Lead Utility Line Locator chez City of Melbourne, FL

About the Department

Under the general supervision of the Water Distribution Supervisor and/or Maintenance Foreman, oversees the Utility Line Locators, performs skilled technical work locating water mains, valves, and service lines. Work, at times, may include hand excavation to verify depth, size and type of main/valve in addition to exercising valves when needed. Employee is responsible for performing work in a safe manner and on schedule of their assigned area/zone. Employee is responsible for sorting/assigning Locate Tickets to the other Utility Line Locators within the Division. Employee is also responsible for covering other areas/zones where shortfalls / emergency locates for the Division occur. Employee must have the knowledge and ability to update the City's Water Distribution GIS system via Red Lines. Employee shall be familiar with and have the ability to operate and maintain specific electronic equipment associated with utility line location. Employee shall have and maintain a valid Level III Water Distribution License or higher.

Due to the nature of water distribution systems, it may be necessary at times for employee to work unscheduled overtime and/or through lunch and break periods, however these periods will be allowed either after service is restored or within an acceptable time frame as determined by job foreman. Performs other related duties as assigned, assists service and maintenance crews as necessary.

Position Duties

• Accurately locates and marks underground water mains, valves and services.
• Operates and maintains line locating and other equipment as it relates to job function.
• Physically excavates and probes water mains, valves and/or services to verify depth, size and material.
• Exercises valves throughout the distribution system as needed.
• Operates and maintains City assigned vehicle and/or other medium/small sized vehicle.
• Establishes and maintains cooperative working relationship with other utility locators, field engineers, and contractors.
• Verifies field information and makes Red Line corrections to the City’s GIS System where applicable.

Minimum Qualifications

• High school or GED diploma required. 
• At least five years of progressive experience in water distribution system repair, maintenance, and utility line locating required.
• Basic computer and software knowledge to navigate the City’s computer based mapping system (GIS) and Red Lines, complete computer based work orders and emails.

Licenses, Certifications or Registrations:

• Most possess and maintain a valid State of Florida Driver’s License. Applicants who possess a valid out of state driver’s license must obtain the Florida Driver’s License within 10 days of employment.  
• Must have a current FDEP Water Distribution Systems Level III License.

Must participate in the rotational on-call emergency stand-by.

Other Qualifications

• Knowledge of, and skilled in the principles and practices of water distribution system maintenance, construction and repair techniques
• Knowledge of OSHA occupational safety and MOT requirements, safety rules and practices as they relate to Utility location
• Knowledge of water distribution system grid and general geographic area
• Skilled in the use of various line locating devices as they relate to water distribution systems
• Skilled in the operation and use of manual water main valve wrenches
• Ability to operate and maintain small to medium size equipment and vehicles.
• Ability to excavate with hand held shovel down to a depth of 42” to verify size and type of water main/service
• Ability to read and interpret water distribution maps, both paper and on the City’s interactive GIS website.
• Ability to read and interpret engineering plans as they relate to water distribution and other underground utilities using a computer and related software.
• Working knowledge of utility locating practices and procedures utilizing a number of different electronic utility locating devices.
• Ability to provide information to the public, city engineers and city officials relating to the construction of water and sewer projects.
• Ability to read and interpret Sunshine IRTH communications.

PHYICAL AND MENTAL REQUIREMENTS

• Ability to understand oral and written instructions and to perform such without close and/or constant supervision
• Ability to perform strenuous work in all types of weather conditions
• Ability to professionally interact with fellow employees, contractors and their employees, field engineers and the general public
• Ability to understand and communicate both oral and written instructions
• Ability to interpret and complete work order forms and locate tickets in legible handwriting
• Ability to perform basic math and to read, understand, and utilize tape measurer and measuring wheel.
• Ability to accurately mark on ground, location of water main/service using aerosol paint, marking flags and 3M locate markers.
• Ability to read and comprehend work orders, equipment/tool manuals, safety manuals, and other printed and/or written material as it relates to the job.
• Ability to understand and comprehend area maps as they relate to the location of water mains, valves, fire hydrants and services.
• Ability to identify and comprehend colors as they relate to traffic and/or road signs, safety equipment, utility markings, and other utility related materials.
• Ability to verbally communicate with co-workers and others in the English language both face-to-face, over two-way radio and telephone.
• Ability to hear and understand instructions given in the English language and spoken in a normal tone of voice. Ability to hear approaching heavy equipment and/or verbal warnings given by co-workers while working in immediate vicinity of heavy equipment that is in operation or other noisy environments. Ability to hear electronically emitted sounds through head phones.
• Knowledge of City Safety Practices and required personal protective equipment as issued by the division.
• Ability to write up work orders, warehouse material requisitions, and vehicle service forms in a legible and understand manner.
• Ability to manually use shovel, wrenches, pick, rake, and other related hand tools in the efficient excavation, repair, backfilling, and subsequent area restoration of water mains, valves, fire hydrants, and services.
• Ability to work in and efficiently move between standing, bending, kneeling, sitting, and/or squatting positions. May be required at times to move laterally and/or work in such positions for extended periods.
• Ability to work and perform manual labor for extended periods in all weather conditions.
• Ability and willingness to work during night and early morning hours or for extended periods of time when required.
• Ability to work in and around such damp, wet and muddy conditions that are created by water main and water service leaks and breaks. Perform periodic heavy labor as required.
• Ability to receive directions and constructive criticism from departmental management.