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Utility Damage Prevention Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Knowledge of utility construction, damage prevention regulations, Tennessee 811 processes, DIRT reporting, utility locating and marking practices, GIS systems, and mapping workflows. Knowledge of ...

Damage Prevention Supervisor

Auburn, NH · On-site

$53K - $72K/yr

The Damage Prevention Supervisor is responsible for overseeing daily utility locating operations and ensuring high levels of accuracy, safety, and regulatory compliance across assigned markets. This ...

As leaders in the utility industry concentrating, on quality and safety, RECONN is looking for ... Our Damage Prevention Technicians are responsible for sites in which excavations are being ...

This positionwillhavesomepreviousexperience locating underground utilities and will have theabilityto operate with amoderatedegree of independence. Zayo is seeking Damage Prevention Technicians ...

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Utility Damage Prevention information

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$10

$19

$32

How much do utility damage prevention jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 26, 2026, the average hourly pay for utility damage prevention in the United States is $19.73, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.14 and $22.36 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is utility damage prevention?

Utility Damage Prevention is the practice of protecting underground utility lines—such as gas, water, electric, and telecommunications—from accidental damage during construction or excavation activities. Professionals in this field use a combination of planning, utility locating, and best practices to ensure that digging projects do not disrupt essential services or pose safety hazards. This work is crucial for public safety and to prevent costly repairs and service outages. Utility Damage Prevention often involves collaboration with utility companies, contractors, and regulatory agencies.

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

To excel as a Utility Damage Prevention Specialist, you typically need strong knowledge of utility locating techniques, safety regulations, and a high school diploma or equivalent, often complemented by specialized training or certification such as NULCA locator certification. Familiarity with electromagnetic locating equipment, GIS mapping systems, and work order management software is crucial. Attention to detail, effective communication, and problem-solving abilities help professionals accurately identify underground utilities and work safely with contractors and the public. These skills are essential to prevent costly utility damages, ensure public safety, and maintain uninterrupted service.

What are some common challenges faced by utility damage prevention specialists in the field?

Utility Damage Prevention specialists often encounter challenges such as accurately locating underground utilities in varied terrain, coordinating with multiple contractors on tight timelines, and managing unexpected site conditions like unmarked utilities. Effective communication and attention to detail are crucial, as mistakes can lead to costly damages or safety hazards. Teamwork is essential, since specialists regularly collaborate with construction crews, utility companies, and municipal authorities to ensure safe excavation practices.

What is the difference between Utility Damage Prevention vs Utility Locating Technician?

AspectUtility Damage PreventionUtility Locating Technician
CredentialsTypically requires safety training, industry certificationsRequires locates certifications, safety training
Work EnvironmentFieldwork involving safety protocols, damage prevention planningFieldwork focused on locating underground utilities
Industry UsageUsed across construction, excavation, infrastructure projectsPrimarily in utility companies, excavation support
Search & Comparison IntentUnderstanding damage prevention strategiesLocating underground utilities accurately

Utility Damage Prevention focuses on strategies and measures to avoid damaging underground utilities during construction or excavation. Utility Locating Technicians specialize in physically identifying and marking underground utilities to prevent damage. While both roles work to protect utilities, Damage Prevention emphasizes planning and safety protocols, whereas Locating Technicians focus on the technical process of locating utilities.

More about Utility Damage Prevention jobs
Infographic showing various Utility Damage Prevention job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% As Needed, 70% Full Time, 25% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $41,029 per year, or $19.7 per hour.

Damage Prevention Coordinator

MLGW

Memphis, TN • On-site

$98K/yr

Full-time

Posted 8 days ago


Job description

JOB PURPOSE
The Damage Prevention Coordinator will be responsible for leading MLGW's Damage Prevention Program for electric,
water, and natural gas operations by developing and administering procedures, training, public awareness initiatives,
and stakeholder engagement activities that reduce utility damages, improve locate performance, and enhance public
and employee safety. Serves as the primary liaison with excavators, contractors, regulatory agencies, Tennessee 811,
public officials, and internal departments to ensure compliance with applicable regulations and industry standards while
supporting continuous improvement through training, field coaching, and incident review. ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:
Lead and continuously improve MLGW's Damage Prevention and Natural Gas Public Awareness Programs. Develop,
implement, and maintain program procedures, performance metrics, and compliance initiatives. Coordinate with internal
departments to support damage prevention activities, records management, training, and operational effectiveness.
Monitor and interpret applicable state and federal damage prevention regulations. Administer locator and damage
prevention training programs. Provide field support, guidance, and coaching for damage investigations, construction
activities, and safe excavation practices. Maintain and update procedures related to locating, marking, ticket
management, and mapping discrepancies. Serve as the primary liaison with Tennessee 811, excavators, contractors,
emergency officials, public officials, and the community. Promote compliance with One-Call requirements through
outreach, education, and stakeholder engagement. Support public awareness initiatives and represent MLGW at
industry and community events. Develop and maintain performance dashboards, reports, and key performance
indicators.
Conduct data quality reviews, monitor damage trends, and support incident reporting and regulatory compliance
activities. Assist with audit readiness and compliance with applicable safety regulations. Evaluate and implement
improvements to ticket management systems, field technology, and damage prevention processes. Coordinate with GIS
and Records personnel to improve mapping accuracy, records access, and discrepancy resolution workflows. Perform
other duties as directed or assigned.
LICENSES AND CERTIFICATIONS
Must have a valid driver's license from the state of residence.:
EDUCATION
Bachelor's degree in safety engineering, Construction Management, or related field.
EXPERIENCE
Experience applying safety, construction, utility, or operational practices in field environments, including training delivery
and program coordination. Knowledge of utility construction, damage prevention regulations, Tennessee 811 processes,
DIRT reporting, utility locating and marking practices, GIS systems, and mapping workflows. Knowledge of utility
damage prevention, safe excavation practices, and applicable safety regulations. Ability to analyze data, develop
procedures and training, communicate effectively with diverse stakeholders, and support continuous improvement
initiatives. Demonstrated skills in program management, regulatory compliance, stakeholder engagement, safety
leadership, problem-solving, decision-making, collaboration, and independent judgment in a dynamic operational environment.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
Preferred competencies include program management, continuous improvement, stakeholder engagement, safety
leadership, regulatory compliance, analytical problem-solving, operational decision-making, and collaborative
relationship building. Proper use and maintenance of assigned personal protective equipment (PPE). Completion of
required MLGW safety and compliance training programs. Completion of Traffic Awareness training and other applicable
operational safety training. OSHA 30-Hour certification or equivalent training preferred. Physical Demands: Requires
frequent walking and travel in construction and outdoor environments, occasional lifting of up to 25 pounds, and the
ability to respond to after-hours, emergency, and on-call situations as needed.
THIS LIST OF ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS IS NOT EXHAUSTIVE AND MAY BE SUPPLEMENTED AS NECESSARY.