Water Authority Jobs (NOW HIRING)

The Bedford Regional Water Authority is seeking a Utility Locator to work under the direction of the Locating Supervisor. This role is responsible for performing work locating facilities operated by the Authority, mapping water and sewer facilities and lines, and any work as apparent or assigned. The Locator will assist in protecting essential infrastructure to ensure damage prevention and the delivery of high quality utility services to the community.

Responsibilities

• Locate and mark underground utility lines for damage prevention, surveys, and VUPS tickets in compliance with Miss Utility and State Corporation Commission (SCC) requirements.
• Code Miss Utility tickets to report findings accurately.
• Perform research of utility line locations utilizing maps, plans, and records.
• Prepare and collect field information for the Geographical Information System (GIS) on various Authority systems.
• Utilize vacuum excavation equipment as needed to locate and uncover facilities and assist other departments.
• Maintain the assigned equipment and safely operate tools required for daily assignments.
• Remain available to respond to after-hours emergency tickets and assistance as needed.
• Complete other tasks and duties as assigned by the Locating Supervisor to support utility operations.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED equivalent.
• Experience reading design plans and GIS maps.
• Experience with locating equipment preferred.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office® with skills to efficiently gather, organize, and manipulate data from various sources.
• Experience with drafting and construction practices preferred.
• Strong human relations and communications skills to effectively communicate with all parties involved in a project.
• Ability to obtain certification in Underground Utility Locating and Damage Prevention within one year of hire.
• Ability to obtain OSHA Confined Space and Trench Safety certification within six months of hire.
• Ability to obtain VDOT Basic Work Zone training within one year of hire.
• Possess a valid driver's license in the Commonwealth of Virginia.

Additional Information

• This position has no supervisory responsibility.
• Standard schedule is Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. with a thirty-minute lunch break.
• Position may require work after hours and on weekends, and is subject to being on-call during off-hours for emergency locating.

Working Conditions

• Role requires walking or standing most of the time, with frequent climbing, stooping, kneeling, crouching, crawling, reaching, pushing, pulling, repetitive motions, and manual dexterity.
• Frequent physical exertion includes lifting up to 10 and 25 pounds regularly, and up to 50 pounds occasionally.
• Work is frequently performed outdoors in various weather conditions and near moving mechanical parts.
• Exposure to toxic or caustic chemicals occurs occasionally, exposure to high, precarious places occurs seldom, and the role typically operates in a loud noise environment.

A Water Authority is a public or quasi-public organization responsible for the management, protection, treatment, and distribution of safe drinking water and, in many cases, wastewater and stormwater services within a defined geographic area. Its primary mission is to ensure reliable access to clean, affordable water while protecting public health and the environment.
Water Authorities plan, operate, and maintain water supply infrastructure such as reservoirs, treatment plants, pipelines, pumping stations, and sewer systems. They are also responsible for monitoring water quality to meet or exceed federal, state, and local regulatory standards, including environmental and public health requirements.
In addition to daily operations, Water Authorities engage in long-term planning to support population growth, infrastructure sustainability, and climate resilience. They may oversee conservation programs, emergency preparedness, infrastructure upgrades, and customer education initiatives to promote responsible water use.