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Utility Locating Jobs in Kentucky (NOW HIRING)

Groundman

Lexington, KY · On-site

$1.1K - $1.4K/wk

Elliot is a full-service electrical contractor specializing in overhead and underground distribution, transmission, substations, lighting, traffic signaling, utility locating and industrial ...

Locate Technician

Eastwood, KY · On-site

$37K - $48K/yr

Locating technician will be dispatched to locate and verify for utility customer. Technician can work independently or in a team environment, in both circumstances' technician will work under ...

Locate Technician

Louisville, KY · On-site

$36K - $47K/yr

Locating technician will be dispatched to locate and verify for utility customer. Technician can work independently or in a team environment, in both circumstances' technician will work under ...

Utility Locator

Lexington, KY · On-site

$20 - $26/hr

Technicians use locating equipment by holding a receiver weighing up to 5 pounds. * You will drive ... Prior utility construction experience is a plus For more information, you may call 502-276-2879.

Showing results 21-40

Utility Locating information

See Kentucky salary details

$12

$16

$23

How much do utility locating jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 3, 2026, the average hourly pay for utility locating in Kentucky is $16.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $13.37 and $16.68 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 Kentucky?

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

Infographic showing various Utility Locating job openings in Kentucky as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 89% Full Time, 8% Part Time, 2% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 78% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 19% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $33,281 per year, or $16 per hour.

Street Light Technician

Davis H Elliot Company, Inc.

Lexington, KY • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 9 days ago


Davis H. Elliot rating

7.3

Company rating: 7.3 out of 10

Based on 26 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz


Job description

For over seven decades investor-owned utilities, municipalities, cooperatives, and others have entrusted their electrical construction and maintenance needs to Davis H. Elliot Company, Inc. (Elliot).

Elliot is a full-service electrical contractor specializing in overhead and underground distribution, transmission, substations, lighting, traffic signaling, utility locating and industrial/commercial services.

Job Description

The Street Light Technician will be expected to trouble shoot streetlights and run maintenance, change streetlight heads while working in buckets or off pole, replace overhead and underground light wire, and operate equipment including digger and bucket trucks, mini excavators, and trenching equipment. Applicants should be comfortable working multiple light circuits on busy roads and highways, climbing poles - or be willing to learn, pouring concrete, and handling and installing product into ditches per consumer specifications. This position includes hand digging to various depths due to congestion or in areas where equipment cannot access.

Qualifications

  • Experience in street lighting systems and electrical utilities
  • Willing to travel when necessary
  • Must have, or be eligible to obtain, a Class A CDL

Benefits/Culture

Today, we are listed among Engineering News-Records Top 150 Specialty Contracting firms. Our success is based on our customers' confidence in us; the loyalty, hard work and performance of our people; and the traditions with which Mr. Davis H. Elliot began the company in 1946. We understand that having the best team requires people being treated like family. Some of the benefits we offer our team includes:

  • Medical, Dental, Vision Insurance
  • Short-Term Disability and Long-Term Disability Insurance
  • Company Paid Life Insurance w/ additional Voluntary Life Insurance
  • 401K w/ company match
  • Employee Stock Ownership Program
  • State and Federally accredited Lineman Apprenticeship program 
  • Paid Vacation 
  • Servant Leadership Training
  • Uniforms and PPE provided

What Davis H. Elliot employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

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