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Utility Locating Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Identify underground infrastructure using traditional utility locating equipment and industry-standard locating methods such as electromagnetic locating and related technologies * Identify and ...

Conduct utility locating to identify existing underground utilities before excavation. * Collaborate with team members on construction sites to ensure timely project completion. * Perform welding ...

Sewer Orange County CA

Orange, CA ยท On-site

$100K/yr

Conduct utility locating to identify existing underground utilities before excavation. * Collaborate with team members on construction sites to ensure timely project completion. * Perform welding ...

Conduct utility locating to identify existing underground utilities before excavation. * Collaborate with team members on construction sites to ensure timely project completion. * Perform welding ...

Sewer Orange County CA

Orange, CA ยท On-site

$100K/yr

Conduct utility locating to identify existing underground utilities before excavation. * Collaborate with team members on construction sites to ensure timely project completion. * Perform welding ...

General Laborer

Fowler, CA ยท On-site

$15.75 - $19.75/hr

This position supports directional drilling, trenching, conduit installation, potholing, utility locating, restoration, and traffic control operations. The ideal candidate has experience working in ...

This position supports directional drilling, trenching, conduit installation, potholing, utility locating, restoration, and traffic control operations. The ideal candidate has experience working in ...

ROW Technician

Santa Maria, CA ยท On-site

$46 - $58/hr

Working knowledge of utility locating and excavation inspection procedures. * Strong commitment to safety, environmental compliance, and operational excellence. * Basic computer proficiency ...

Showing results 41-60

Utility Locating information

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

To thrive as a Utility Locator, you need a strong understanding of underground utility systems, map reading, and attention to detail, usually supported by a high school diploma or equivalent. Familiarity with electromagnetic locating equipment, GIS mapping software, and safety procedures is typically required, along with certifications such as OSHA safety training. Strong communication, problem-solving abilities, and reliability help you interact effectively with contractors, property owners, and team members. These skills ensure accurate identification and marking of utilities, which is crucial for preventing service interruptions and ensuring job site safety.

What is the difference between Utility Locating vs Pipe Fitting?

AspectUtility LocatingPipe Fitting
Required CredentialsTypically no formal certification, but safety training is commonTrade certifications or technical training required
Work EnvironmentOutdoor, construction sites, utility corridorsIndoor and outdoor, construction sites, industrial facilities
Industry UsageUtility companies, construction, excavationPlumbing, construction, industrial facilities
Common Search/ComparisonUtility Locating vs Pipe FittingUtility Locating vs Pipe Fitting

Utility locating involves identifying underground utilities to prevent damage during excavation, while pipe fitting focuses on installing and repairing piping systems. Both roles are essential in construction and maintenance, but utility locators primarily work outdoors with detection equipment, whereas pipe fitters handle pipe assembly and repair in various environments.

What do you need to become a utility locator?

To become a utility locator, you typically need a high school diploma or equivalent, knowledge of underground utility systems, and training in the use of locating tools such as ground-penetrating radar and electromagnetic detectors. Some employers may require certification or on-the-job training to develop skills in safe and accurate utility detection.

What are some common challenges utility locators face in the field, and how can they be addressed?

Utility locators often work in varied and sometimes unpredictable environments, making it challenging to accurately identify and mark underground utilities, especially in areas with congested or outdated maps. Weather conditions, difficult terrain, and interference from other buried infrastructure can also present obstacles. Effective communication with contractors, property owners, and team members is essential to overcome these challenges, as is using advanced locating equipment and continuously updating one's knowledge of local utility layouts. Ongoing training and adherence to safety protocols help ensure accuracy and reduce the risk of utility strikes.

Is a utility locating a good career?

Utility locating is a skilled trade involving identifying underground utilities using tools like ground-penetrating radar and utility maps. It offers steady employment, often requires certification or training, and can involve outdoor work and safety precautions. The career can be stable and rewarding for those interested in infrastructure and technical work.

What is a utility locator?

Utility locators are professionals who use specialized equipment to identify and mark the location of underground utilities such as gas lines, water pipes, electrical cables, and telecommunications lines. Their main role is to prevent accidental damage during excavation or construction projects by ensuring that workers know where underground infrastructure is buried. This helps protect public safety, prevents costly repairs, and ensures compliance with local regulations. Utility locators often work for private companies, government agencies, or utility providers.

What job categories do people searching Utility Locating jobs in California look for?

The top searched job categories for Utility Locating jobs in California are:

What cities in California are hiring for Utility Locating jobs?

Cities in California with the most Utility Locating job openings:

Infographic showing various Utility Locating job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 85% Full Time, 9% Part Time, 2% Temporary, 2% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 92% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution.

Field Operator - Traditional Locator

Exodigo

Sacramento, CA โ€ข On-site

$33 - $35/hr

Full-time

Posted 28 days ago


Job description

Exodigo is the leading underground mapping solution for non-intrusive discovery. Our platforms combine multi-sensor fusion, 3D imaging, and AI technologies to create complete, accurate underground maps that enable confident decision-making for customers across the built world. We transform the project lifecycle for our customers, who include key community stakeholders in the utilities, transportation and government sectors.

We are experiencing sky-rocketing growth and closed a historically large $96M Series B round in July of 2025.


Job description:

As a Field Operator – Traditional Locator, you play a critical role in scaling Exodigo's growth. Here are some key roles and responsibilities of this job:

  • Operate our underground discovery tools using patented carts and drone (for more information visit www.exodigo.ai)
  • Identify underground assets using advanced technology in a variety of sensors

(Electromagnetic, magnetic, metal, GPR, seismic and more)

  • Identify underground infrastructure using traditional utility locating equipment and industry-standard locating methods such as electromagnetic locating and related technologies
  • Identify and resolve operational issues on site in coordination with R&D and operation managers
  • Document interactions, site information and operation reports in organizational software.
  • An opportunity to work with cutting-edge technology that will revolutionize the construction, transportation and utility industries.



Learn more:

Our mission is to power the next era of underground exploration – saving time, money, lives, and the planet. We are focused, intentional, confident, and hard working. We solve big problems, but we are approachable, open-minded, and love hard questions.

You can learn more about us on our website or check out this short video.

Apply on our careers page, via Linkedin or send your resume to taylor.pomerantz@exodigo.ai


Requirements:
  • 5+ years of experience with traditional utility locating /SUE/ underground utility locating field operations
  • Strong attention to detail
  • Passion for accuracy
  • Must have flexibility in scheduling to meet the needs of the business, including domestic travel across the US (up to 100%)
  • Physically demanding- must be able to stand and walk up to eight hours per day, and work at night shifts at times
  • Able to handle equipment when loading and unloading weighing between 20 and 40 lbs.
  • Driver’s License and the ability to ride in a vehicle up to four hours to travel to and from job sites

The Ideal Candidate

  • Ability to travel domestically to jobs in urban and remote environments across the United States
  • Comfortable with 100% travel
  • Background in earth sciences, engineering, construction or utility mapping is highly desired
  • Technological savvy, ability to troubleshoot technological issues on-site
  • Excellent English – mandatory (read/write/speak)
  • Ability to work in a team-goal-oriented environment.
  • Comfortable working with a global team (U.S, Europe and Israel)
  • Strong organizational, communication, and interpersonal skills
  • Ability to proactively recommend ideas and execute planned activities
  • Experience with industries such as – transportation, utilities, and construction – a plus
  • OSHA 10 Certificate- a plus
  • FAA part 107 drone pilot- a plus

Hourly Rate: $33-35/hr + OT

Schedule: Monday - Friday

Location: Onsite (Phoenix, AZ based preferred). Candidates should reside within a reasonable driving distance of a major airport to support regular travel as needed.

Exodigo encourages applications from qualified candidates of all backgrounds. We are an equal opportunity employer and consider all applicants without regard to characteristics protected under applicable federal, state, or local law, including race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, gender identity, and sexual orientation), national origin, age, disability, genetic information, or veteran status.