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Utility Damage Investigator information

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$32K

$75.3K

$131K

How much do utility damage investigator jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 10, 2026, the average yearly pay for utility damage investigator in the United States is $75,325.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $52,500.00 and $98,500.00 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, and why are they important?

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.

More about Utility Damage Investigator jobs
What cities are hiring for Utility Damage Investigator jobs? Cities with the most Utility Damage Investigator job openings:
What states have the most Utility Damage Investigator jobs? States with the most job openings for Utility Damage Investigator jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Utility Damage Investigator jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Utility Damage Investigator jobs are:
Utility Damage Investigator jobs near you
Infographic showing various Utility Damage Investigator job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 86% Full Time, and 14% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $75,325 per year, or $36.2 per hour.

Field Claims Investigator

Phoenix Loss control

Abernathy, TX • On-site

$20/hr

Part-time, Contractor

Posted 11 days ago

Job description

Job Type: Contract
Workplace Type: Hybrid (50% remote, 50% fieldwork)
Compensation: $20/hr plus $.50/mi

COMPANY OVERVIEW

Phoenix Loss Control (PLC) is a US-based business services provider in the cable, telecom, and utilities sector. PLC’s core service is outside plant damage investigation, recovery, and prevention. Across the US and parts of Canada, we help our clients recover the costs of third-party damage to their infrastructure, such as underground fiber optic or gas lines. PLC currently employs over 140 people, servicing some of the largest cable and telecoms operators (e.g., Comcast, Spectrum, AT&T, and Google). PLC is currently aggressively expanding its business and looking for talented and energetic people to bring onboard to help drive growth. 

POSITION SUMMARY

Outside Plant Damage (OPD) costs our clients over 30 million annually. Field investigators are needed to collect, access, and report these damages. This is a part-time, on-call contract job to help support our clients with damage recovery. For our field investigators, each day and every investigation is different. We need inquisitive, self-driven individuals who are comfortable rolling up their sleeves and working in a constantly changing, dynamic environment. 

Duties

  • Conduct on-site field investigations 
  • Write detailed but concise investigation reports using diverse sources of information, types of evidence, witness statements, and costing estimates 
  • Develop and maintain comprehensive knowledge of local and state statutes, laws, and regulations for underground and aerial cables and utility service lines 
  • Remain prepared and willing to respond to damage calls within a timely manner 
  • Complete damage investigations within 7 days and then work with and support our claims managers to complete the investigation and begin the recovery process 
  • Respond to damages same day if received during business hours (if not, first response following day)
  • Accurately record all time, mileage, and other associated specific items 

Requirements

  • Interpersonal skills to gather information and conduct field interviews with involved parties including contractors and technicians, witnesses, law enforcement, and possible damagers 
  • Smartphone to gather photos, videos, and other information while conducting investigations 
  • Computer, with high-speed internet access, to upload and download reports, research cases, and to interact with our claims system and other databases and portals 
  • Exceptional attention to detail and strong written and verbal communication skills 
  • Proven ability to operate independently and prioritize while adhering to timelines 
  • Strong and objective analytical skills 
  • Valid driver’s license, current insurance, and reliable vehicle with ability to respond to damages at any time 
  • Safety vest, work boots, and hard-hat 

Preferred Qualifications and Skills

  • Current or previous telecommunication or utility experience 
  • Knowledge of underground utility locating procedures and systems 
  • Investigation, inspection, or claims/field adjusting 
  • Criminal justice, legal, or military training or work experience 
  • Engineering, infrastructure construction, or maintenance background 
  • Remote location determined at discretion of investigations manager

 This is a contract position. There are no benefits offered with this position.