What are the responsibilities and job description for the Utility Line Locator I position at City of Las Cruces, NM?
Nature of Work
Environmental Factors
Position functions 95% outside in all types of weather conditions; exposure to gas fumes, fire and mechanical hazards, explosive hazards, traffic, dust and noise. Protective clothing includes safety helmet with face shield, fire retardant coveralls, eye wear, hearing protection, steel toe boots, and protective vests.
Physical Factors
Heavy physical work involving frequent sitting, bending, stooping and crouching; walking up to five miles per day; lifting/pushing/pulling/carrying items weighing up to 50 pounds; visual acuity to read electronic equipment and maps.
Work Situation Factors
Position requires working extended hours, standby and on-call status; responding to emergency situations; interacting with customers. Regular attendance is an essential function of this job to ensure continuity of services. Position is subject to drug testing in accordance with applicable State and Federal regulations and City of Las Cruces policy. DOT REGULATIONS REQUIRE DRUG AND ALCOHOL TESTING AND RELEASE OF INFORMATION FORM (49 CFR PART 40).
Meeting or exceeding the minimum qualifications does not guarantee an invitation to participate in the process.
Full-time, regular, non-exempt, union represented position.
This position is graded BC15.
Duties and Responsibilities
- Performs utility line locates for water, gas, sewer, and reclaimed water lines; uses and employs various methods to mark facilities and perform locates per marking standards; provides appropriate locate documentation and responds to emergency locates.
- Works with contractors and the public regarding locate requests for sub-divisions, new construction, and other construction projects; verifies size, types, and fittings.
- Conducts patrols within City limits and the rural county to oversee the security of utility systems; ensures all locating equipment is in proper working order; ensures all pipelines are in good working condition and are not in any danger of unintentional release.
- Researches and reviews prints and confirms placement of utilities; reviews, and checks as-builts, maps, and line cards; interviews staff to determine location of lines.
- Operates City equipment and vehicles to locate and repair utility lines; determines extent of damage and recommends repair or replacement for utility lines; performs minor repairs.
- Maintains accurate records regarding locates; works through Excavation Damage Prevention Dispatcher to contact contractors or homeowners to verify addresses, locations, and/or to meet at job sites.
- Responds to emergency locates; ensures utility lines are properly located prior to excavation; uses fish tape and other equipment to monitors all construction and repair activities verifying compliance with laws and regulations.
- Inspects damaged lines or exposed lines due to wash outs or other issues; inspects and addresses meters, equipment, and other utility valves, lines, and sites.
- Produces pipeline inspection cards and documents for utility locates; maintains records of locates, activities, and maps.
- Determines if LCU utility lines are live or abandoned through research and when necessary, by requesting a crew to tap a utility line.
Minimum Qualifications
High School Diploma or GED AND three (3) years of experience in utility line locating or working on LCU utility systems. A combination of education, experience, and training may be applied in accordance with City of Las Cruces policy.
LICENSES/CERTIFICATIONS
Valid Class A commercial driver's license is required. Operator Qualified (OQ) within 60 days of employment. Position requires an acceptable driving record in accordance with City of Las Cruces policies.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
Ability to: Operate basic electronic locating and potholing equipment; locate underground utilities using multiple methods of locating; complete forms to record or report information in standard format as specified by the form; perform mathematical calculations such as, algebra, and trigonometry using a calculator or computer; investigate accidents or damages to underground utilities; perform a variety of duties and responsibilities and assess and prioritize multiple tasks, projects, and demands to meet deadlines; ensure appropriate levels of customer service to achieve expectations and meet objectives; read, understand, and assure compliance with a variety of policies, procedures, rules, standards, and regulations governing related activities and functions; collect applicable information and maintain accurate and timely records; maintain confidentiality of information and data; communicate effectively orally and in writing and use interpersonal skills to sufficiently exchange or convey information and receive work direction; prepare and present accurate and reliable information and reports; establish and maintain effective and appropriate working relationships with employees, other agencies, and the public; safely and effectively operate relevant tools, equipment, and motorized vehicles; navigate across even and uneven surfaces; timely and accurately enter data and update records using various mediums and formats; take initiative and exercise sound independent judgment within established procedural guidelines and carry out primary responsibilities in accordance with all governing regulations, statutes, and procedures to ensure achievement of goals and objectives.
Skills in: Operating electronic equipment used in locating underground utilities; reading, understanding, and applying relevant rules, ordinances, codes, regulations, policies, and procedures; effectively managing assignments; responding to inquiries timely and within the scope of delegated authority; responding appropriately, maintaining objectivity and freedom from prejudice, and exercising sound judgment and understanding in all interactions; effectively working independently, or as a team member, in various environments with changing priorities; preparing and presenting various reports, documents, forms, and correspondence; researching information, analyzing data, maintaining accurate records, and updating information in various mediums and formats; operating a personal computer with installed generic and specialized software; preparing and presenting information in a clear and concise manner; demonstrating appropriate and effective interpersonal communication and conflict resolution skills; performing highly effective support in assigned areas.
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