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Per Diem Utility Locator Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

Utility Locator

Richmond, VA · On-site

$15.75 - $19.75/hr

Job Summary The Utility Locator identifies, locates, and marks the location of subsurface utilities ... Maintain company equipment per service requirements and safety guidelines. * Any other duties and ...

Utility Locator

Richmond, VA · On-site

$15.75 - $19.75/hr

Job Summary The Utility Locator identifies, locates, and marks the location of subsurface utilities ... Maintain company equipment per service requirements and safety guidelines. * Any other duties and ...

Utility Locator

Richmond, VA · On-site

$15.75 - $19.75/hr

Job Summary The Utility Locator identifies, locates, and marks the location of subsurface utilities ... Maintain company equipment per service requirements and safety guidelines. * Any other duties and ...

Utility Locator

Richmond, VA · On-site

$15.75 - $19.75/hr

Job Summary The Utility Locator identifies, locates, and marks the location of subsurface utilities ... Maintain company equipment per service requirements and safety guidelines. * Any other duties and ...

Utility Locator

Richmond, VA · On-site

$15.75 - $19.75/hr

Job Summary The Utility Locator identifies, locates, and marks the location of subsurface utilities ... Maintain company equipment per service requirements and safety guidelines. * Any other duties and ...

Utility Locator

Richmond, VA · On-site

$15.75 - $19.75/hr

Job Summary The Utility Locator identifies, locates, and marks the location of subsurface utilities ... Maintain company equipment per service requirements and safety guidelines. * Any other duties and ...

Utility Locator

Richmond, VA · On-site

$15.75 - $19.75/hr

Job Summary The Utility Locator identifies, locates, and marks the location of subsurface utilities ... Maintain company equipment per service requirements and safety guidelines. * Any other duties and ...

Utility Locator

Richmond, VA · On-site

$15.75 - $19.75/hr

Job Summary The Utility Locator identifies, locates, and marks the location of subsurface utilities ... Maintain company equipment per service requirements and safety guidelines. * Any other duties and ...

Utility Locator

Richmond, VA · On-site

$15.75 - $19.75/hr

Job Summary The Utility Locator identifies, locates, and marks the location of subsurface utilities ... Maintain company equipment per service requirements and safety guidelines. * Any other duties and ...

Utility Locator

Richmond, VA · On-site

$15.75 - $19.75/hr

Job Summary The Utility Locator identifies, locates, and marks the location of subsurface utilities ... Maintain company equipment per service requirements and safety guidelines. * Any other duties and ...

Utility Locator

Richmond, VA · On-site

$15.75 - $19.75/hr

Job Summary The Utility Locator identifies, locates, and marks the location of subsurface utilities ... Maintain company equipment per service requirements and safety guidelines. * Any other duties and ...

Utility Locator

Richmond, VA · On-site

$15.75 - $19.75/hr

Job Summary The Utility Locator identifies, locates, and marks the location of subsurface utilities ... Maintain company equipment per service requirements and safety guidelines. * Any other duties and ...

Utility Locator

Richmond, VA · On-site

$15.75 - $19.75/hr

Job Summary The Utility Locator identifies, locates, and marks the location of subsurface utilities ... Maintain company equipment per service requirements and safety guidelines. * Any other duties and ...

Utility Locator

Richmond, VA · On-site

$15.75 - $19.75/hr

Job Summary The Utility Locator identifies, locates, and marks the location of subsurface utilities ... Maintain company equipment per service requirements and safety guidelines. * Any other duties and ...

The starting rate ranges from $20.00 per hour for new locators to $30.00 per hour for those with ... Credit hours for completing our utility locator training curriculum and/or for military service.

The starting rate ranges from $20.00 per hour for new locators to $30.00 per hour for those with ... Credit hours for completing our utility locator training curriculum and/or for military service.

The starting rate ranges from $20.00 per hour for new locators to $30.00 per hour for those with ... Credit hours for completing our utility locator training curriculum and/or for military service.

The starting rate ranges from $20.00 per hour for new locators to $30.00 per hour for those with ... Credit hours for completing our utility locator training curriculum and/or for military service.

The starting rate ranges from $20.00 per hour for new locators to $30.00 per hour for those with ... Credit hours for completing our utility locator training curriculum and/or for military service.

The starting rate ranges from $20.00 per hour for new locators to $30.00 per hour for those with ... Credit hours for completing our utility locator training curriculum and/or for military service.

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Per Diem Utility Locator information

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.

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

The most popular types of Utility Locator jobs in Virginia are:

What are popular job titles related to Per Diem Utility Locator jobs in Virginia?

For Per Diem Utility Locator jobs in Virginia, the most frequently searched job titles are:

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

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

What cities in Virginia are hiring for Per Diem Utility Locator jobs?

Cities in Virginia with the most Per Diem Utility Locator job openings:

Infographic showing various Per Diem Utility Locator job openings in Virginia as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 70% Full Time, and 30% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution.

$15.75 - $19.75/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement

Posted 4 days ago


MasTec rating

7.4

Company rating: 7.4 out of 10

Based on 156 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

34th of 80 rated construction


Job description

Overview

Company Summary

MasTec Utility Services delivers critical infrastructure construction and engineering services for power delivery, gas, and water customers, specializing in overhead and underground electric distribution for power delivery systems, gas distribution construction for gas systems, and turnkey solutions for a variety of water, sewer, and civil infrastructure projects. Backed by the strength of decades of experience, unrivaled industry skills, and a deep commitment to core values, MUS delivers safe, innovative, and environmentally responsible services that provide extraordinary value to clients.

MasTec Utility Services is a purpose-driven company. Our core values guide our strategy, performance, and culture. We believe in maintaining an environment where team members can make an impact, grow, and thrive. A place where they find meaning and purpose in doing the important work of ensuring communities have the vital energy, light, and communications to prosper. Our culture is inclusive and welcoming. Our teams are empowered with abundant training, tools, and opportunities to follow their curiosity and ambitions. Everyone has an equal chance to advance. Everyone is supported, respected, and challenged to be their best. We’re always looking for talented and dedicated people to join us and love where they work.

MasTec Utility Services is a proud subsidiary of MasTec (NYSE: MTZ), a Fortune 500 Company ranked by Energy News-Record as one of the leading contractors in the country. MUS is part of the MasTec Power Delivery segment. We are certified as a minority-controlled company by the National Minority Suppliers Development Council (NMSDC). Our rich diversity of people and ideas makes us a stronger, more innovative organization.

Job Summary

The Utility Locator identifies, locates, and marks the location of subsurface utilities to minimize accidental damage or disruption of service due to construction excavation activities. Must be familiar with industry standards, policies, guidelines, and procedures. 


Responsibilities
  • Maintain daily contact with GAS Foremen and General Foremen.
  • Submit locate requests in a timely manner.
  • Ensure that each foreman has the appropriate locate request in their possession prior to beginning excavation.
  • Check positive response for all locate requests.
  • Provide standby information for high profile facilities to foremen as needed for each job.
  • Conduct pre-excavation inspections of all PVREA job sites to ensure the area to be located is pre-marked if not easily identifiable.
  • Conduct spot checks to verify locate marks by facility owner and contracted locators.
  • Assist facility owner and contracted locators as needed to narrow down unlocatable facilities.
  • Locate privately owned facilities and those still owned by the developer on all oh and ug job sites. 
  • Coordinate with third party contractors for the locating of privately owned sewer services.
  • Maintain copies of all locate requests indefinitely.
  • Ensure the safety of the public and other underground utility facilities. 
  • Read utility locates and coordinate the day based on the needs of current projects.
  • Responsible for locating underground utilities and verification in accordance with blueprints and designated plans. 
  • Maintain company equipment per service requirements and safety guidelines. 
  • Any other duties and responsibilities as assigned.

Qualifications

Minimum

  • High school diploma or equivalent.
  • Valid driver’s license.
  • 3 years of utility locating experience.
  • Knowledge of reading and understanding blueprints, electronic quarter section, and plat maps.
  • Experience scanning for underground utilities.
  • General knowledge of construction practices.
  • Familiarity with utility infrastructure industry standards, policies, guidelines, and procedures.
  • Computer skills. Able to use outlook, excel, word and power point.
  • Ability to work in all weather conditions.
  • Time management skills. Work is 70% field and driving, 30% office.
  • Must be able to lift up to 100 pounds with pull hooks.

Preferred

  • 4 or more years working as a utility locator.

Physical Demands and Work Environment 

This job operates in a field environment. This role routinely requires extended periods of bending, squatting, climbing, kneeling, pushing, pulling, lifting, lifting in awkward positions, standing, and twisting. Also, working in inclement weather conditions, such as extreme heat, extreme cold, rain, ice, snow, and wind.  

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of the job. This position is physically active, with lifting required. Must be able to bend and lift and carry up to 50 pounds. Clarity of vision at 20 feet or more or 20 inches or less, with the ability to judge distance and space relationships. Precise hand-eye coordination. Ability to identify and distinguish colors. 

Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive list of activities, duties, or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. The Company reserves the right to revise or change the job duties as the need arises. Management reserves the right to change the description, duties, or work schedules to accommodate individuals with disabilities.  

Benefits available include Medical, Dental, Vision, Disability and Life insurance, a 401k plan and Employee Stock Purchase plan. MasTec is a publicly traded company MTZ (NYSE).

MasTec Utility Services Company is a subsidiary of MasTec, a certified Minority-Controlled Company by the National Minority Supplier Development Council (NMSDC).

Equal Employment Opportunity: 

The Company’s policy is not to unlawfully discriminate against any applicant or employee based on race, color, national origin, ethnicity, sex, gender, sexual orientation, religion, marital status, age, disability, genetic information, veteran status, or any other basis protected by applicable law and EEOC regulations. The Company also prohibits harassment of applicants or employees based on any of these protected categories.

Qualifications:

Minimum

  • High school diploma or equivalent.
  • Valid driver’s license.
  • 3 years of utility locating experience.
  • Knowledge of reading and understanding blueprints, electronic quarter section, and plat maps.
  • Experience scanning for underground utilities.
  • General knowledge of construction practices.
  • Familiarity with utility infrastructure industry standards, policies, guidelines, and procedures.
  • Computer skills. Able to use outlook, excel, word and power point.
  • Ability to work in all weather conditions.
  • Time management skills. Work is 70% field and driving, 30% office.
  • Must be able to lift up to 100 pounds with pull hooks.

Preferred

  • 4 or more years working as a utility locator.

Physical Demands and Work Environment 

This job operates in a field environment. This role routinely requires extended periods of bending, squatting, climbing, kneeling, pushing, pulling, lifting, lifting in awkward positions, standing, and twisting. Also, working in inclement weather conditions, such as extreme heat, extreme cold, rain, ice, snow, and wind.  

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of the job. This position is physically active, with lifting required. Must be able to bend and lift and carry up to 50 pounds. Clarity of vision at 20 feet or more or 20 inches or less, with the ability to judge distance and space relationships. Precise hand-eye coordination. Ability to identify and distinguish colors. 

Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive list of activities, duties, or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. The Company reserves the right to revise or change the job duties as the need arises. Management reserves the right to change the description, duties, or work schedules to accommodate individuals with disabilities.  

Benefits available include Medical, Dental, Vision, Disability and Life insurance, a 401k plan and Employee Stock Purchase plan. MasTec is a publicly traded company MTZ (NYSE).

MasTec Utility Services Company is a subsidiary of MasTec, a certified Minority-Controlled Company by the National Minority Supplier Development Council (NMSDC).

Equal Employment Opportunity: 

The Company’s policy is not to unlawfully discriminate against any applicant or employee based on race, color, national origin, ethnicity, sex, gender, sexual orientation, religion, marital status, age, disability, genetic information, veteran status, or any other basis protected by applicable law and EEOC regulations. The Company also prohibits harassment of applicants or employees based on any of these protected categories.

Education:UNAVAILABLEEmployment Type: FULL_TIME

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