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Underground Utility Locate Jobs in Baton Rouge, LA

Utility Locator

Baton Rouge, LA ยท Remote

$20 - $23/hr

Searches for underground utilities in an area, properly marks the location, and fulfils the necessary paperwork to complete the Locate. * Operates the locator system (sub-site and handheld) for ...

Underground Utility Locate information

See Baton Rouge, LA salary details

$11

$15

$22

How much do underground utility locate jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 5, 2026, the average hourly pay for underground utility locate in Baton Rouge, LA is $15.71, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $13.12 and $16.39 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is an underground utility locator?

Underground utility locators are professionals who use specialized equipment to detect and mark the location of buried utilities like water, gas, electric, and telecommunication lines. Their work is essential to prevent damage during excavation or construction projects, ensuring safety and compliance with regulations. Locators interpret utility maps, use electromagnetic equipment, and often work outdoors in various weather conditions. Their accurate markings help protect infrastructure and the public from dangerous utility strikes.

What skills and qualifications are needed to be an underground utility locator?

To thrive as an Underground Utility Locator, you need a solid understanding of utility systems, map reading, and safety protocols, often supported by a high school diploma or equivalent. Familiarity with electromagnetic locating equipment, ground-penetrating radar, and GIS mapping software is typically required. Attention to detail, strong communication, and problem-solving skills help locators work accurately and safely with construction crews and property owners. These abilities are crucial to prevent utility damage, ensure personal and public safety, and maintain efficient project timelines.

What challenges do underground utility locators face and how can they be addressed?

Underground Utility Locators often encounter challenges such as interpreting unclear or outdated utility maps, working in adverse weather conditions, and navigating high-traffic or construction areas. To address these, locators rely on advanced equipment, thorough training, and effective communication with contractors and utility companies. Staying up-to-date with best practices and safety protocols helps minimize errors and ensures that buried utilities are accurately identified to prevent costly or dangerous incidents.

What is the difference between Underground Utility Locate vs Cable Locator?

AspectUnderground Utility LocateCable Locator
CertificationsOSHA safety training, utility locating certificationsOSHA safety training, cable locating certifications
Work EnvironmentOutdoor, underground utility sitesIndoor/outdoor, cable installation sites
Industry UsageConstruction, public works, utility companiesTelecom, cable TV, internet providers
Job FocusDetecting underground utilities to prevent damageLocating underground or overhead cables for installation or repair

Underground Utility Locate specialists focus on identifying underground utilities like gas, water, and electrical lines to prevent damage during construction. Cable Locators primarily find underground or overhead communication and cable lines for installation or maintenance. While both roles involve locating underground infrastructure, their specific focus and industry applications differ, making each essential for different sectors within the utility and telecommunications industries.

How to become an underground utility locate?

To become an underground utility locator, individuals typically need a high school diploma or equivalent, followed by on-the-job training or technical courses in utility mapping, construction, or surveying. Certification in underground utility locating and familiarity with tools like ground-penetrating radar or electromagnetic locators can improve job prospects; some employers also require safety training and knowledge of local regulations.

Is an underground utility locate a good job?

Underground utility locate is a skilled trade involving identifying and marking underground pipes and cables to prevent damage during construction. It offers steady employment, requires knowledge of safety protocols, and often involves certifications such as OSHA training. The job environment can be physically demanding and may require working outdoors in various weather conditions.

What are the most commonly searched types of Underground Utility Locate jobs in Baton Rouge, LA?

The most popular types of Underground Utility Locate jobs in Baton Rouge, LA are:

What job categories do people searching Underground Utility Locate jobs in Baton Rouge, LA look for?

The top searched job categories for Underground Utility Locate jobs in Baton Rouge, LA are:

Infographic showing various Underground Utility Locate job openings in Baton Rouge, LA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 88% Full Time, 7% Part Time, 2% Temporary, 2% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 77% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 21% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $32,676 per year, or $15.7 per hour.

Utility Locator

CABLESOUTH MEDIA III LLC

Saint Francisville, LA โ€ข Remote

$16.50 - $20.50/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 21 days ago


Job description


Job Title: Utility Locator

Department


FLSA Classification


EEO Classification

Last Modified

Operations


Non-Exempt


Technicians

04/23/2025

Job Summary:


Responsible for the correct, safe, and efficient identifying, locating, and protecting of underground network facilities. Ensures clear and complete network identification for the excavator or property owner.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities:

  • Searches for underground utilities in an area, properly marks the location, and fulfils the necessary paperwork to complete the Locate.
  • Operates the locator system (sub-site and handheld) for installation of underground telecommunications cable conduit, including fiber optic cable.
  • Ensures safety of the public and other utilities underground facilities.
  • Ensures all applicable permits and locates are complete and on site.
  • Ensures safety standards and guidelines are followed on the jobsite and that all safety codes are met.
  • Schedules and coordinates projects in logical steps and budgets the time necessary to meet each deadline on locate tickets. 
  • Prepares and submits material requests in order to meet daily operational needs while maintaining equipment and material inventory.
  • Ensures adherence to the budget and, when unexpected complications or issues arise, makes quick and necessary adjustments.
  • Collaborates with supervisory staff, contractors, and design professionals to discuss and resolve problems, including work procedures, complaints, and construction or design issues.
  • Manages and leads actions that are necessary due to delays, bad weather, or emergencies.
  • Develops and maintains good working relationships with a variety of people, including owners, managers, designers, supervisors, contractors, tradespersons, and craft workers. 
  • Communicates with landowners to resolve issues that arise in easements and on private property.
  • Builds and maintains relationships with the community and officials.
  • Attends Safety Meetings.
  • Maintains vehicle and tools issued by the Company at all times.
  • Other duties as assigned.


Job Qualifications:

  • 3+ years of telecommunications experience required.
  • 3+ years of experience utilizing geophysical multi-frequency locate equipment in the underground utility locating industry such as for a contract utility locating firm and/or a major utility company.
  • Safety Training including electrical clearances, OSHA-12, traffic control, bucket truck safety, and ladder safety required.
  • Ability to travel up to 90%.
  • Ability to work long hours involving overtime and weekends, as necessary.
  • Ability to respond to the needs of a 24/7/365 operation.
  • Must be able to work emergency schedules during natural disasters and network outages.
  • Individuals must have a valid driver's license and clean driving record meeting the company and insurance policy conditions.


Skills:

  • Excellent verbal and written communication.
  • Critical thinking.
  • Service orientation.
  • Complex analysis, troubleshooting, and problem solving.
  • Sound judgment and decision making.
  • Excellent organizational abilities. 
  • Time management.
  • Proficient in Google Suite or related software. 
  • Thorough understanding of contracts, plans, specifications, and regulations. 
  • Ability to remain flexible and efficient in a fast-paced environment.
  • Ability to make intelligent and quick decisions and work well under pressure when faced with unexpected occurrences or delays.
  • Ability to effectively multitask while analyzing and solving problems.
  • Thorough understanding of engineering, architectural, and other construction drawings.
  • Ability to lift up to 50 pounds several times a day.
  • Overhead lifting of over 20 pounds.
  • Must be able to stand for long periods of time on varied surfaces.
  • Position requires working outdoors in all types of weather.
  • Ability to climb and work at elevations (i.e., ladders, poles, lift trucks) exceeding 18 feet.
  • Ability to work in confined spaces (i.e., attics, crawl spaces, utility holes).

Physical Requirements 

This is a physically demanding, Medium position requiring prolonged standing and walking; frequent bending, kneeling, squatting, twisting, reaching, climbing, lifting, carrying, pushing, and pulling; the ability to work at elevated heights and on uneven terrain; and the ability to safely operate tools, equipment, ladders, and vehicles. The position requires working outdoors in varying and sometimes extreme weather conditions and may involve work in remote locations.

Post-Offer Physical Assessment

Due to the physical demands of this position, all candidates who receive a conditional offer of employment will be required to successfully complete a post-offer, pre-placement functional capacity evaluation to verify their ability to safely perform the essential physical functions of the job.

Swyft Fiber is an Equal Opportunity Employer. This position is safety-sensitive and subject to applicable drug and alcohol testing requirements, including DOT regulations where applicable.

Disclaimer

This job description describes the general nature and level of work performed by employees in this position. It is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties, responsibilities, qualifications, skills, or working conditions. Additional duties and responsibilities may be assigned by management based on business and operational needs.

The Company reserves the right to modify this job description as business needs change.