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Utility Damage Investigator Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

Lead Locate Technician

Richmond, VA ยท On-site

$43K - $56K/yr

Troubleshoot complex locate issues and support damage investigations. * Identify recurring problems and recommend long-term solutions. * Ensure accurate and timely marking of underground utilities ...

$20.67 - $25.84/hr

Investigate customer complaints including but not limited to: * No water, no reason investigations ... Inspects AMI and meter connections for defects, damage, and unauthorized connections. OTHER JOB ...

May be delegated the authority to investigate incident reports, damage claims, etc., and to settle ... Furnishes General Foreperson and utility representative with reports of orders completed, units of ...

Foreperson 442

Danville, VA

$26.75 - $34.50/hr

May be delegated the authority to investigate incident reports, damage claims, etc., and to settle ... Furnishes General Foreperson and utility representative with reports of orders completed, units of ...

May be delegated the authority to investigate incident reports, damage claims, etc., and to settle ... Furnishes General Foreperson and utility representative with reports of orders completed, units of ...

May be delegated the authority to investigate incident reports, damage claims, etc., and to settle ... Furnishes General Foreperson and utility representative with reports of orders completed, units of ...

Foreperson 442

Christiansburg, VA ยท On-site

$24.75 - $32/hr

May be delegated the authority to investigate incident reports, damage claims, etc., and to settle ... Furnishes General Foreperson and utility representative with reports of orders completed, units of ...

May be delegated the authority to investigate incident reports, damage claims, etc., and to settle ... Furnishes General Foreperson and utility representative with reports of orders completed, units of ...

Foreperson 442

Blacksburg, VA ยท On-site

$23 - $29.50/hr

May be delegated the authority to investigate incident reports, damage claims, etc., and to settle ... Furnishes General Foreperson and utility representative with reports of orders completed, units of ...

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Showing results 1-20

Utility Damage Investigator information

See Virginia salary details

$31.7K

$74.7K

$129.9K

How much do utility damage investigator jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 4, 2026, the average yearly pay for utility damage investigator in Virginia is $74,678.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $52,000.00 and $97,700.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a utility damage investigator do?

A Utility Damage Investigator is responsible for examining incidents where underground utilities, such as gas, water, or electrical lines, have been damaged during construction or excavation. They gather evidence, interview witnesses, and determine the cause and liability for the damage. Their work helps utility companies and contractors prevent future incidents, improve safety practices, and comply with regulations. Utility Damage Investigators often prepare detailed reports and may assist in legal or insurance claims related to the damages.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a utility damage investigator?

To thrive as a Utility Damage Investigator, you need a strong understanding of utility systems, investigative techniques, and relevant safety regulations, often supported by experience in utility or construction fields. Familiarity with GIS mapping software, incident reporting systems, and sometimes certifications like OSHA safety training are typically required. Strong attention to detail, analytical thinking, and effective communication skills help in gathering evidence and interacting with various stakeholders. These skills are crucial for accurately determining causes of utility damage, ensuring compliance, and promoting public safety.

What are some common challenges utility damage investigators face during field investigations?

Utility Damage Investigators often encounter challenges such as navigating complex or hazardous work sites, accurately identifying the cause of utility damages, and gathering reliable evidence in sometimes adverse weather or limited-access conditions. They must also coordinate with various parties, including contractors, utility companies, and sometimes local authorities, which requires strong communication and organizational skills. Adhering to safety protocols while conducting thorough investigations is essential to ensure accurate reporting and prevent future incidents.

What is the difference between Utility Damage Investigator vs Utility Locator?

AspectUtility Damage InvestigatorUtility Locator
CredentialsTypically requires safety training, industry certifications, and sometimes state licensingOften requires similar safety training and locators' certifications
Work EnvironmentFieldwork involving damage assessment, site inspections, and reportingFieldwork focused on marking underground utilities before excavation
Employer & Industry UsageUsed by utility companies, contractors, and damage prevention agenciesPrimarily employed by utility companies and excavation firms
Search & Comparison IntentUnderstanding roles in damage assessment and investigationFocus on utility location and marking prior to construction

While both roles involve working with utility infrastructure, a Utility Damage Investigator focuses on assessing and investigating utility damages after incidents occur, whereas a Utility Locator specializes in identifying and marking underground utilities before excavation to prevent damage. Both roles require safety training and industry certifications, but their primary responsibilities differ in timing and focus within the utility industry.

What job categories do people searching Utility Damage Investigator jobs in Virginia look for?

The top searched job categories for Utility Damage Investigator jobs in Virginia are:

What cities in Virginia are hiring for Utility Damage Investigator jobs?

Cities in Virginia with the most Utility Damage Investigator job openings:

Infographic showing various Utility Damage Investigator job openings in Virginia as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 85% Full Time, 13% Part Time, 1% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $74,678 per year, or $35.9 per hour.

Safety/Utilities Locator Officer

City of Petersburg, VA

Petersburg, VA โ€ข On-site

$36K - $57K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 5 days ago


Key responsibilities

  • Responds to requests to locate underground utilities (water, sewer, and storm) for the City.

  • Locates and marks utility lines utilizing locating equipment, maps, and plans.

  • Inspects job sites and equipment to ensure they are in compliance with safety standards and regulations.


Job description

Salary : $36,099.15 - $57,709.91 Annually
Location : 1340 E. Washington Street. Petersburg, VA 23803, VA
Job Type: Full-Time
Job Number: 01027
Department: Public Utilities
Opening Date: 01/02/2026
Description
General Description
The purpose of this job within the organization is to locate underground utilities to prevent damage to utility lines or injury to citizens, contractors and employees. This job works under close to general supervision according to set procedures, but determines how or when to complete tasks.
Duties and Responsibilities
The functions listed below are those that represent the majority of the time spent working in this job. Management may assign additional functions related to the type of work of the job as necessary.
Essential Functions
Essential Functions:
Responds to requests to locate underground utilities (water, sewer and storm) for the City.
Outlines the "Miss Utility" program with new construction and home owners.
Inspects job sites and equipment to ensure they are in compliance with safety standards and regulations.
Locates and marks utility lines utilizing locating equipment, maps, and plans.
Manages contractors work and assists with setting utility markings to locate underground utilities.
Enters daily work into the computer to make records and supplies copies of all work.
Provides customer service to assist homeowner's, contractors and citizens with utility issues.
Additional Duties:
Ensures crews adhere to all OSHA safety requirements.
Reads and interprets construction plans, drawings and maps.
Performs related work as assigned.
Responsibilities, Requirements and Impacts Data Responsibility:
Data Responsibility refers to information, knowledge, and conceptions obtained by observation, investigation, interpretation, visualization, and mental creation. Data are intangible and include numbers, words, symbols, ideas, concepts, and oral verbalizations.
Gathers, organizes, analyzes, examines or evaluates data or information and may prescribe action based on these data or information.
People Responsibility:
People include co-workers, workers in other areas or agencies and the general public.
Serves others such as customers, attends to their requests and exchanges information with them.
Asset Responsibility:
Assets responsibility refers to the responsibility for achieving economies or preventing loss within the organization.
Requires minimum responsibility for only small quantities of low cost items or supplies where opportunities for achieving economies or preventing loss are negligible.
Mathematical Requirements:
Mathematics requires the use of symbols, numbers and formulas to solve mathematical problems.
Uses basic addition and subtraction, such as making change or measuring.
Communications Requirements:
Communications involves the ability to read, write, and speak.
Reads technical instructions, procedures manuals and charts to solve practical problems, such as assembly instruction for tools, routine office equipment operating instructions, and methods and procedures for investigations and in drawing and layout work; composes routine reports and specialized reports, forms, and business letters, with proper format; speaks compound sentences using normal grammar and word form.
Judgment Requirements:
Judgment requirements refer to the frequency and complexity of judgments and decisions given the stability of the work environments, the nature and type of guidance, and the breadth of impact of the judgments and decisions.
Responsible for guiding others, requiring frequent decisions, affecting the individual, co-workers and others who depend on the service or product; works in a somewhat fluid environment with rules and procedures, but many variations from the routine.
Complexity of Work:
Complexity addresses the analysis, initiative, ingenuity, concentration and creativity, required by the job and the presence of any unusual pressures present in the job.
Performs semi-routine work, following procedures, with occasional problems; requires normal attention for accurate results.
Impact of Errors:
Impact of errors refers to consequences such as damage to equipment and property, loss of data, exposure of the organization to legal liability, and injury or death for individuals.
The impact of errors is serious - affects most units in organization, and may affect citizens or loss of life and/or damage could occur and probability is likely.
Physical Demands:
Physical demands refer to the requirements for physical exertion and coordination of limb and body movement.
Performs light to medium work that involves walking or standing virtually all of the time and also involves exerting between 20 and 50 pounds of force on a regular and recurring basis or considerable skill, adeptness and speed in the use of the fingers, hands or limbs in tasks involving close tolerances or limits of accuracy.
Equipment Usage:
Equipment usage involves responsibility for materials, machines, tools, equipment, work aids, and products.
Handles or uses computers, tools, equipment or work aids involving little or no latitude for judgment regarding attainment of a standard or in selecting appropriate items.
Unavoidable Hazards:
Unavoidable hazards refer to the job conditions that may lead to injury or health hazards even though precautions have been taken.
Involves routine and frequent exposure to extreme heat and/or cold; wet or humid conditions.
Safety of Others:
Safety of others refers to the level of responsibility for the safety of others, either inherent in the job or to ensure the safety of the general public.
Requires some responsibility for safety and health of others and/or for occasional enforcement of the standards of public safety or health.
Qualifications
Minimum Education and Experience Requirements:
Requires High School graduation or GED equivalent.
Requires two years' experience in utility construction and/or surveying.
An equivalent combination of training and experience (as approved by the department) may be used to meet the minimum qualifications of the position.
Special Certifications and Licenses:
Valid Virginia Driver's License.
Additional Requirements
The City of Petersburg Values Veterans. We are an official V3 Certified Company.
The City of Petersburg is a proud partner with the US Army Partnership for Your Success PaYS Program
Americans with Disabilities Act Compliance:
The City of Petersburg is an Equal Opportunity Employer. ADA requires the City of Petersburg to provide adequate accommodations to qualified persons with disabilities. Prospective and current employees are encouraged to discuss ADA accommodations with management.
For a summary of Benefits currently being offered by the City of Petersburg for Full-Time Employees Only, please click the following link:
01
10-point compensable veteran. You must have an existing compensable service-connected disability of 10 percent or more. Other 10-point veteran include disabled veteran or a veteran who was awarded the Purple Heart for wound or injuries received in action, veteran's widow or widower who has not remarried, wife or husband of a veteran who has a service-connected disability, widowed, divorced or separated mother of an ex-service son or daughter who died in action, or who is totally and permanently disabled. Do any of these apply?
  • Yes
  • No

02
5-point veteran's must have been discharged under honorable conditions and had one of the following: Active duty in the Armed Forces of the United States, in a war, or during the period 4/28/52 - 7/1/55 or active duty for more than 180 consecutive days other than for training, any part of which occurred during the period beginning 2/1/55 and 10/14/76 or active duty during the Gulf War sometime between 8/2/90 - 1/2/92 or active duty in a campaign or expedition for which a campaign badge has been authorized or active duty for which more than 180 consecutive days other than for training, any part of which occurred during the period beginning 9/11/2001 and ending on the date prescribed by the Presidential proclamation or by the law as the last date of operation Iraqi Freedom. Do any of these apply?
  • Yes
  • No

03
Do you possess a valid Driver's License issued by the Commonwealth of Virginia, or another state with reciprocity?
  • Yes
  • No

04
Are you a City of Petersburg employee?
  • Yes, I am a City of Petersburg employee.
  • No, I am not a City of Petersburg employee.

05
Are you a City of Petersburg employee (full-time or part-time/temporary)?
  • Yes, I am a City of Petersburg employee.
  • No, I am not a City of Petersburg employee

06
Do you have working knowledge of the American with Disabilities Act (ADA) and its applications?
  • Yes, I do have the ability to perform the physical requirements of the position.
  • No, I am unable to perform the physical requirements of the position.

07
Were you referred by US Army PaYS or Virginia Values Veterans V3? If so, please specify which program.
08
Have you previously worked for the City of Petersburg? If so, what department?
Required Question