Utility Locator Jobs in Athens, GA (NOW HIRING)

Salary: $47,139.00 Annually
Location : Transportation and Public Works Traffic Engineering - 2795 Lexington Road, Athens, GA
Job Type: Full Time
Job Number: 2026-1418
Department: Public Works
Division: Traffic Engineering
Opening Date: 08/01/2026
Closing Date: 8/9/2026 12:00 AM Eastern
Purpose & Job Related Requirements
IN HOUSE ONLY: You must be a current employee with the Unified Government of Athens-Clarke County to be eligible for this position.
REPORTS TO: Senior Traffic Signal Technician or Intelligent Transportation Systems Technician (When assigned as Traffic Utilities Technician)
FLSA STATUS: Non-Exempt
CLASSIFICATION: Personnel System - Requires satisfactory completion of a six-month probationary period.
PAY GRADE: 114
SAFETY SENSITIVE: Yes - Subject to random drug testing per the Athens-Clarke County Drug and Alcohol Ordinance.
Purpose of Job
The purpose of this job is to ensure safe operation of traffic signal equipment in emergency or non-emergency situations. Duties and responsibilities include, but are not limited to, constructing, installing, maintaining, upgrading, and repairing electronic traffic signals and signal systems, preparing related reports, and performing additional tasks as assigned.
When assigned as Traffic Utilities Technician:
The purpose of this job is to perform administrative/technical work functions associated with coordinating the location of traffic control devices, underground conduit, pull boxes, fiber optic cable and any related infrastructure. Duties and responsibilities include, but are not limited to: locating, marking and flagging underground infrastructure, conduit, electrical and fiber optic; reading and interpreting maps/blueprints; operating/maintaining locator equipment; coordinating with Georgia 811 for related dig tickets; updating and maintaining zones/maps and records; managing traffic locates during projects; and performing additional tasks as assigned.
Job Related Requirements
Work Schedule: Tuesday - Friday 6:00am - 4:30pm. Requires a rotating "on call" schedule.
May be required to work on religious holidays.
Regular and predictable attendance is required.
Must work cooperatively with others.
When requirements include vehicle operation, responsible for the safety, readiness and operation of the vehicle and must abide by ACC's safe driving policy.
Minimum Training & Experience Required to Perform Essential Job Functions
Vocational or technical diploma with two years of electronic maintenance or related experience required; or any equivalent combination of education, training, and experience which provides the requisite knowledge, skills, and abilities for this position.
Must possess a valid driver's license.
Must possess or have the ability to obtain an International Municipal Signal Association Level I Certification within 12 months of date of hire.
When assigned as Traffic Utilities Technician:
Two years of experience with mapping, plans, and electrical utility locating required; or any equivalent combination of education, training, and experience which provides the requisite knowledge, skills, and abilities for this position.
Must possess or have the ability to obtain a Georgia Utility Locator Certification within 6 months of date of hire.
Must possess or have the ability to obtain an International Municipal Signal Association Level I Certification and Work Zone Certification within 12 months of date of hire.
Essential Duties, Responsibilities
The following duties are normal for this job. These are not to be construed as exclusive or all-inclusive. Other duties may be required and assigned.
Assists in troubleshooting, modifying, testing, repairing, and maintaining all computerized traffic signal equipment in emergency and non-emergency situations; equipment and tasks include troubleshooting electronic signal devices and video detection systems while assuming public safety responsibility on roadways.
Assists with installing all traffic signal equipment; locates underground utilities; digs trenches; installs conduit and pull boxes; sets and wires cabinets; installs traffic lights and conductor cables; installs vehicle sensors/camera systems, and makes electrical connections.
Assists with performing electronic bench work involving component level trouble shooting and repair of computerized traffic equipment.
Assists with programming signal timing as directed; adjusts timing for emergency operations.
Assists with planning, designing, and constructing signalized intersections, performing minor to overall changes in design and/or order of task execution as needed.
Upgrades existing traffic control signals to meet current traffic flow needs by using fiber optics for communications, video detection cameras, and advanced technology for vehicle detection.
Maintains database on traffic signal equipment repair.
Ensures traffic and employee safety using proper work zone equipment including flags and stop/slow paddles.
Observes traffic control devices to detect malfunctions and timing errors; prepares work orders for repairs or maintenance; performs preventive maintenance of signal devices, equipment, and tools.
Observes and counts traffic to check controller timing and to detect problems or potential problems with an intersection.
Cleans and organizes buildings, work areas, vehicles, materials and equipment.
Performs other related duties as required.
When assigned as Traffic Utilities Technician:
The following duties are normal for this job. These are not to be construed as exclusive or all-inclusive. Other duties may be required and assigned.
Locates, marks and flags traffic control devices, conduit, electrical, fiber optic cable and pull boxes.
Obtains traffic locate requests from Georgia 811 other departments and contractors; reviews for completeness; obtains any missing or additional information; prioritizes based on urgency and or date required.
Plans travel route to accomplish daily locate requests, organizing route for maximum efficiency.
Visits site of locate request; inspects proposed work sites for any traffic control devices.
Operates locating equipment to locate traffic infrastructure; assures equipment is maintained in good working condition.
Responds to emergency and stand-by calls on a 24-hour daily basis.
Reviews traffic control device plans/maps; updates plans/maps with current/corrected data.
Coordinates with other utility companies to facilitate construction and maintenance activities.
Operates a traffic engineering vehicle; assures preventive maintenance of vehicle is performed.
Maintains an inventory of applicable equipment/supplies for ready availability.
Attends transportation project related meetings; advises and/or receives updated information/changes.
Attends monthly Utilities Protection Commission meetings; advises and/or receives updated information/changes.
Prepares and/or receives various forms, work orders, reports and other documents; completes, processes and forwards as appropriate.
Responds to routine requests for information from officials, employees, members of the staff, the public or other individuals.
Answers the telephone; provides information; returns calls as necessary.
Maintains all State required certifications pertaining to Utility Protection.
Performs other duties as required.
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities
Knowledge of the policies, procedures, and activities of the Transportation & Public Works Department as they pertain to the performance of duties relating to the position of Traffic Signal Tech.
Knowledge of the terminology used within the department.
Knowledge of electronics, electricity, traffic control devices, safety practices, microprocessor and microcomputer operations, interpreting blueprints, schematics, and plans, and procedures and methods as required in the performance of duties.
Knowledge of specialized Traffic Signal software such as Intelight, RTC flashers, and video control.
Skill in the use of computer software as necessary in the performance of job duties.
Skill in the use of forklifts, construction equipment and tools such as a concrete saw, bucket truck, and lashing machine.
Skill in the use of electronics equipment and tools such as a ground resistance tester, multimeter, 2010 conflict monitor/tester, controller test board, cabinet display board and various hand tools.
Ability to compile, organize, prepare and maintain an assortment of records, reports and information in an effective manner and according to departmental and/or governmental regulations.
Ability to communicate effectively with supervisors and other staff members.
Ability to use independent judgment in routine and non-routine situations.
Ability to handle required mathematical calculations.
Ability to utilize and understand computer applications and techniques as necessary in the completion of daily assignments.
Ability to plan, organize and/or prioritize daily assignments and work activities.
Ability to comprehend and apply the regulations and procedures of the department.
When assigned as Traffic Utilities Technician:
Knowledge of the policies, procedures, and activities of the Transportation & Public Works Department as they pertain to the performance of duties relating to the position of Traffic Signal Tech.
Knowledge of all applicable laws, ordinances, policies, standards and regulations pertaining to the specific duties and responsibilities of the job.
Knowledge of the requirements of state law pertaining to time frames and accuracy of locating requests.
Knowledge of the terminology used within the department.
Knowledge of electronics, electricity, traffic control devices, safety practices, processor and computer operations, interpreting prints, schematics, and plans, and procedures and methods as required in the performance of duties.
Skill in the use of computer software as necessary in the performance of job duties.
Skill in the use of forklifts, construction equipment, tools, and bucket truck.
Skill in the use of electronics equipment and tools such as a ground resistance tester, multimeter, and various hand tools.
Ability to compile, organize, prepare and maintain an assortment of records, reports and information in an effective manner and according to departmental and/or governmental regulations.
Ability to communicate effectively with supervisors and other staff members.
Ability to use independent judgment and discretion including the handling of emergency situations, determining and deciding upon procedures to be implemented, setting priorities, maintaining standards, and resolving problems.
Ability to handle required mathematical calculations.
Ability to utilize and understand computer applications and techniques as necessary in the completion of daily assignments.
Ability to plan, organize and/or prioritize daily assignments and work activities.
Ability to comprehend and apply the regulations and procedures of the department.
Supplemental Information
(ADA) MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS OR STANDARDS REQUIRED TO PERFORM ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS: Must be physically able to operate a variety of machinery and equipment including forklifts, construction equipment, and tools such as a concrete saw, bucket truck, lashing machine, electronics equipment, multimeter, conflict monitor/tester, controller test board, cabinet display board and various hand tools. Must be able to use body members to work, move or carry objects or materials. This position requires: stooping, kneeling, crouching, reaching, standing, walking, pushing, pulling, lifting, fingering, grasping, feeling, talking, hearing, seeing, and repetitive motion. Must be able to exert up to 100 pounds of force occasionally, and/or up to 50 pounds of force frequently. Physical demand requirements are at levels of those of heavy work.
DATA CONCEPTION: Requires the ability to compare and or judge the readily observable functional, structural, or compositional characteristics (whether similar to or divergent from obvious standards) of data, people, or things.
INTERPERSONAL COMMUNICATION: Requires the ability to hear, speak and/or signal people to convey or exchange information. Includes giving / receiving assignments and/or directions to co-workers / from supervisors.
LANGUAGE ABILITY: Requires the ability to read a variety of manuals such as the Uniform Traffic Control Devices manual, manufacturers manuals, and the IMSA Traffic Signal installation and maintenance manual, cabinet blueprints, electrical and electronic schematic diagrams, signal design blueprints, the National Electrical Code, interval timing charts, conflict monitor prints, intersection drawings and related informational documentation, directions, instructions, and methods and procedures. Requires the ability to prepare work orders, intersection drawings, conflict monitor printouts, cabinet blueprints, controller printouts, and repair requests using prescribed formats and conforming to all rules of punctuation, grammar, diction, and style. Requires the ability to speak to groups of people with poise, voice control, and confidence.
INTELLIGENCE: Requires the ability to learn and understand complex principles and techniques; to acquire and be able to expound on knowledge of topics related to primary occupation; and to make independent judgment in the absence of management.
VERBAL APTITUDE: Requires the ability to record and deliver information, to explain procedures, and to follow oral and written instructions. Must be able to communicate effectively and efficiently in