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Underground Locator Jobs in Alberta (NOW HIRING)

BAAC

HDD Locator (Travel Required)

Calgary, AB · On-site

CA$32 - CA$42/hr

HDD Locator Position Summary BAAC Construction is hiring a full-time, experienced HDD Locator to support fibre optic and underground utility installations across Western Canada. In this role, you ...

All JobsUnderground Locator JobsUnderground Locator Jobs in Alberta

Underground Locator information

See Alberta salary details

$11

$25

$56

How much do underground locator jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 4, 2026, the average hourly pay for underground locator in Alberta is $25.14, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.42 and $30.29 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is an underground locator?

Underground Locators are professionals who use specialized equipment to detect and map underground utilities such as gas, water, electric, and telecommunications lines. Their work ensures that construction or excavation projects do not accidentally damage these hidden utilities, which can cause safety hazards and service disruptions. Locators interpret site plans, mark utility paths on the ground, and often communicate with contractors or property owners to provide accurate information. This role requires attention to detail, technical skills, and knowledge of safety protocols.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an underground locator?

To thrive as an Underground Locator, you need knowledge of utility mapping, safe excavation practices, and typically a high school diploma or equivalent. Familiarity with electromagnetic locating equipment, GPS devices, and sometimes certifications like NULCA or OSHA safety training are commonly expected. Attention to detail, problem-solving skills, and effective communication help you accurately interpret site plans and coordinate with contractors. These abilities are crucial for preventing utility damage, ensuring safety, and maintaining operational efficiency on construction sites.

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

Underground Locators often encounter challenges such as interpreting outdated or inaccurate utility maps, dealing with adverse weather conditions, and identifying utilities in congested or high-traffic areas. To overcome these obstacles, locators rely on advanced detection equipment, thorough training, and effective communication with utility companies and site personnel. Maintaining up-to-date certifications and following safety protocols also help ensure accuracy and minimize potential risks while on the job.

What is the difference between Underground Locator vs Utility Locator?

AspectUnderground LocatorUtility Locator
CertificationsOSHA safety training, industry-specific certificationsOSHA safety training, industry-specific certifications
Work EnvironmentUnderground construction sites, utility corridorsUnderground utility lines, construction zones
Employer & Industry UsageConstruction, telecommunications, energy sectorsUtility companies, construction firms, telecom providers
Search & Comparison IntentUnderstanding roles, certifications, and job dutiesSimilar roles, job requirements, and industry standards

Underground Locator and Utility Locator roles often overlap, with both requiring safety training and working in underground environments. However, Underground Locators typically focus on identifying and marking underground infrastructure during construction projects, while Utility Locators may have a broader scope, including locating various utility lines for maintenance or repair. Both roles are essential in ensuring safety and accuracy in underground work.

How do you become an underground locator?

To become an underground locator, individuals typically need a high school diploma or equivalent, followed by specialized training in underground utility detection. Certification in using tools like ground-penetrating radar or electromagnetic locators can improve job prospects, and on-the-job experience is often required to develop skills in identifying underground utilities safely and accurately.

Is an underground utility locator a good job?

An underground utility locator is a skilled trade that involves detecting and marking underground pipes and cables using specialized tools and techniques. It offers steady employment, often requires certifications, and can involve outdoor work in various weather conditions. The job can be physically demanding but provides opportunities for career advancement in the utility and construction industries.

What are popular job titles related to Underground Locator jobs in Alberta?

For Underground Locator jobs in Alberta, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Underground Locator jobs in Alberta look for?

The top searched job categories for Underground Locator jobs in Alberta are:

Underground Locator jobs near you
Infographic showing various Underground Locator job openings in Alberta as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $52,295 per year, or $25.1 per hour.

Underground Line Locator (ALP)

Grizzlytrek Group

Edmonton, AB • On-site

CA$30 - CA$40/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life

Posted 8 days ago

Job description

Underground Line Locator (ALP) | $30 to $40/hr | Alberta
Alberta | Full-Time, Year-Round | $30.00 to $40.00 per hour to start
Telecommunications / Utility Locating | Experienced, ALP Certified | Year-Round Field Work
Hiring now. Certified locators are being interviewed this week.
GrizzlyTrek is hiring certified ALP underground line locators to join our valued client's team on telecommunications projects across Alberta. Full time, year round, $30.00 to $40.00 an hour to start based on experience. You locate and mark buried facilities ahead of fibre and conduit crews, and your ALP certification is what gets you the interview.

At a Glance
Pay$30.00 to $40.00 per hour to start, based on experiencePosition TypeFull-Time, year-roundLocationAlberta, rural and off-highway project sitesScheduleDay shift, 10 to 12 hour days. Weekend and away-from-home work as projects require.OvertimeAvailable based on project requirementsExperienceVerifiable line locating experience in telecommunications, pipeline or utility workCertificationALP locator certification (Utility Safety Partners), Ground Disturbance Level II, H2S Alive, Standard First AidLicenceClass 5 with a clean three year driver's abstractStartImmediate
The Work
Rural, off highway work: road allowance, highway right of way and rural corridors where fibre and conduit are going into the ground. You walk the route ahead of the plow, trencher and directional drill, locate every buried facility that crosses or parallels the build, and mark it so the crew digs without a strike. Access is by truck, UTV or snowmobile, and a normal day can mean 5 to 15 km on foot. It runs all year, July heat and January frost line included.
What You'll Do
  • Locate and mark buried telecom, power, gas, pipeline and water facilities ahead of construction crews using electromagnetic locating equipment
  • Sweep the route, confirm crossings and depths, and support hand exposure before any ground disturbance
  • Read utility maps, as-builts, site plans, legal land descriptions and client drawings
  • Complete locate reports, sketches, photos and daily paperwork accurately and on time
  • Drive a half ton with a light duty trailer, run a UTV or snowmobile into remote sites, and keep the equipment and vehicle maintained
  • Take part in hazard assessments and tailgate meetings, and hold the site to Ground Disturbance requirements
What You Bring
  • Current ALP locator certification through Utility Safety Partners, and verifiable line locating experience
  • Ground Disturbance Level II, H2S Alive and Standard First Aid, all current
  • Valid Class 5 licence with a clean three year abstract, and comfortable towing a light duty trailer
  • Confident with mapping software, legal land descriptions and utility drawings
  • Fit to walk 5 to 15 km a day in any weather, and available for long days, weekends and time away from home
  • Able to pass a pre-employment drug and alcohol screening
Nice to Have
  • Buried Facility Training, and experience around lease sites, batteries, satellites and pipeline right of ways
  • ATV, UTV or snowmobile rider certification, or solid riding experience
  • Time locating on fibre or conduit builds, and GPS or GIS based field reporting
Why Locators Take This Job
Year round work, not a spring to freeze up contract that leaves you hunting for winter hours. The range is posted at $30.00 to $40.00 and where you start comes down to your certification and the locating you can verify, not a number talked down after the interview. On a telecom build the locator keeps the plow moving and the crew safe, and good locators do not sit on the bench.
Pay is a gross hourly rate before deductions.
What We Offer
  • $30.00 to $40.00 per hour to start, based on experience and qualifications
  • Year-round work, with overtime based on project requirements
  • Life insurance plus AD&D with critical illness and cancer coverage
  • Extended health: drugs, hospital, vision, and paramedical including mental health
  • Dental coverage, including orthodontic coverage for children
  • Travel insurance, plus ongoing training and career development support
About GrizzlyTrek
GrizzlyTrek Group is a Technical Workforce and Indigenous Employment Partner. We recruit skilled trades across Canada's industrial sector and place them with reputable employers offering long term work, fair pay, and room to advance. We welcome applications from all qualified candidates and proudly support Indigenous employment.
Apply

ALP certified and want locating work that runs all year? Apply today at www.grizzlytrekgroup.com or send your resume and current certifications to hr@grizzlytrekgroup.com. Qualified candidates will be contacted quickly.
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