Utility Locator

Utility Locator

Our city is growing, and we're looking for dedicated professionals to help protect the critical water infrastructure that keeps our community running. Join us as a Water Utility Locator and play a vital role in supporting safe development, protecting essential utilities, and building Winter Haven's vibrant future!

Job Title: Utility Locator

Category: Full-Time

Application Closing Date: November 1, 2026, 5:00 p.m.

Salary and Benefits:

• $22.65 Per Hour Minimum
• Annual Step for Performance Pay Adjustments
• 12 Paid Holidays Per Year
• 12 Vacation Days Minimum, Earned Per Year
• 12 Sick Days Earned Per Year
• Medical, Dental, Vision, and Life Insurance Benefits
• 401(a) Retirement Plan and Social Security Coverage
• 457 Deferred Plan Options
• Education/Tuition Assistance Program; and Training and Development Opportunities
• Employee Assistance Program – to include Mental Health Assistance/Services

Essential Job Functions:

Performs responsible field, technical work locating underground water, sewer and stormwater utilities owned by the City; uses the best information available, locates equipment provided, and performs work in accordance with the Underground Facility Damage Prevention and Safety Act, Chapter 556, Florida Statutes (F.S.) and any other applicable laws and/or policies.

Efficiently and effectively uses City provided tools and equipment to locate water distribution systems, sanitary and storm sewer collection systems infrastructure in order to minimize accidental damage or disruption of service due to construction excavation activities. Makes field sketches map corrections/ updates and renders them to the supervisor for mapping and other documentation purposes. Maintains up-to-date knowledge of codes, plans, specification standards and regulatory requirements. Reviews and interprets water and sewer maps and plans to assist City crews and/or contractors with required utility repairs or new construction work. Performs other utility repair, maintenance and construction support work as directed.

Operates a City vehicle to travel to various locations throughout the City's utility service area to perform work. Ensures assigned Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR) and other pipe locating equipment is routinely maintained, cared for, and used properly. Prepares various clear and concise written reports and forms including daily time sheets, work completed documents, etc. This is not intended to be an all-inclusive listing of essential job functions; the performance of other essential functions may be required.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities:

• Considerable knowledge of water and sewer system construction methods and practices.

• Knowledge of codes, standards and regulatory requirements pertaining to water, sewer, and stormwater infrastructure; basic computer software, use, and applications; and of the general layout of the City's utility systems, including; water, wastewater, and storm water.

• Ability to gain knowledge of the existing City water, sewer, and stormwater system; read and interpret plans, drawings, and utility maps; prepare and maintain work related records and reports; and communicate and work effectively with fellow employees, contractors, and the general public.

• Skill and ability to properly, maintain, care for and use GPR and other pipe locating equipment.

• Ability to comprehend and follow oral and written instructions; maintain a high volume of work output with minimal supervision; manually access utility appurtenances such as valve boxes, water meters, and wastewater manhole lids; work in heavy and hazardous traffic conditions utilizing safety devices; communicate vital information via telephone or two-way radio; and maintain safe operation of motor vehicle and safety related equipment.

• Physical strength and agility to sufficiently perform strenuous laboring tasks under varying environmental conditions.

• Must be available for work outside of regular work hours to respond to emergency situations involving the construction, maintenance, and repair of water and sewer lines.

Minimum Education & Experience:

• Graduation from an accredited high school or possession of an acceptable equivalency diploma.

• Three years of experience in the construction and/or operation and maintenance of water and sewer systems.

• An equivalent combination of education and experience that is determined to be directly related to the foregoing specific requirements may be substituted.

Special Requirements:

• Absence of non-prescribed controlled substances in the applicant's system as verified by a laboratory approved by the City of Winter Haven.

• Must possess a valid State of Florida Class B driver's license with air brake and tanker endorsement with a good driving record as determined by the City of Winter Haven within six (6) months of date of hire.

Physical / Environmental Factors:

• Must have the physical ability, strength, and flexibility to perform the job functions in the work environment.

• Reasonable accommodations will be made for otherwise qualified individuals with a disability.

An Equal Employment Opportunity Employer and a Drug-Free Workplace