The Senior Utility Location Specialist will perform technical duties associated with the locating and marking of the City’s water, sewer, surface water, storm drain, reclaimed/effluent water, and fiber optic utilities.
Under general supervision of the Water Metering & Locating Supervisor, the Senior Utility Location Specialist will utilize a variety of utility maps, ‘as-built’ drawings, blueprints, construction drawings, GIS and other informational systems to assist with locating of City owned utilities. This position leads the utility locating group by organizing and outlining daily work assignments, reviewing completed tickets and providing assistance and guidance to the other utility location staff, as required.
The Senior Utility Location Specialist is responsible for responding to emergency situations while on duty as well as after-hours and weekend callouts. This position is required to participate in the ‘on-call’ program and will respond to after-hour callbacks on a rotating schedule, as needed.
Performs utility locating and marking tasks associated with the City’s underground infrastructure. Provides leadership to the Utility Location section of the Water Metering & Locating Division by completing accurate and timely locates and assists the Utility Location Specialist to complete accurate and timely locates for Avondale’s water, sewer, surface water, storm drain, reclaimed/effluent water, fiber optic and other utilities in accordance with Arizona 811 rules and regulations.
Monitors construction sites for compliance with Arizona 811 rules and regulations and ensures utility markings have been protected and are visible. Acts proactively to prevent damage to existing utilities. Communicates with contractors concerning conflicts with utilities on the job site. Attends pre-construction and utility location meetings with contractors.
Visits construction sites to document the location of water and sewer utilities by taking pictures, creating redline drawings or taking on-site measurements.
Responds to damaged utilities and emergency AZ811 tickets. Assists City staff with locating City infrastructure in scheduled or emergency situations. Ensures the City meets AZ811 response deadlines. Completes AZ811 tickets in UtiliSphere and documents work by taking pictures and completing tickets on the appropriate software.
Reads and interprets digital GIS mapping, to perform locating duties. Utilizes GIS and ‘as-built’ maps for specific requests by City staff and completes special location assignments as required. Uses all available references, such as stationing, monuments, valve boxes, centerlines, pull-boxes, manholes and more to determine location of various City infrastructure.
Collaborates with other City departments, such as Engineering, IT and GIS Departments to ensure ‘as-built’ drawings are complete and accurate before being incorporated as a record drawing and GIS mapping is continuously reviewed and updated for a high level of accuracy.
Assumes responsibility for maintaining assigned locating equipment. Provides recommendations to Supervisor/Manager for equipment replacements and/or upgrades.
Assists with the development and updating of Standard Operating Procedures for utility locating services. Attends continuing education classes and seminars when available.
Follows all established safety procedures and JHAs for the position. Utilizes safety equipment (PPE) and monitors work environment to ensure safety of employees and other individuals. Participates and completes annual regulatory and safety training and follows all OSHA safety regulations.
Performs other duties as required. May be called upon to assist other divisions within the Department or other Departments within the City.
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High School diploma or GED equivalency is required.
Work requires a broad knowledge or interest in the principles and practices of utility locating and the operation of various underground utility locating equipment.
A minimum of three (3) years of experience working in the utility locating field and/or the water distribution/wastewater collection field is required.
An equivalent combination of education and experience may be considered if sufficient to perform the essential duties of the role as listed herein.
Must possess an Arizona Department of Environmental Quality (ADEQ) Wastewater Collection Certification Grade II or ADEQ Water Distribution Certification Grade II upon hire and must be able to maintain certification for duration of employment.
Additional training or certification from a utility locating equipment company is preferred.
A valid Arizona Driver's License is required.
