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Utility Locator Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

Utility Locator

Fredericksburg, VA · On-site

$15.75 - $19.75/hr

Utility Locator is crucial for maintaining the city's infrastructure and safety. This role involves independently locating and marking water, sewer, electric, and gas lines, even in challenging ...

Utility Locator

Fredericksburg, VA · On-site

$41K - $46K/yr

Utility Locator is crucial for maintaining the city's infrastructure and safety. This role involves independently locating and marking water, sewer, electric, and gas lines, even in challenging ...

Utility Locator

Richmond, VA · On-site

$15.75 - $19.75/hr

Job Summary The Utility Locator identifies, locates, and marks the location of subsurface utilities to minimize accidental damage or disruption of service due to construction excavation activities.

Utility Locator

Richmond, VA

$15.75 - $19.75/hr

Job Summary The Utility Locator identifies, locates, and marks the location of subsurface utilities to minimize accidental damage or disruption of service due to construction excavation activities.

Utility Locator

Richmond, VA · On-site

$15.75 - $19.75/hr

Job Summary The Utility Locator identifies, locates, and marks the location of subsurface utilities to minimize accidental damage or disruption of service due to construction excavation activities.

Utility Locator

Richmond, VA · On-site

$15.75 - $19.75/hr

Job Summary The Utility Locator identifies, locates, and marks the location of subsurface utilities to minimize accidental damage or disruption of service due to construction excavation activities.

Utility Locator

Richmond, VA · On-site

$15.75 - $19.75/hr

Job Summary The Utility Locator identifies, locates, and marks the location of subsurface utilities to minimize accidental damage or disruption of service due to construction excavation activities.

Utility Locator

Richmond, VA · On-site

$15.75 - $19.75/hr

Job Summary The Utility Locator identifies, locates, and marks the location of subsurface utilities to minimize accidental damage or disruption of service due to construction excavation activities.

Utility Locator

Richmond, VA

$15.75 - $19.75/hr

Job Summary The Utility Locator identifies, locates, and marks the location of subsurface utilities to minimize accidental damage or disruption of service due to construction excavation activities.

Utility Locator

Richmond, VA · On-site

$15.75 - $19.75/hr

Job Summary The Utility Locator identifies, locates, and marks the location of subsurface utilities to minimize accidental damage or disruption of service due to construction excavation activities.

Utility Locator

Richmond, VA · On-site

$15.75 - $19.75/hr

Job Summary The Utility Locator identifies, locates, and marks the location of subsurface utilities to minimize accidental damage or disruption of service due to construction excavation activities.

Utility Locator

Richmond, VA

$15.75 - $19.75/hr

Job Summary The Utility Locator identifies, locates, and marks the location of subsurface utilities to minimize accidental damage or disruption of service due to construction excavation activities.

Utility Locator

Richmond, VA · On-site

$15.75 - $19.75/hr

Job Summary The Utility Locator identifies, locates, and marks the location of subsurface utilities to minimize accidental damage or disruption of service due to construction excavation activities.

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

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

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

The Underground Utility Locator assists the survey crew by locating and marking underground utilities for various projects. This position can be an in-office and field combination for the right ...

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

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Showing results 1-20

Utility Locator information

See Virginia salary details

$13

$18

$26

How much do utility locator jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 14, 2026, the average hourly pay for utility locator in Virginia is $18.26, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.24 and $19.09 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 Virginia? The most popular types of Utility Locator jobs in Virginia are:
What are popular job titles related to Utility Locator jobs in Virginia? For Utility Locator jobs in Virginia, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What cities in Virginia are hiring for Utility Locator jobs? Cities in Virginia with the most Utility Locator job openings:
What are popular job titles related to Utility Locator jobs in VA? For Utility Locator jobs in VA, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Infographic showing various Utility Locator job openings in Virginia as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 3% Internship, 1% As Needed, 90% Full Time, 5% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $37,990 per year, or $18.3 per hour.
Utility Locator

Utility Locator

City of Fredericksburg

Fredericksburg, VA • On-site

$15.75 - $19.75/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 10 days ago


City Of Fredericksburg (Texas) rating

8.6

Company rating: 8.6 out of 10

Based on 5 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

139th of 692 rated public administrative organizations


Job description

Vacancy Announcement
Utility Locator
Hiring Range: $41,872 - $46,059
Position Overview: Utility Locator is crucial for maintaining the city's infrastructure and safety. This role involves independently locating and marking water, sewer, electric, and gas lines, even in challenging conditions. It requires blueprint reading skills, the ability to handle manhole lids, and completing tasks with minimal supervision. We seek a dedicated individual to uphold these responsibilities.
Key Responsibilities:
  • Locate and inspect city facilities, including electrical, fiber optic, telecommunication, water, and sewer systems.
  • Research and identify abandoned city facilities.
  • Operate equipment for leak detection and pressure recording.
  • Utilize CMMS and utility location software to manage and respond to service tickets.
  • Ensure compliance with mandatory marking timelines for public utilities.
  • Maintain organized paper and electronic file systems.
  • Use handheld GPS devices to gather data and locate assets.
  • Provide assistance to contractors, builders, surveyors, engineers, and homeowners regarding city utilities.
  • Manage Miss Utility electronic tickets and update system information.
  • Conduct research using GIS and CMMS systems.
  • Respond to after-hours emergency calls and customer complaints.
  • Perform preventive maintenance and equipment repairs.
  • Maintain cleanliness of work areas and vehicles.
  • Execute other related duties as required.

Qualifications:
  • High School Diploma or equivalent.
  • 0-2 years of experience in construction work or utility locating, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
  • Commercial Driver's License (CDL Class B) required.

Special Requirements:
  • Staking University certification in underground utility marking within 12 months of employment.
  • Valid CPR/AED and First Aid Certification within 6 months of employment.
  • OSHA 10 Hour Construction Safety certification within 12 months of employment.

Skills and Abilities:
  • Knowledge of water and sewer facilities and related equipment.
  • Proficiency in operating trucks and motorized equipment.
  • Ability to perform physical labor under various conditions.
  • Strong oral and written communication skills.
  • Competency in reading and interpreting plans, maps, and manuals.
  • Proficient in mathematical calculations and engineering terminology.
  • Ability to handle stressful situations professionally.
  • Physical capability to operate machinery and exert force as required.

What We Offer:
  • Competitive pay and benefits.
  • Opportunity for professional growth.
  • A supportive team environment.

If you are ready to take on a rewarding role in a dynamic environment, apply today! Come be part of a knowledgeable and amazing work team committed to excellence in serving a thriving and growing community and the commitment to the City's Core Values.
Position will remain open until filled.
The City of Fredericksburg provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.
City of Fredericksburg
Human Resources Department
715 Princess Anne Street, Room 217
Fredericksburg, VA 22401
[email protected]

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