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Utility Line Locator Jobs in Arizona (NOW HIRING)

Classified Job Classification: 5800 - Utility Locator Salary Grade: 6 Pay Range Hiring Range: $21 ... sewer line or manhole discrepancies to the appropriate authorities for correction or repair as ...

New

HDD Locator

Phoenix, AZ · On-site

$23.25 - $28.75/hr

Locate utilities with either Digi-track locating systems * Operate equipment, including, but not ... May spend long periods of time driving and/or riding in line construction vehicles to reach remote ...

Utility Locate & Vacuum Excavation Tech

Mesa, AZ · On-site

$16 - $19.75/hr

High school diploma or equivalent * 3 years of line locating experience is preferred * 1-2 years of supervisory experience is preferred * Understanding of underground utility locating and marking ...

Utility Line Locator information

See Arizona salary details

$12

$17

$25

How much do utility line locator jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 16, 2026, the average hourly pay for utility line locator in Arizona is $17.17, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.33 and $17.93 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What challenges do utility line locators face in the field, and how can they be addressed?

Utility Line Locators often encounter challenges such as deciphering incomplete utility maps, dealing with adverse weather conditions, and working in high-traffic or construction zones. Accurate detection requires strong attention to detail and problem-solving skills, especially when utilities are buried deep or are made of materials that are hard to trace. To address these challenges, locators use a combination of advanced detection equipment, thorough site assessments, and clear communication with contractors and property owners to ensure safety and accuracy. Continuous training and adherence to safety protocols are also essential for overcoming these obstacles.

What skills and qualifications are needed to be a utility line locator?

To thrive as a Utility Line Locator, you need a solid understanding of utility systems, map reading, and safety protocols, typically supported by a high school diploma or equivalent. Familiarity with electromagnetic locating equipment, GPS devices, and utility mapping software is commonly required. Attention to detail, strong communication, and problem-solving abilities help you interact effectively with crews and ensure accurate utility detection. These skills are vital to prevent damage, ensure safety, and support efficient infrastructure projects.

What is the difference between Utility Line Locator vs Cable Locator?

AspectUtility Line LocatorCable Locator
CredentialsTypically requires training in underground utility detection, certifications varySimilar certifications, often overlapping with utility locators
Work EnvironmentOutdoor, construction sites, urban and rural areasIndoor and outdoor, including residential and commercial settings
Employer & IndustryConstruction, utility companies, municipal agenciesTelecommunications, cable companies, construction
Search & Comparison IntentIdentifying underground utility lines to prevent damageLocating underground cables for repair or installation

The main difference between a Utility Line Locator and a Cable Locator lies in their primary focus. Utility Line Locators identify various underground utilities like gas, water, and electrical lines, while Cable Locators specifically focus on underground communication and cable lines. Both roles require similar skills and certifications, often working in outdoor environments for construction or maintenance projects. Understanding these distinctions helps in choosing the right professional for your underground utility needs.

Is a utility line locator a good career?

A utility line locator is a skilled trade that involves identifying underground utility lines using specialized tools and knowledge of maps and markings. It offers steady employment opportunities, often requires certification or training, and involves outdoor work in various weather conditions. The career can be stable and essential for construction, excavation, and infrastructure projects.

What is a utility line locator?

Utility Line Locators are professionals who use specialized equipment to detect and mark the location of underground utilities such as water, gas, electric, telecommunications, and sewer lines. Their work is essential to prevent accidental damage during excavation or construction projects. By accurately identifying the position of these utilities, they help ensure safety, minimize service interruptions, and comply with local regulations. Utility Line Locators often work outdoors and must follow safety protocols to avoid hazards.

How to become a utility line locator?

To become a utility line locator, typically one needs a high school diploma or equivalent, followed by on-the-job training or technical courses in underground utility locating. Certification or licensing may be required in some regions, and familiarity with tools like ground-penetrating radar and electromagnetic locators is beneficial.

What are popular job titles related to Utility Line Locator jobs in Arizona?

For Utility Line Locator jobs in Arizona, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Utility Line Locator jobs in Arizona look for?

The top searched job categories for Utility Line Locator jobs in Arizona are:

Infographic showing various Utility Line Locator job openings in Arizona as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 82% Full Time, 13% Part Time, 3% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 93% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $35,709 per year, or $17.2 per hour.

Utility Locator - Transportation

Pimacounty

Tucson, AZ

$21.76 - $25.56/hr

Full-time

Posted 2 days ago

New


Job description

Job Description SummaryDepartment - TransportationJob Description

Job Type: Classified

Job Classification: 5800 - Utility Locator

Salary Grade: 6

Pay Range

Hiring Range: $21.76 - $25.56 Per Hour

Pay Range: $21.76 - $29.36 Per Hour

Range Explanation:

  • Hiring Range is an estimate of where you can receive an offer. The actual salary offer will carefully consider a wide range of factors, including your skills, qualifications, experience, education, licenses, training, and internal equity.

  • Pay Range is the entire compensation range for the position.

The Pima County Department of Transportation is seeking a Utility Locator to accurately identify, mark, and document underground utilities that support the County's signals, lighting, fiber, and future conduit systems. This position offers an excellent opportunity to further develop technical expertise in a specialized and growing trade.

The selected candidate will work four ten-hour shifts, Monday through Thursday, from 6:00 AM to 4:30 PM. Periodic oncall and overtime work including nights, weekends, and holidays will be required.

Essential Functions:

As defined under the Americans with Disabilities Act, this classification may include any of the following tasks, knowledge, skills, and other characteristics. This list is ILLUSTRATIVE ONLY and is not a comprehensive listing of all functions and tasks performed by incumbents of this class. Work assignments may vary depending on the department's need and will be communicated to the applicant or incumbent by the supervisor.

  • Reviews engineering maps, utility drawings, construction plans, base maps, electrical schematics, and other computerized, micro-fiche, or printed reference material to determine precise locations of County-owned, -operated, or -maintained underground utilities;

  • Identifies and marks the physical location and path of underground utilities owned, operated, or maintained by the County within the time constraints provided by state, federal, or other regulatory agencies;

  • Attends and participates in pre-construction meetings and conferences with contractors and private citizens to determine requirements for County utility locator services;

  • Observes all County, state and federal safety regulations and requirements while working on public or private roadways;

  • Communicates policies, procedures and regulatory requirements to contractors and the public regarding utility locator services;

  • Completes appropriate logs, records, work-orders, and tickets to document utility locator services accomplished, as required by County or other regulatory agencies;

  • Conducts internal investigations of damaged, County-owned, operated, or maintained underground utilities and identifies sewer line or manhole discrepancies to the appropriate authorities for correction or repair as required;

  • Performs operator-level servicing and maintenance of equipment and vehicles used to locate and mark underground utilities and arranges for further vehicle maintenance when required;

  • May train or lead other Utility Locators in the procedures and techniques required to locate, identify, record and mark underground utilities.

Minimum Qualifications:

One year of work experience reading and interpreting engineering maps, utility drawings, construction plans, or schematics.

OR:

Six months of experience locating and marking underground utilities.

(18 semester hours of college-level course work from an accredited college, technical trade school or university in engineering, surveying, drafting, blueprint reading, construction, or cartography may substitute for the above work experience requirements.)

Qualifying education and experience must be clearly documented in the "Education" and "Work Experience" sections of the application. Do not substitute a resume for your application or write "see resume" on your application.
Preferred Qualifications: (Be specific in describing your experience in your application. Ensure the descriptions provided illustrate your competencies, specifically addressing the required and preferred qualifications.):

  • Experience locating and marking underground electrical utilities using Radiodetection or equivalent equipment, including proper operation of transmitters and receivers to accurately trace and mark electric utility lines.

  • Experience with reading and interpreting engineering maps, utility drawings, construction plans, base maps, electrical schematics, and related reference materials to determine the locations of underground utilities.

  • Experienced using computer-based ticketing platforms such as Utilisphere or similar systems to receive, track, and respond to Blue Stake requests submitted by excavators.

  • Experience updating and maintaining as-built redline construction plans and electrical schematics to document field discrepancies identified during inspections or construction activities.

  • Experienced accessing underground vaults, pull boxes, poles, and other electrical enclosures to connect and operate locating equipment for identifying and marking underground utilities.

Selection Procedure:
Pima County Human Resources Department reserves the right to admit to the selection process only those candidates that meet the minimum qualifications. All applications will be assessed based on an evaluation of the listed education and experience. Candidates meeting the minimum qualifications may be further evaluated/scored against any advertised Preferred Qualifications. The hiring authority will interview and select the successful candidate from a referral list provided by Human Resources.Additionalassessments/testing may berequiredas part of the selection process.

Supplemental Information:

Licenses and Certificates:Valid driver license isrequiredat time of application.ValidAZdriver license isrequiredat time of appointment. The successful applicant will be subject to a 39-month DOT Motor Vehicle Record review todetermineapplicant's suitability tooperatecounty vehiclesin accordance withPima County administrative procedures. Failure to obtain andmaintainthe required licenses and certifications shall be grounds for termination. Any offer of employment resulting from this recruitment is contingent upon Fleet Services' review and approval of the candidate's driving record.

Special Notice Items: The Countyrequirespre-employment background checks. Successful candidates will receive a post-offer, pre-employment background screening to include verification of work history, education, and criminal conviction history. A prior criminal conviction will not automatically disqualify a candidate from employment with the County.Employees in this classification are routinely required to work at, near, or in busy automotive traffic patterns. Employees in this classification may encounter wildlife such as reptiles (snakes, lizards, etc.) and insects that may pose safety hazards. This position will require apost-job offer physicaland/or drug screen.


Physical/Sensory Requirements:Constantly operates and inspects Blue Stake equipment. Occasionally positions self to use, inspect, clean or repair tools. Constantly observes details at close range. Frequently required to exchange and obtain accurate information. Occasionally moves tools and equipment weighing up to 50 pounds. Frequently operates a motor vehicle safely and legally, in accordance with applicable state and federal transportation laws. Must have valid driver license and clean driving record. Action Activity - bending, climbing, kneeling, reaching, squatting and stooping; Motion Activity - simple and firm grasping, fine movement; Hearing Activity - in noisy areas, on a radio, behind themselves and equipment alarms; Speaking Activity - in person, on the phone, and on a radio; Vision - operate a motor vehicle, operate machinery, operate a forklift/power industrial equipment, distinguish colors, have depth perception, have peripheral vision.

Working Conditions:Occasionally exposed to loud noise levels. Constantly exposed to light to heavy traffic conditions. Occasionally exposed to heavy vehicular construction equipment. Occasionally exposed to walking long distances on streets and rough terrain.

EEO Information:Pima County Government is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer.We are committed to an inclusive and diverse workforce and will not discriminate in employment opportunities or practices on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, age, disability, gender, sexual orientation, kinship, political interest, or any other characteristic protected by law.