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Utility Locator Jobs in Arizona (NOW HIRING)

A Utility Locator identifies, locates, and marks the location of City of Mesa subsurface utilities in order to minimize accidental damage or disruption of service due to construction excavation ...

Utility Locator

Mesa, AZ · On-site

$50K - $80K/yr

A Utility Locator identifies, locates, and marks the location of City of Mesa subsurface utilities in order to minimize accidental damage or disruption of service due to construction excavation ...

Utility Locator

Phoenix, AZ · On-site

$16 - $19.75/hr

If you're an experienced Utility Locator who knows 811 law, takes pride in clean marks, and wants the freedom to run your territory without micromanagement -- Northern Lights wants to hear from you.

Utility Locator

Show Low, AZ

$15.25 - $19/hr

As a Utility Locator, you will respond to dig ticket requests from contractor crews to locate, identify and mark existing client infrastructure and meet compliance with Company, State and Federal ...

Utility Locator

Show Low, AZ · On-site

$15.25 - $19/hr

As a Utility Locator, you will respond to dig ticket requests from contractor crews to locate, identify and mark existing client infrastructure and meet compliance with Company, State and Federal ...

Utility Locator

Show Low, AZ

$15.25 - $19/hr

As a Utility Locator, you will respond to dig ticket requests from contractor crews to locate, identify and mark existing client infrastructure and meet compliance with Company, State and Federal ...

As a Utility Locator, you will respond to dig ticket requests from contractor crews to locate, identify and mark existing client infrastructure and meet compliance with Company, State and Federal ...

Utility Locator

Tucson, AZ · On-site

$18/hr

Your Responsibilities as a Locator: * Correctly, safely, and efficiently locate underground utilities, including telecommunications, electric power, cable TV, gas, water, and sewer systems.

Utility Locator

Tucson, AZ · On-site

$18/hr

Your Responsibilities as a Locator: * Correctly, safely, and efficiently locate underground utilities, including telecommunications, electric power, cable TV, gas, water, and sewer systems.

Utility Locator

Tucson, AZ · On-site

$18/hr

Your Responsibilities as a Locator: * Correctly, safely, and efficiently locate underground utilities, including telecommunications, electric power, cable TV, gas, water, and sewer systems.

Utility Locator

Goodyear, AZ

$25.99 - $38.58/hr

The Utility Locator will also serve as a field arm for customer service representatives and assist in responding to customer inquiries. The ideal candidate will possess at least 3 years of experience ...

Utility Locator

Goodyear, AZ · On-site

$25.99 - $38.58/hr

The Utility Locator will also serve as a field arm for customer service representatives and assist in responding to customer inquiries. The ideal candidate will possess at least 3 years of experience ...

Utility Locator (Show Low)

Show Low, AZ

$15.25 - $19/hr

As a Utility Locator, you will respond to dig ticket requests from contractor crews to locate, identify and mark existing client infrastructure and meet compliance with Company, State and Federal ...

New

HDD Directional Drill Operator/ Crew Leader Utility Locator Immediate Supervisor: Project Manager, Operations Manager, Owner Position: Exempt Non-Exempt Overtime Required: Yes No General Job Summary:

HDD/ Drill Locator

Chandler, AZ · On-site

$20 - $30/hr

HDD Directional Drill Operator/ Crew Leader Utility Locator Immediate Supervisor: Project Manager, Operations Manager, Owner Position: Exempt Non-Exempt Overtime Required: Yes No General Job Summary:

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Utility Locator information

See Arizona salary details

$12

$17

$25

How much do utility locator jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 26, 2026, the average hourly pay for utility 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 are some common challenges Utility Locators face in the field, and how can they overcome them?

Utility Locators often encounter challenges such as inaccurate or outdated utility maps, congested underground infrastructure, and difficult terrain or weather conditions. To overcome these, they rely on advanced locating equipment, thorough pre-job planning, and clear communication with utility companies and contractors. Ongoing training and staying current with industry standards also help Utility Locators accurately identify and mark utilities, reducing the risk of damage or service interruptions.

What jobs pay 4000 a week without a degree?

Utility locators typically do not earn $4,000 a week without specialized experience or certifications. High-paying jobs that can reach this level without a degree often include skilled trades such as commercial truck drivers, elevator installers, or certain construction supervisors, which require technical training or apprenticeships. These roles may involve physical work, certifications, or licensing but do not always require a college degree.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Utility Locator, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Utility Locator, you need a solid understanding of utility systems, map reading, and safety protocols, typically supported by a high school diploma or equivalent. Proficiency with electromagnetic locating equipment, GPS devices, and utility mapping software is essential. Attention to detail, problem-solving skills, and effective communication are important soft skills that set top performers apart. These skills and qualities are crucial for accurately identifying underground utilities and preventing costly or dangerous excavation errors.

How hard is it to be a utility locator?

Becoming a utility locator requires physical stamina, attention to detail, and knowledge of underground utility systems. The job often involves working outdoors in various weather conditions and using tools like ground-penetrating radar and utility maps. Certification and training are typically needed to ensure safety and accuracy.

How to get a utility locator job?

To become a utility locator, candidates typically need a high school diploma or equivalent, along with training in underground utility mapping and safety procedures. Certification in utility locating or related skills, familiarity with locating tools like ground-penetrating radar, and a valid driver's license are often required; some employers also prefer prior experience in construction or surveying. Applying through utility companies, construction firms, or specialized locating services and demonstrating attention to safety and accuracy can improve job prospects.

What Does a Utility Locator Do?

As a utility locator, your job is to locate, identify, and mark underground utilities before construction or other projects in an area. As part of this, you may research the history of utility in the areas, document any irregularities, enforce utility separation requirements, and provide customer support for contractors and homeowners. In some cases, you may also need to operate small or medium-sized vehicles, direct traffic away from a work site, review proposed construction plans, act independently, or attend inspection meetings. Many utility locators are responsible for enforcing occupational safety requirements in any area they visit. Utility Locators are often, but not always, government employees. Private companies may have additional requirements for this position, including the ability to do administrative work.

What does a utility locator worker do?

A utility locator worker identifies and marks underground utility lines such as gas, water, electric, and telecommunications to prevent damage during construction or excavation. They use specialized tools like ground-penetrating radar and utility maps, often working outdoors and requiring safety training and certifications. Their work helps ensure safe and efficient project execution by preventing utility strikes.

What is the difference between Utility Locator vs Pipe Locator?

AspectUtility LocatorPipe Locator
CertificationsOSHA safety training, utility locating certificationsOSHA safety training, utility locating certifications
Work EnvironmentConstruction sites, urban and rural areasConstruction sites, urban and rural areas
Industry UsageUtility locating for various underground servicesLocating underground pipes, especially water, gas, or sewer lines
Search IntentFinding underground utilities to prevent damageLocating underground pipes for repair or installation

Utility Locators and Pipe Locators often share similar skills and work environments, but Utility Locators have a broader focus on various underground utilities, while Pipe Locators specialize in underground pipes. Both roles require safety certifications and are essential in construction and infrastructure projects to prevent damage and ensure safety.

What does a Utility Locator do?

A Utility Locator is responsible for identifying and marking the position of underground utilities such as gas, water, sewer, electric, and telecommunications lines before excavation or construction work begins. They use specialized equipment, such as electromagnetic sensors and ground-penetrating radar, to detect and map the location of buried infrastructure. This work helps prevent damage to utilities, ensures worker safety, and reduces the risk of service disruptions. Utility Locators also maintain records of their findings and often communicate with contractors, utility companies, and local authorities.
What are the most commonly searched types of Utility Locator jobs in Arizona? The most popular types of Utility Locator jobs in Arizona are:
What are popular job titles related to Utility Locator jobs in Arizona? For Utility Locator jobs in Arizona, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What cities in Arizona are hiring for Utility Locator jobs? Cities in Arizona with the most Utility Locator job openings:
What are popular job titles related to Utility Locator jobs in AZ? For Utility Locator jobs in AZ, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Infographic showing various Utility Locator job openings in Arizona as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 91% Full Time, and 9% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $35,709 per year, or $17.2 per hour.
Utility Locator

$50K - $80K/yr

Other

Posted 9 days ago


City Of Mesa rating

8.4

Company rating: 8.4 out of 10

Based on 29 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

236th of 832 rated public administrative organizations


Job description

Description/Duties First review of applications will be Monday, August 3, 2026. A Utility Locator identifies, locates, and marks the location of City of Mesa subsurface utilities in order to minimize accidental damage or disruption of service due to construction excavation activities. An employee in this class performs a variety of skilled and semiskilled activities to facilitate safe excavation.

These activities include locating and marking existing City-owned underground infrastructure including: natural gas (including high-pressure gas and regulator stations and vaults), electric primary and secondary lines (including J-boxes and vaults), water lines, gas and water valves (including electronic markers), wastewater lines, e-Streets fiber (including J-boxes and vaults), reclaim water system, chilled water/district cooling system, storm water collection system, streetlights, and traffic signals (including fiber optic, telephone, and loop components). This class also performs "checks and wraps" gas line inspections and gas pipeline repairs as necessary in association with contractor gas line repair activities. An employee in this class has responsibility for identifying short circuits in a gas cathodic protection system, and for performing repairs to tracer wire shorts in the gas system.

As the Utility Locator usually works alone, an employee in this class is expected to exercise considerable initiative in moving efficiently through the day's work assignments. Also, considerable independent judgment must be used, as the accuracy of the locate depends heavily upon how well the readings from the equipment are interpreted. An employee in this class must also be able to read and interpret electronic quarter section and plat maps to facilitate locating utility lines.

Employees in this class perform assignments in hazardous traffic environments and are required to use appropriate safety equipment and procedures. An employee in this class uses computers and a variety of specialized, sensitive electronic equipment to locate utility lines and valves in the right-of-way and utility easement. The position performs related duties as required.

The Utility Locator class is distinguished by its full-time responsibility for locating underground utilities, where accuracy of the marks is crucial. This class is subject to emergency call-out and stand-by, and must be willing to work overtime as required. This class is supervised by the Utility Locator Supervisor through meetings, conferences, reports concerning volume and timeliness of locates, problems encountered, and overall results achieved.

This class is FLSA nonexempt. Please refer to the link below for the full job description and additional information regarding assignments, preferred qualifications, and essential functions. Qualifications & Requirements Employee Values: All employees of the City of Mesa are expected to uphold and exhibit the City's shared employee values of Knowledge, Respect, and Integrity.

Minimum Qualifications Required. Any combination of training, education, and experience equivalent to graduation from high school or GED. Two years' full-time employment in underground or utility construction-related work involving some responsibility for reading and interpreting project plans, blueprints, electronic quarter section and plat maps, or related materials; OR two years' full-time employment using electronic locating devices.

Special Requirement. Must possess a valid Class D Arizona Driver's License by hire or promotion date. Substance Abuse Testing.

This class is subject to DOT Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA) drug and alcohol testing as outlined in 49 Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) Part 199. Preferred/Desirable Qualification. Personal computer (PC) experience and experience using electronic locating devices is desirable.

Link to Job Description http://apps.mesaaz.gov/jobdescriptions/Documents/JobDescriptions/cs4039.pdf


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