Key Responsibilities and Required Skills for Underground Utility Assistant

🎯 Role Definition

The Underground Utility Assistant supports utility locating, potholing, and excavation crews by performing hands-on field tasks that ensure safe, accurate identification and documentation of subsurface infrastructure. This role combines field operations (vacuum excavation, hand digging, utility locating), data capture (GPS/GIS entry, as-built notes), and rigorous adherence to safety and permit procedures (811/Call-Before-You-Dig, traffic control, PPE). The ideal candidate works closely with lead locators, crew chiefs and project managers to reduce risk of utility strikes, expedite project timelines, and produce high-quality mapping and reports for construction, civil, and SUE (Subsurface Utility Engineering) projects.

📈 Career Progression

Typical Career Path

Entry Point From:

General Laborer on construction or utility crews
Cable/Line Locator Trainee or Field Technician
Landscaping/Excavation Assistant transitioning to utilities

Advancement To:

Utility Locator Technician / Senior Locator
Vacuum Excavation Operator / Crew Lead
Subsurface Utility Engineering (SUE) Technician
Field Supervisor / Project Superintendent

Lateral Moves:

GIS/Mapping Technician
Traffic Control Supervisor
Utility Permit Coordinator

Core Responsibilities

Primary Functions

Operate electronic locators (EM/EML) and radio-frequency locating equipment to detect, identify, and mark the position of metallic utilities such as water mains, gas lines, electric cables and telecom conduits, documenting signal strength and depth indicators for each positive locate.
Use ground-penetrating radar (GPR) systems to scan for non-metallic utilities and complex subsurface features, process initial data in the field, and provide annotated imagery and observations to the lead technician.
Perform safe potholing and exposure of utilities using vacuum excavation equipment and/or air knives, following manufacturer procedures, utility owner requirements, and site-specific safety protocols to verify depth and condition of utilities prior to construction.
Execute precise hand-digging techniques with shovel, trowel, and hand tools in sensitive areas to expose utilities without damage, applying engineered clearance distances as directed by the lead locator or project supervisor.
Verify and cross-check utility marks against as-built drawings, site plans, and 811/Call-Before-You-Dig tickets, escalating conflicts or mismatches to the crew lead and logging discrepancies for follow-up.
Establish, maintain and remove temporary traffic control zones and pedestrian controls in compliance with MUTCD (or local jurisdiction) standards while communicating with on-site flaggers, using cones, signs, barrier systems and portable message boards.
Log field measurements, depth readings, distance offsets, and survey points using GPS/GNSS handhelds and mobile mapping devices; capture high-quality geotagged photographs and attach them to daily reports and GIS layers.
Update project GIS/CAD files, as-built sketches, and utility location databases with verified field data, ensuring coordinate accuracy, metadata completeness, and version control for project delivery.
Assist with confined space monitoring and entry support (air monitoring, retrieval equipment, communication) under the direct supervision of certified confined space entrants and attendants when required by the task.
Prepare, complete and submit thorough daily field reports, safety checklists, incident logs and job hazard analyses (JHAs) to project managers and safety officers, incorporating photos, sketches, and ticket numbers.
Support permit acquisition and compliance by gathering documentation, confirming permit conditions on site, and verifying the presence of required utility owner representatives or inspectors when necessary.
Conduct pre-start equipment inspections and routine maintenance on locating tools, GPR units, vacuum excavation gear, GPS units and PPE; coordinate repairs and replacement to minimize downtime.
Communicate directly with property owners, municipal inspectors, and utility operators to schedule access, confirm locate priorities, and coordinate site staging while representing the company professionally and courteously.
Follow all OSHA, local utility safety standards, and company procedures including use of PPE, lockout/tagout when applicable, hazard communication, and traffic control protocols to maintain a zero-damage and zero-injury goal.
Assist with soil, spoil and water containment and disposal following environmental best practices, preventing contamination of storm drains or adjacent properties and documenting disposal locations.
Support geotechnical sampling and visual soil assessments as requested by technicians, including sampling, labeling, and chain-of-custody documentation for laboratory testing partners.
Participate in job site risk assessments and daily toolbox talks, contributing observations that improve process safety or locating accuracy, and documenting corrective actions taken during the shift.
Mentor and safely train new assistant-level team members on hand digging technique, locater basics, traffic control setup, and field reporting standards under the guidance of a lead locator.
Coordinate logistics for daily operations: staging equipment, arranging vehicle routing, ensuring fuel and vacuum truck readiness, loading/unloading tools and supplies, and maintaining inventory of replacement parts and consumables.
Respond to emergency locate requests and overnight or weekend service calls with a timely, professional approach to minimize project delays and utility interruption for customers.
Accurately mark and flag field locations with industry-standard color codes and durable marking materials; replace or update markings as required when weather or traffic erases original marks.
Support survey crews by holding prisms, establishing temporary control, and assisting with basic stakeout tasks for alignment and depth verification as directed by surveyors or engineers.
Maintain strong record-keeping for insurance, regulatory audits, and client invoicing by gathering signatures, sign-off forms, and photographic proof of completed locates and excavations.

Secondary Functions

Assist project managers and estimating teams by gathering site photos, basic utility quantities, and access notes for scoping and bid preparation.
Help maintain and improve the team’s field data workflow by suggesting efficient capture templates, photo naming conventions, and GIS attribute standards.
Support ad-hoc administrative tasks such as entering ticket updates, archiving completed job folders, and coordinating with the office to schedule follow-up locates.
Contribute to the organization’s continuous improvement initiatives by proposing practical safety or productivity enhancements observed during fieldwork.
Participate in training and certification programs to expand capabilities in GPR interpretation, vacuum excavation operation, and specialized locational techniques.

Required Skills & Competencies

Hard Skills (Technical)

Proficient operation of electromagnetic (EM/EML) utility locators and signal generators to detect AC/DC and metallic utilities.
Practical experience operating and troubleshooting ground-penetrating radar (GPR) systems, interpreting common signature types, and exporting basic GPR imagery for review.
Hands-on vacuum excavation and potholing skills, including setup, spoil management, soft excavation tools (air knife), and pump operation.
Strong ability to read and interpret site plans, as-built drawings, utility maps, and construction blueprints to correlate field conditions.
Competent with GPS/GNSS handhelds and data collectors for accurate coordinate capture and ability to import/export to GIS or CAD systems.
Familiarity with GIS/CAD platforms (ArcGIS, QGIS, AutoCAD/Civil 3D) for uploading field data, maintaining layers, and producing as-built deliverables.
Knowledge of 811/Call-Before-You-Dig processes, ticket management systems, and local one-call protocols.
Basic confined space awareness and ability to assist certified entrants and attendants (requirements vary by jurisdiction).
Skilled in setting up and maintaining compliant traffic control per MUTCD guidelines including sign placement and signage logs.
Proficiency in field documentation tools: digital forms, mobile apps for reports/photos, and cloud-based job folders.
Competence in routine field equipment inspection, basic preventative maintenance, and safe fueling/operation of small machinery or vacuum trucks.
Ability to follow and complete incident reporting, JHAs, and near-miss documentation in compliance with safety reporting systems.

Soft Skills

Strong verbal communication and professional customer-facing demeanor for interacting with homeowners, utility owners, and municipal staff.
Excellent attention to detail with the capacity to capture precise measurements, depth values, and coordinate metadata.
Reliable time management and punctuality to meet scheduled locate windows and minimize project delays.
Team-oriented attitude with ability to follow directions from lead technicians and contribute positively to crew morale.
Problem-solving mindset to identify conflicting information and recommend pragmatic next steps under time constraints.
Physical stamina and dexterity to perform outdoor fieldwork, lift equipment, and work in variable weather conditions.
Adaptability and calmness in emergency or high-pressure situations such as last-minute service calls or active construction sites.
Strong record-keeping discipline to ensure compliance with contractual and regulatory documentation requirements.
Initiative in continuous learning and pursuit of relevant certifications to expand technical capability.
Ethical conduct and accountability, consistently demonstrating respect for property and client relationships.

Education & Experience

Educational Background

Minimum Education:

High school diploma or GED.

Preferred Education:

Technical certificate or associate degree in Construction Technology, Civil Engineering Technology, Geomatics/GIS, or an industry-recognized vocational program in utility locating or excavation.

Relevant Fields of Study:

Construction Management / Construction Technology
Civil Engineering Technology
Geomatics / GIS / Surveying
Environmental Science / Soil Science
Vocational programs in heavy equipment or utility services

Experience Requirements

Typical Experience Range:

0–3 years of related field experience; many employers accept entry-level candidates with relevant certifications or demonstrated mechanical aptitude.

Preferred:

1–3 years working as a locator assistant, vacuum excavation operator, field technician, or in a related utility/construction role with documented experience operating locators, GPR or vacuum excavation equipment and supporting safety-compliant excavation activities.

Certifications valued by employers include OSHA 10/30, First Aid/CPR, Traffic Control/Flagger certification, GPR operator training, vacuum excavation training, and any relevant local utility locating certifications.