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Utility Locating Jobs in Iowa (NOW HIRING)

ForceSource

Dirt Laborer

Des Moines, IA · On-site

$17 - $22/hr

Job SummaryWe are seeking a motivated and dependable Dirt Laborer to join our construction team, focusing on civil infrastructure projects including highway maintenance, utility locating, and site ...

ForceSource

Dirt Laborer

Des Moines, IA · On-site

$17.25 - $22.25/hr

Perform utility locating to identify underground utilities before excavation begins * Follow safety protocols in accordance with FMCSA (Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration) regulations and ...

Blood Hound

Advanced Locate Technician

Des Moines, IA · On-site

$25 - $29/hr

Join the Team That Sets the Standard in Utility Locating Ready to take your career to the next level with a company that truly values integrity, hard work, and growth? Blood Hound is USIC ...

Vannguard Utility Partners

Field Supervisor

Altoona, IA · On-site

$70K/yr

Monday to Friday (10 hours + days, weekends, on-call) About the Role The Field Supervisor oversees the daily operations of underground utility locating teams, ensuring accurate, safe, and efficient ...

Vannguard Utility Partners

Field Supervisor

Ankeny, IA · On-site

$70K/yr

Monday to Friday (10 hours + days, weekends, on-call) About the Role The Field Supervisor oversees the daily operations of underground utility locating teams, ensuring accurate, safe, and efficient ...

GPRS

GPR Project Manager - Davenport, IA

Davenport, IA · On-site

$60 - $80/hr

Your primary focus will be private utility locating and concrete scanning to mitigate the risk of delayed projects and serious injury on site. You'll experience a career where there is no typical day ...

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All JobsUtility Locating JobsUtility Locating Jobs in Iowa

Utility Locating information

See Iowa salary details

$13

$17

$25

How much do utility locating jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 7, 2026, the average hourly pay for utility locating in Iowa is $17.30, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.47 and $18.08 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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 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 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.

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.

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 lead to advancement in construction, excavation, or infrastructure maintenance fields.

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 popular job titles related to Utility Locating jobs in Iowa?

For Utility Locating jobs in Iowa, the most frequently searched job titles are:

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

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

Utility Locating jobs near you
Infographic showing various Utility Locating job openings in Iowa as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 4% As Needed, 84% Full Time, 4% Part Time, 4% Temporary, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $35,992 per year, or $17.3 per hour.

Dirt Laborer

ForceSource

Des Moines, IA • On-site

$17 - $22/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 9 hours ago

Job description

Job SummaryWe are seeking a motivated and dependable Dirt Laborer to join our construction team, focusing on civil infrastructure projects including highway maintenance, utility locating, and site preparation. In this role, you will be an essential part of the crew responsible for assisting with earth-moving activities, operating heavy equipment, and supporting overall site development. Your energetic approach and attention to safety will help ensure smooth project execution from start to finish. This position offers an exciting opportunity to gain hands-on experience working on diverse construction projects in a dynamic environment.ResponsibilitiesAssist with excavation, grading, and site preparation tasks using heavy equipment such as dozers, loaders, backhoes, graders, and front loader trucksSupport the operation of dump trucks for hauling materials and debris across construction sitesConduct manual labor including lifting, shoveling, and moving materials to facilitate project progressPerform utility locating to identify underground utilities before excavation beginsFollow safety protocols in accordance with FMCSA (Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration) regulations and industry best practicesMaintain equipment by performing basic mechanical checks and reporting any issues promptlySupport paving activities and other civil infrastructure tasks as directed by supervisorsExperiencePrior construction experience working on civil infrastructure projects or highway maintenance sites preferredFamiliarity with heavy equipment operation such as dozers, loaders, backhoes, graders, and dump trucks is highly desirableKnowledge of mechanical systems related to construction machinery and basic troubleshooting skillsAbility to perform heavy lifting and manual handling safely for extended periodsUnderstanding of FMCSA regulations relevant to commercial vehicle operation is a plusExperience working on utility locating or underground utility projects is advantageousProven ability to work effectively in a team environment on busy construction sitesJoin us in building vital infrastructure while developing your skills in a fast-paced, safety-focused environment. We value energetic individuals eager to contribute to meaningful projects that make a difference!