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Utility Locator Jobs in Middleton, WI (NOW HIRING)

HDD Operator/Locator - CDL Preferred

Pardeeville, WI · On-site

$26 - $32/hr

The CDL Directional Drill Operator/Locator (HDD) operates equipment necessary to install fiber ... Must have experience with HDD around utilities in rural and urban areas, experience reading prints ...

Utility Supervisor

Madison, WI · On-site

$65 - $93/hr

Utility Supervisor Edgerton is a premier, earthmoving, and underground utility company. We seek out opportunities where our depth of experience and creativity can add value, beyond the earthmoving ...

New

Utility SupervisorEdgerton is a premier, earthmoving, and underground utility company. We seek out opportunities where our depth of experience and creativity can add value, beyond the earthmoving ...

Utility Top Laborer Edgerton is a premier, earthmoving, and underground utility company. We seek out opportunities where our depth of experience and creativity can add value, beyond the earthmoving ...

Showing results 41-58

Utility Locator information

See Middleton, WI salary details

$13

$18

$27

How much do utility locator jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 3, 2026, the average hourly pay for utility locator in Middleton, WI is $18.49, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.43 and $19.28 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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 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 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.

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 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.

Is a utility locator a good career?

Utility locators identify underground utilities to prevent damage during construction or excavation, making it a vital role in construction and infrastructure projects. The job typically requires knowledge of mapping tools, safety procedures, and sometimes certifications, with opportunities for steady employment and advancement in the field.

What job categories do people searching Utility Locator jobs in Middleton, WI look for?

The top searched job categories for Utility Locator jobs in Middleton, WI are:

What cities near Middleton, WI are hiring for Utility Locator jobs?

Cities near Middleton, WI with the most Utility Locator job openings:

Infographic showing various Utility Locator job openings in Middleton, WI as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 87% Full Time, 9% Part Time, 3% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 82% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 16% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $38,455 per year, or $18.5 per hour.

Utility Locate & Mapping Technician

City of Sun Prairie

Sun Prairie, WI

$30.22/hr

Full-time

Posted 16 days ago


Job description

This position will mark the location of underground utilities for the City of Sun Prairie. Responsible for pinpointing the paths of cables, pipes, and other conduits that carry utilities underground and physically locating and marking these locations. The location of stormwater and wastewater infrastructure along with traffic signal related conduits are of key importance in this position.

The Utility Locate Technician protects underground utilities from damage during projects involving excavation or demolition. Under the general supervision of the GIS Specialist, the incumbent exercises judgement in the oversight and completion of assigned activities. Locating will be the top priority of this position and a year-round responsibility, with the busy season being May through November.

During the winter months, typically November through April, this position will assist with snow removal operations. This includes operating a snowplow and other snow removal equipment. When not locating or assisting with snow removal operations, this position will assist the GIS team with data entry and other quality control work year-round.

The Utility Locate Technician may also be asked to assist both the stormwater and sanitary collection systems crews year-round as needed. Essential Job Functions Locates sewer lines as requested. Locates storm sewer lines as requested.

Locates traffic signal conduits and related infrastructure. Reads and interprets design plans and specifications for the purpose of making field determinations and assessments. Responsible for researching records and utilizing best available data with which to determine utility locations.

Coordinates with Engineering and GIS to keep up to date as-built information of the utility. Informs Engineering and GIS of up-to-date utilities in services areas and changes in service area that needs to be corrected on maps and/or plats or GIS. Wears necessary protective equipment and exercises extreme safety in tool equipment and vehicle operations.

Responsible for locating all gravity sewer mains, sewer laterals, manholes, force mains, and stormwater as well as other finished and unfinished pipeline jobs as necessary. Performs skilled work of a specialized nature involving reading complex utility plans and GIS and operation of technical electronic locating equipment. Monitors and prioritizes incoming locate requests from Diggers Hotline.

Organizes and schedules marking routes and performs physical locates of Diggers Hotline requests. Responsible for providing positive response to locate questions via text, phone, email, or other modes of communication. Responsible for emergency locates.

Completes all related paperwork in conjunction with job duties. Makes both oral and written field recommendations to advise contractors or technicians of any areas of existing infrastructure that may be in conflict with proposed construction or will at least require due diligence attention while the site is undergoing excavation/construction. Contacts excavator to reschedule locates if necessary, or contacts excavator when there is a question about the area of excavation.

Posts and maintains locate records in computer and ensures full compliance with all locating standards in accordance with State of Wisconsin requirements. Answers questions concerning City of Sun Prairie underground utilities from contractor and/or homeowners. Assists Public Works with Snow Removal Operations.

Operate snowplow trucks and snow removal equipment during snow removal operations for the City Street Department. Snowplow shifts may be assigned, which may include week nights and weekends and will be expected to assist the City Street Department with snow removal operations as needed. Works in emergencies or "On Call" duty when required for snow removal.

Assists the Wastewater Collection System team with duties as assigned. Duties may include but are not limited to cleaning dirt, sediment, etc from manhole covers, cleaning & maintaining Wastewater Treatment Plant buildings and grounds, or assisting with inspections. Duties may also include working with the collection system team utilizing the televising truck and vac truck.

Assists the Stormwater Collection System team with duties as assigned. Duties may include but are not limited to cleaning dirt, sediment, debris, etc from inlets, outlets, channels and other collection system structures, assisting with inspections, or taking updated photographs of collection system assets. Requirements of Work High school diploma, advanced training or certification related locating underground utilities preferred; or any equivalent combination of training and experience which provides the following knowledge, ability and skills: Knowledge of Basic electricity and use of electrical locating instruments Basic computer skills including the use of utility mapping and locate ticket systems.

Working knowledge of the principles of automotive operation, including large trucks and the laws and ordinances regulating such operation. Working knowledge of related safety precautions. Working knowledge of and ability to use computer software applicable to the duties of the position.

Ability to Locate underground utilities. Work autonomously, in team/collaborative environments, and cross-functionally with other departments/divisions. Provide great customer service.

Analyze a variety of technical problems and to develop and apply appropriate solutions. Operate heavy automotive equipment including dump truck, front-end loaders, VAC truck, camera truck, skid steer, etc. Follow written instruction to include snow/ice maintenance routes.

Work effectively with multi-cultural populations. Communicate effectively both orally and in writing. Ability to maintain effective working relationships with the general public, supervisors and co-workers.

Ability to maintain adequate attendance. Skill in Demonstrate a professional demeanor and good communication skills with the ability to work well with others in a fast-paced environment. Demonstrate strong organizational skills (record keeping, time management, follow up, etc.)

Maintain strong verbal and written communication skills. Excellent attention to detail and sense of urgency, ability to prioritize with an emphasis on quality and accuracy of work. Strong interpersonal and customer service skills required.

Requires skill in listening, critical thinking, problem analysis and problem solving; written/verbal communication skills; ability to tailor the message, context, and mode of communication to the audience Must possess skill in monitoring one's own work to ensure quality, accuracy, and thoroughness; sound judgment in recognizing scope of authority; commit to innovation and continuous process improvement, and work collaboratively within the organization. Necessary Special Requirements: Possession of a valid Class A Wisconsin Commercial Driver's License or ability to obtain one within 6 months of hire. When on emergency call for snow removal, must respond to all emergencies within 45 minutes from time when the call was received.

Physical Demands: The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. Will be working outdoors in various adverse weather conditions.

Hand-eye coordination is necessary to operate computers and various pieces of equipment. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision and the ability to adjust focus. Some time may be spent outdoors confirming addresses or GPS locations through direct observation or through the use of a GPS device.

Occasional exposure to weather conditions, heat, cold, and/or wetness/humidity. While performing the duties of this job, the employee frequently is required to stand and talk or hear; use hands and fingers to handle, feel, or operate objects, tools, or controls and reach with hands and arms. The employee is required to walk; sit; climb or balance; stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl; and smell.

Must be able to lift and carry up to 80 pounds from floor to waist (the weight of a manhole cover). Must be able to safely carry 50 pounds 50 feet. The above is intended to describe the general content of the requirements for the performance of this job.

It is not to be construed as an exhaustive statement of duties, responsibilities, or requirements. The City of Sun Prairie is committed to advancing equity, honoring our diverse identity, and creating an inclusive culture. These serve as our guiding principles every day in all that we do.

Keep us accountable to this mission and join us in this commitment to a thriving Sun Prairie, as you live, work, and play. If you need an accommodation during the hiring process, please contact Human Resources at 608-825-1174 or HumanResources@cityofsunprairie.com.