POSITION SUMMARY
The Wastewater Inspector/Locator is responsible for inspecting, locating, and documenting wastewater collection system infrastructure to support safe, reliable, and efficient system operations. This position performs field inspections and investigations of sewer mains, service lines, manholes, pump stations, and related infrastructure; locates underground wastewater facilities; identifies system deficiencies; and maintains accurate records of infrastructure conditions and locations. The Wastewater Inspector/Locator works closely with operations, maintenance, engineering, construction, and inspection personnel to support system maintenance, repairs, utility coordination, and capital improvement projects.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS AND RESPONSIBILITIES
- Locate and mark underground wastewater infrastructure, including gravity sewer mains, force mains, laterals, manholes, cleanouts, and related facilities, in accordance with state One Call requirements and Company standards.
- Respond to utility locate requests within required timeframes to support excavation activities and prevent damage to Company assets.
- Utilize electromagnetic locating equipment, GPS technology, GIS mapping, and record drawings to accurately identify underground wastewater facilities.
- Perform field inspections of new wastewater infrastructure installed by developers and contractors to verify compliance with Company standards, approved construction drawings, and specifications.
- Conduct routine inspections of wastewater collection system assets, including manholes, lift stations, force mains, and sewer mains.
- Inspect construction activities occurring near Company wastewater infrastructure to ensure proper protection of existing facilities.
- Perform sewer investigations related to customer service requests, sewer backups, overflows, infiltration and inflow (I&I), odor complaints, and other operational issues.
- Assist with smoke testing, dye testing, flow monitoring, and other collection system evaluation programs.
- Perform manhole inspections and document structural conditions, accessibility, inflow sources, and maintenance needs.
- Identify damaged, deteriorated, or deficient wastewater infrastructure and recommend corrective actions.
- Verify accurate horizontal and vertical locations of newly installed wastewater facilities for GIS and asset management records.
- Review construction plans and field conditions to identify potential conflicts with existing wastewater infrastructure.
- Coordinate inspections with contractors, developers, engineers, municipalities, and regulatory agencies.
- Document inspection findings using digital tablets, inspection software, GIS applications, photographs, and written reports.
- Maintain accurate records of utility locates, inspections, construction observations, and asset condition assessments.
- Assist Engineering and Operations with field investigations, easement verification, and infrastructure planning.
- Support emergency response efforts involving sewer main breaks, force main failures, sinkholes, sewer overflows, contractor damages, and severe weather events.
- Operate Company vehicles and inspection equipment in accordance with Company policies.
- Maintain utility locating equipment, GPS units, safety equipment, and field tools in proper working condition.
- Ensure compliance with OSHA regulations, trench safety requirements, traffic control standards, confined space procedures, and Company safety policies.
- Maintain positive working relationships with contractors, customers, municipalities, and fellow employees while providing professional customer service.
REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS
- High school diploma or GED.
- A valid driver’s license with clean driving record in accordance with company and insurance standards
- Minimum of three (3) years of experience in utility locating, wastewater operations, utility construction, infrastructure inspection, or a related field.
- Experience locating underground utilities using electromagnetic locating equipment.
- Ability to read and interpret construction plans, utility maps, engineering drawings, plats, and easement documents.
- Working knowledge of wastewater collection systems, lift stations, force mains, gravity sewers, and underground utility construction.
- Basic computer skills, including Microsoft Office applications.
- Ability to use mobile data collection devices and electronic inspection software.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
- Delaware One Call utility locating experience.
- Wastewater Collection System Operator Certification.
- Experience using GIS mapping software.
- Experience with GPS data collection equipment.
- Experience performing developer construction inspections.
- Knowledge of CCTV sewer inspection practices.
- Commercial Driver’s License (CDL).
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS
- Heavy- Exerting 50 to 100lbs of force occasionally and/or more than 50lbs. of force frequently and/or more than 20 lbs. of force constantly to move objects. Physical Demand requirements are more than those for Heavy work.
- Frequent walking over uneven terrain, construction sites, easements, and undeveloped property.
- Frequent standing, bending, kneeling, climbing, crouching, and reaching.
- Ability to enter manholes and confined spaces after appropriate training and in accordance with Company safety procedures.
- Ability to distinguish utility marking colors and read maps, engineering drawings, and electronic devices.
- Ability to operate locating equipment, GPS units, measuring devices, and mobile computers.
- Visual acuity sufficient to inspect underground structures, identify defects, and prepare documentation.
- Ability to safely operate Company vehicles.
WORKING CONDITIONS
- Primarily works outdoors in all weather conditions, including heat, cold, rain, snow, and high humidity.
- Frequent exposure to traffic, construction sites, excavation activities, wastewater facilities, biological hazards, insects, vegetation, and uneven terrain.
- Occasional exposure to confined spaces, manholes, lift stations, wastewater, chemicals, and mechanical equipment.
- May be required to work evenings, weekends, holidays, and respond to emergency call-outs involving utility damages, sewer overflows, or infrastructure failures.
- Required to wear appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE), including high-visibility clothing, hard hats, safety boots, gloves, eye protection, and respiratory protection when necessary.
Artesian is an Equal Opportunity Employer and is committed to providing a workplace free from discrimination. Employment decisions are made without regard to race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy), gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, parental status, national origin, age, disability, genetic information (including family medical history), veteran or military status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local laws.
