Join the Volo Internet + Tech Team as a Utility Locator
Do you have experience locating underground utilities and take pride in getting it right the first time? Are you comfortable working independently in the field, reading maps and prints, and making decisions that help keep excavation work safe?
Volo Internet + Tech is seeking a reliable, detail-oriented Utility Locator to identify and mark our underground fiber optic and telecommunications infrastructure throughout Central Illinois.
This is a field-based position for someone who understands that accurate locating matters. You'll help protect our network, prevent utility damage, and give our construction and field teams the information they need to work safely and efficiently.
What You'll Do
- Locate and mark underground fiber optic and telecommunications facilities in response to JULIE locate requests.
- Use electronic locating equipment to identify underground conduit, fiber, tracer wire, and other communication infrastructure.
- Read and interpret utility maps, construction drawings, as-builts, GIS records, and field documentation.
- Identify the expected path of underground facilities and verify locations in the field.
- Accurately mark utilities using approved colors, flags, paint, and other required methods.
- Complete locates within required timelines and ensure markings are clear and complete.
- Document completed locates using photos, notes, maps, and electronic records.
- Identify discrepancies between field conditions and existing maps or records and communicate corrections.
- Work with construction crews and field technicians to verify utilities before excavation, boring, trenching, or plowing.
- Assist with potholing or other verification methods when a utility cannot be confidently located electronically.
- Respond to emergency or priority locate requests when needed.
- Help maintain accurate records of Volo's underground infrastructure.
- Inspect and maintain locating equipment, tools, and assigned vehicle.
- Follow safe digging practices, traffic safety requirements, and company safety procedures.
- Communicate professionally with contractors, property owners, coworkers, and other utility representatives.
What We're Looking For
Ideal candidates will have experience with one or more of the following:
- Underground utility locating
- Telecommunications or fiber optic infrastructure
- JULIE or 811 locate procedures
- Electronic utility locating equipment
- Reading utility maps, prints, and construction drawings
- Fiber optic conduit and tracer wire systems
- Underground utility construction
- GIS or digital mapping systems
- Potholing or vacuum excavation
- Damage prevention and safe excavation practices
Experience locating telecommunications or fiber optic facilities is strongly preferred.
Requirements
- Valid driver's license with a clean driving record.
- Ability to pass a pre-employment drug screen and post-incident testing if applicable.
- Ability to work independently and manage daily locate assignments efficiently.
- Strong attention to detail and willingness to verify questionable or unclear facilities rather than guess.
- Comfortable working outdoors year-round in varying weather conditions.
- Ability to walk job sites, bend, kneel, lift equipment, and work around active construction areas.
- Comfortable working near roadways and following appropriate traffic safety procedures.
- Willingness to participate in an on-call rotation as needed.
- Professional communication and customer service skills.
- Comfortable using smartphones, tablets, computers, mapping software, and electronic documentation systems.
- Must reside within 15 miles of Urbana, Illinois.
Benefits
- SIMPLE IRA with company matching
- Paid Leave
- Health Savings Account (HSA)
- Employee Discount
- Cell Phone Reimbursement
- Paid Training
Why Volo?
At Volo Internet + Tech, accurate utility locating is a critical part of protecting the network we've built throughout Central Illinois. You'll play a direct role in preventing damage, keeping construction crews safe, and making sure our underground fiber infrastructure is accurately documented and protected.
We're a locally owned company where you'll spend your time in the field, have responsibility for your work, and become an important part of the team building and maintaining the network that connects homes, businesses, farms, and communities throughout the region.
Preferred Experience
- Underground utility locating: 2 years
- Telecommunications or fiber infrastructure: 1 year
- Electronic locating equipment: 1 year
- Reading utility maps or construction prints: 1 year
- JULIE/811 locating procedures: 1 year
Pay: $22.00 - $26.00 per hour
Benefits:
- Opportunities for advancement
- Paid training
Experience:
- Utility Locating: 1 year (Required)
Location:
- Urbana, IL 61802 (Preferred)
Work Location: In person
