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Underground Utility Contractor Jobs in Michigan (NOW HIRING)

Service duties include observing, locating, marking, and documenting underground and exposed ... Communication with management team, contractor and utility customer to ensure a damage free ...

MI- Utility Locate Technician

Ionia, MI · On-site

$18 - $24.50/hr

Service duties include observing, locating, marking, and documenting underground and exposed ... Communication with management team, contractor and utility customer to ensure a damage free ...

MI- Utility Locate Technician

Ann Arbor, MI · On-site

$19.50 - $26.75/hr

Service duties include observing, locating, marking, and documenting underground and exposed ... Communication with management team, contractor and utility customer to ensure a damage free ...

We are America's leader in underground utility damage prevention and advanced infrastructure ... Interact with utility representatives, contractors, property owners, and/or teammates to coordinate ...

We are America's leader in underground utility damage prevention and advanced infrastructure ... Interact with utility representatives, contractors, property owners, and/or teammates to coordinate ...

We are America's leader in underground utility damage prevention and advanced infrastructure ... Interact with utility representatives, contractors, property owners, and/or teammates to coordinate ...

We are America's leader in underground utility damage prevention and advanced infrastructure ... Interact with utility representatives, contractors, property owners, and/or teammates to coordinate ...

We are America's leader in underground utility damage prevention and advanced infrastructure ... Interact with utility representatives, contractors, property owners, and/or teammates to coordinate ...

We are America's leader in underground utility damage prevention and advanced infrastructure ... Interact with utility representatives, contractors, property owners, and/or teammates to coordinate ...

Locate Technician

Jackson, MI · On-site

$19 - $27/hr

Service duties include observing, locating, marking, and documenting underground and exposed ... Communication with management team, contractor and utility customer to ensure a damage free ...

Showing results 41-60

Underground Utility Contractor information

How to become an underground utility contractor?

To become an underground utility contractor, you typically need a combination of relevant experience in excavation and utility installation, a valid contractor's license, and knowledge of safety regulations. Many contractors start as laborers or apprentices to gain skills before obtaining necessary certifications and licenses required in their region.

What does an underground utility contractor do?

As an underground utility contractor, your job is to help install and repair sewer and water lines. In this role, you may participate in the excavation of land for pipes, install temporary pipes to minimize disruptions while installing permanent lines, and help address urgent problems like water main breaks. An underground utility contractor usually works on a temporary basis, either helping for a fixed period or the duration of a single project. Contracts may be extended based on the needs of the employer, and many contractors work to form relationships with various utility companies in the area to ensure a steady supply of jobs. This job occasionally involves working around hazardous materials, such as gas pipes or exposed sewage.

What are some common challenges faced by underground utility contractors on job sites?

Underground utility contractors often encounter challenges such as unexpected utility line locations, varying soil conditions, and inclement weather, all of which can impact project timelines and safety. Coordinating with multiple teams, including engineers, inspectors, and local authorities, is essential to ensure that installations are accurate and compliant with regulations. Staying updated on the latest safety protocols and using advanced detection equipment can help mitigate risks and prevent costly delays.

What is an underground utility contractor?

Underground utility contractors are specialized professionals or companies responsible for installing, maintaining, and repairing utility lines that run below the ground, such as water, sewer, gas, electric, and telecommunications lines. They use a range of equipment and techniques to safely excavate, lay pipes or cables, and restore the surface area upon completion. Their work is essential to ensure the safe and reliable delivery of vital services to homes, businesses, and public infrastructure. These contractors must adhere to strict safety regulations and often coordinate with municipalities, utility companies, and other construction professionals.

What is the difference between Underground Utility Contractor vs Excavation Worker?

AspectUnderground Utility ContractorExcavation Worker
CredentialsLicenses, certifications in utility installationBasic OSHA training, possibly some excavation certifications
Work EnvironmentUnderground sites, utility lines, trenchesOpen trenches, construction sites, surface excavation
Industry UsageUtility installation, infrastructure projectsGeneral excavation, site preparation

Underground Utility Contractors focus on installing and repairing underground utilities like water, sewer, and electrical lines, often requiring specialized certifications. Excavation Workers perform general digging and site preparation, sometimes assisting utility work but with broader responsibilities. While both roles involve excavation, the utility contractor specializes in underground infrastructure, making their skills and certifications more specific to utility projects.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an underground utility contractor, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Underground Utility Contractor, you need strong knowledge of construction practices, blueprint reading, and regulatory compliance, often supported by relevant certifications or a background in civil engineering or construction management. Familiarity with heavy machinery, utility locating equipment, and safety systems such as OSHA protocols is essential. Strong problem-solving skills, teamwork, and effective communication help manage complex projects and coordinate with crews and clients. These skills and qualifications are crucial to ensure safe, efficient installation and maintenance of underground utilities while minimizing project risks and delays.
What are popular job titles related to Underground Utility Contractor jobs in Michigan? For Underground Utility Contractor jobs in Michigan, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Underground Utility Contractor jobs in Michigan look for? The top searched job categories for Underground Utility Contractor jobs in Michigan are:
Infographic showing various Underground Utility Contractor job openings in Michigan as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 97% Full Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution.

MI- Utility Locate Technician

GridHawk LLC

Howell, MI • On-site

$19 - $27/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 22 days ago


GridHawk rating

7.5

Company rating: 7.5 out of 10

Based on 21 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz


Job description

Utility Locate Technician

Utility Locate Technicians are responsible for accurately locating underground facilities including, electric power lines, gas lines, fiber optic lines (minimal). This position is a key component to ensure that the area is complying with client and state requirements. Service duties include observing, locating, marking, and documenting underground and exposed utility locations. Understanding of doing so, using multiple methods is required. Locating technician will be dispatched to locate and verify for utility customer. Technician can work independently or in a team environment, in both circumstances’ technician will work under assigned supervisor. Ability to perform this job takes focus, skill, and the use of machinery and/or tools. GridHawk LLC is an equal opportunity employer. All employees can advance within the company, based on performance.
***In order to obtain employment with GridHawk LLC, candidate MUST complete a background check. Company policy requires no violations within the last 5 years.
Candidates MUST also take and pass a DOT drug test. ***
All employees of GridHawk LLC, are assigned proper technology and work vehicles in order to perform all work-related duties.
We will provide you the tools you need to achieve including:
  • Company vehicle, laptop and smartphone
  • All personal protective equipment provided
Duties will include, but are not limited to:
  • Locates underground facilities by using a transmitter and hooking up to a buried facility, pedestal etc.
  • Works in and walks over all types of terrain in and around construction zones and residential, commercial, industrial and rural areas in all types of weather conditions.
  • Interprets job order tickets, blueprints and maps to efficiently route and perform duties.
  • Performs locates and emergency/on-call locates during regular, overtime and holiday hours as necessary to meet customer needs.
  • Performs all work in a timely, professional and efficient manner while effectively communicating and interacting with customers, co-employees and third parties
  • Communication with management team, contractor and utility customer to ensure a damage free environment
  • Knowledge of technology and tools needed
  • Ability to work with others and in a supervised team environment
Qualifications:
  • High School Diploma or equivalency (GED)
  • State issued driver's license
  • Ability to problem solve
  • Ability to read, interpret, and decipher multiple types of prints
  • Ability to lift over 50lbs
  • Ability to walk/stand for multiple hours a day
  • Excellent communication skills needed
  • Ability to read and interpret prints at a high level
  • Pass a Background screening (no violations within the last 5 years)
  • Pass a DOT drug test
All employees are eligible to receive some form of company benefits. Some benefits (including health insurance) are available to regular, full-time employees who maintain an average of 30 hours worked per week. Qualifying employees can enjoy paid holidays and PTO. All benefits will be available the first of the next month following 30 days of employment.
Benefits for full-time employees include:
  • Health Insurance
  • Dental Insurance
  • Term life Insurance
  • Short-Term Disability
  • Long-Term Disability
  • Vision Insurance
  • Flexible Benefits Plan
  • 401(k) Savings Plan (Matched by the company)
Job Type: Full-time
Job Type: Full-time
Benefits:
  • 401(k)
  • 401(k) matching
  • Dental insurance
  • Flexible spending account
  • Health insurance
  • Health savings account
  • Life insurance
  • Paid time off
  • Vision insurance
Schedule:
  • 10-hour shift
  • Monday to Friday
  • On call
  • Weekends as needed
Education:
  • High school or equivalent (Required)
Experience:
  • Computer skills: 1 year (Preferred)
  • Utility Locating: 1 year (Preferred)
License/Certification:
  • Driver's License (Required)
Work Location: On the road

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