Utility Locator

The Utility Locator supports field survey and utility designation activities by assisting with utility locating, test hole documentation, and site restoration. This role helps ensure that underground utilities are accurately identified, documented, and reported in accordance with project requirements and jurisdictional standards. The position is ideal for someone who is eager to learn, enjoys working outdoors, and has a strong focus on the quality and accuracy of collected data.

Responsibilities

• Assist the designator by carrying and setting up locating equipment at the job site and returning it safely at the end of each shift.
• Support the testhole foreman in documenting test holes, including taking clear photos of measure downs, utility sizes, and pavement thicknesses.
• Assist in performing levels and completing level notes to the top of exposed utilities prior to backfilling each test hole.
• Backfill, compact, and patch excavated test holes in accordance with project standards and jurisdictional requirements.
• Clean and restore work areas to a safe and orderly condition before leaving the job site each day.
• Help ensure that utility designation and location tasks (QL-A and QL-B) are carried out safely, effectively, and in line with contract documents.
• Support the collection and downloading of project data to meet applicable jurisdictional standards and internal quality control protocols.
• Follow directions from the Party Chief, Testhole Foreman, Designator, Field Coordinator, and Project Manager to complete assigned field tasks.
• Assist the Party Chief with survey tasks as needed, including transitioning between utility locating and surveying activities.
• Use basic mathematical calculations to support measurements, level notes, and documentation of field data.
• Operate or assist with the use of utility locating equipment, GPS, vac truck, and related field tools under supervision.
• Contribute to a safe work environment by following all safety procedures and reporting any hazards or issues encountered on site.

• Willingness to learn and follow direction from field leadership with a strong focus on the quality of data collected.
• Ability to perform basic mathematical calculations to support measurements and field documentation.
• Interest in working outdoors in a field-based role performing physical tasks such as carrying equipment, backfilling, and compacting.
• At least 3 years of field experience in utility locating (utility locating, location services, underground utilities, utility industry).
• Ability to support both utility locating and surveying tasks and move between these functions as project needs require.
• Basic familiarity with GPS equipment used in field data collection.
• Ability to use or learn location mapping software to support data collection and documentation.
• Ability to work safely around underground utilities and follow established safety procedures.

• High interest in surveying and willingness to support survey crews as needed.
• Experience with a total station or AutoCAD is preferred but not required.
• Experience using a vac truck for exposing underground utilities is an asset.
• General labor experience in outdoor or construction-related environments is beneficial.
• Familiarity with utility designation and location quality levels (QL-A and QL-B) is an advantage.
• Ability to download and organize project data in accordance with applicable jurisdictional standards and internal quality control protocols.
• Openness to work overtime when available and desired, with the flexibility to increase hours when project workload permits.

This position is 100% in-person and field-based, working outdoors on active project sites. You will report to field leadership such as the Party Chief, Testhole Foreman, Designator, Field Coordinator, and Project Manager, and work as part of a collaborative field team. The work involves regular use of utility locating equipment, GPS devices, vac trucks, and survey tools, with occasional use of total stations and location mapping software. The role requires physical activity, including walking, standing for extended periods, carrying equipment, excavating, backfilling, compacting, and restoring test holes. Work is performed in varying weather conditions and around roadways and underground utilities, following strict safety procedures. Standard hours follow typical daytime field schedules, and overtime is not required but may be available for those who wish to work additional hours when workload allows. Dress typically consists of practical field attire and appropriate personal protective equipment suitable for construction and survey environments.

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of WINDSOR MILL, MD.

The pay range for this position is $28.00 - $32.00/hr.

Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your job classification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may be subject to specific elections, plan, or program terms. If eligible, the benefits available for this temporary role may include the following:
• Medical, dental & vision
• Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital
• 401(k) Retirement Plan – Pre-tax and Roth post-tax contributions available
• Life Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and dependents)
• Short and long-term disability
• Health Spending Account (HSA)
• Transportation benefits
• Employee Assistance Program
• Time Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation or Sick Leave)

This is a fully onsite position in WINDSOR MILL,MD.

This position is anticipated to close on Apr 17, 2026.

Diversity, Equity & Inclusion

At Actalent, diversity and inclusion are a bridge towards the equity and success of our people. DE&I is embedded into our culture through:

• Hiring diverse talent
• Maintaining an inclusive environment through persistent self-reflection
• Building a culture of care, engagement, and recognition with clear outcomes
• Ensuring growth opportunities for our people

Actalent is an equal opportunity employer.

About Actalent

Actalent is a global leader in engineering and sciences services. For more than 40 years, we’ve helped visionary companies advance their goals. Headquartered in the United States, our teams span 150 offices across North America, EMEA, and APAC—with four delivery centers in India led by 1,000+ extraordinary employees who connect their passion with purpose every day.

Our Bangalore, Hyderabad, Pune, and Chennai delivery centers are hubs of engineering expertise, with core capabilities in mechanical and electrical engineering, systems and software, and manufacturing engineering. Our teams deliver work across multiple industries including transportation, consumer and industrial products, and life sciences. We serve more than 4,500 clients, including many Fortune 500 brands. Learn more about how we can work together at actalentservices.com.