruction sites, outdoor environments, various weather conditions
Employer & IndustryUtility companies, construction contractors, infrastructure projectsConstruction firms, general contractors, infrastructure development
Search & Comparison IntentYes, often compared for field roles in utility detectionCommonly compared for general construction roles

The main difference between a Per Diem Utility Locator and a Per Diem Construction Worker lies in their specialized skills and work environments. Utility locators focus on detecting underground utility lines, requiring specific certifications, while construction workers perform broader manual labor tasks on construction sites. Both roles are essential in infrastructure projects but serve different functions within the industry.

Is a Per Diem Utility Locator a good career?

A Per Diem Utility Locator is a job that involves identifying underground utility lines to prevent damage during construction or excavation. It typically requires knowledge of mapping tools, safety protocols, and sometimes certification, with flexible or on-call schedules. The career can offer steady work, especially in infrastructure or construction industries, but may lack long-term stability without additional benefits or full-time employment.
More about Per Diem Utility Locator jobs

What cities are hiring for Per Diem Utility Locator jobs?

Cities with the most Per Diem Utility Locator job openings:

What are the most commonly searched types of Utility Locator jobs?

The most popular types of Utility Locator jobs are:

What states have the most Per Diem Utility Locator jobs?

States with the most job openings for Per Diem Utility Locator jobs include:

What job categories do people searching Per Diem Utility Locator jobs look for?

The top searched job categories for Per Diem Utility Locator jobs are:

Infographic showing various Per Diem Utility Locator job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 88% Full Time, 9% Part Time, 2% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 91% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $38,319 per year, or $18.4 per hour.

Utility Locator

B&D Contracting

Pascagoula, MS โ€ข On-site

$22/hr

Full-time

Posted 17 days ago


Job description

Utility Locator

Location: Mississippi Gulf Coast Area
Pay: $22.00 per hour
Employment Type: Full-Time

Summary

B&D Contracting is seeking a dependable and safety-focused Utility Locator to work throughout the Mississippi Gulf Coast area. This position is responsible for locating and marking underground utility lines before excavation and construction work begins.

The Utility Locator will use specialized locating equipment, utility maps, site plans, and approved marking methods to help prevent damage to underground facilities. The ideal candidate will be detail-oriented, able to work independently, and comfortable working outdoors in changing weather conditions.

Job Responsibilities
  • Locate underground electric, gas, water, sewer, fiber-optic, cable, and telecommunications lines.
  • Operate electronic utility-locating equipment.
  • Review utility maps, prints, work orders, and construction plans.
  • Mark underground utilities using approved paint, flags, and identification methods.
  • Inspect work areas before excavation begins.
  • Accurately document completed utility locates.
  • Communicate with contractors, property owners, utility representatives, and supervisors.
  • Report damaged utilities, mismarked lines, unsafe conditions, and other concerns.
  • Maintain assigned locating equipment, tools, and company vehicles.
  • Follow company, client, OSHA, and jobsite safety requirements.
  • Travel to assigned locations throughout the Mississippi Gulf Coast area.
  • Work outdoors in heat, rain, mud, and other changing conditions.
Must Haves
  • Previous utility-locating, underground utility, excavation, telecommunications, or construction experience.
  • Experience using electronic utility-locating equipment.
  • Ability to read utility maps, prints, plans, and work orders.
  • Understanding of underground utility markings and damage-prevention procedures.
  • Strong attention to detail and accurate documentation skills.
  • Valid driver’s license and reliable transportation.
  • Ability to travel throughout the Mississippi Gulf Coast area.
  • Ability to work independently and follow written and verbal instructions.
  • Ability to walk, bend, kneel, lift equipment, and stand for extended periods.
  • Ability to work outdoors in varying weather conditions.
  • Ability to pass required pre-employment screenings.
Preferred
  • One or more years of direct utility-locating experience.
  • Experience locating electric, gas, water, sewer, fiber-optic, or telecommunications lines.
  • Knowledge of Mississippi 811 procedures and utility-marking standards.
  • Experience using GPS mapping systems or mobile work-order applications.
  • Previous experience working around excavation crews and heavy equipment..
AI Screening Questions
  1. How many years of utility-locating or underground utility experience do you have?
  2. What types of underground utilities have you located, such as electric, gas, water, sewer, fiber-optic, or telecommunications lines?
  3. What utility-locating equipment have you used, and how comfortable are you operating it independently?
  4. Are you able to read utility maps, construction plans, site drawings, and work orders accurately?
  5. Do you have a valid driver’s license, reliable transportation, and the ability to travel throughout the Mississippi Gulf Coast area?
  6. Are you able to work outdoors in changing weather conditions and pass all required pre-employment screenings?




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