What are the responsibilities and job description for the Utility Locator position at City of Lafayette, Colorado?
The City of Lafayette is seeking an experienced Utility Locator to identify and mark water, wastewater, stormwater, and other infrastructure to protect City facilities from damage, meet Utility Notification Center of Colorado (UNCC) requirements, and support contractors, City staff, and the public in the safe and efficient planning and execution of excavation, boring, and other subsurface work. The position will also be responsible for supporting the GIS team in maintaining accurate mapping, and as-built information; along with supporting Public Works maintenance and operations activities. This position will require rotational on-call duties and will respond emergencies outside of normal working hours.
The ideal candidate should have a considerable knowledge of the utility locating processes and associated office and field tools, ability to read and interpret maps, easements, and survey information. construction materials and practices, regulatory requirements, and operations and maintenance of municipal utility and transportation systems. The City of Lafayette’s small size provides the position the opportunity to get involved in other maintenance and operational activities when time allows for it. Candidates should enjoy working with a high degree of independence, solving problems, and working with a variety of stakeholders.
Lafayette is a thriving and diverse community of approximately 29,000 residents. Encompassing 9.54 square miles at the foothills of the Rockies, Lafayette is located at the southeastern edge of Boulder County, allowing for easy access to Boulder, Denver, Denver International Airport, and the Rocky Mountains. Our community enjoys robust services and amenities, including the Great Outdoors Water Park, an award-winning skate park, the Hale Irwin designed Indian Peaks Golf Course, a senior center, The Collective Community Arts Center, Art on the Street public art program, exciting and diverse events like Art Night Out and the Lafayette Peach Festival, Waneka Lake park and boathouse, 20 community parks, 1,465 acres of open space, 20 miles of trails, Lafayette Public Library, NRPA Gold Medal Award-winning Bob L. Burger Recreation Center, multiple community events, and a vibrant downtown. Lafayette has appeared on numerous national lists of top places to live and raise a family.
The salary range for this opportunity is $47,290--$70,935. Additionally, the City provides a comprehensive and generous benefits package.
Exceptional City Provided Benefits
GENERAL SUMMARY
Identifies and marks water, wastewater, stormwater, and other infrastructure to protect City facilities from damage, meet Utility Notification Center of Colorado (UNCC) requirements, and support contractors, City staff, and the public in the safe and efficient planning and execution of excavation, boring, and other subsurface work. Uses a variety of data sources, including mapping software, document management systems, as-built drawings, specialized equipment, and field observations to ensure accuracy and timeliness in accordance with UNCC requirements. Work includes a high level of independent judgment, including the ability to work under pressure when responding to emergencies and other afterhours requests. Performs timely and accurate locates of City utilities, including but not limited to:
KNOWLEDGE: Considerable knowledge of applicable laws, standards and regulations relating to utility location in the state of Colorado; thorough knowledge of the process of utility locating. Considerable knowledge of the methods, materials used in the construction, repair and maintenance of water systems including automated metering systems, wastewater collection systems, and stormwater systems. Ability to read and interpret plats and easements; knowledge of surveying principles and techniques
SKILL: Reading and interpreting maps and specifications; operating specialized equipment required to perform the job, and a high level of computer proficiency
ABILITY: Apply standard testing and analysis procedures and operate appropriate equipment; provide technical advice to contractors and the public; understand and respond to customer needs; employ technical skills to maintain accurate computer records and utilize applicable software; review and interpret engineering plans and drawings and utilize a variety of reports and records; establish and maintain effective working relationships with contractors, developers, the public and other employees; address problems and trends in a timely, efficient, and equitable manner; address multiple demands and meet deadlines; adapt to interruptions, equipment, failures, unusual demands, and/or changing priorities.
TRAINING: High school diploma or equivalent required. Prefer candidates hold current Level I Water Collection Certification and Level I Water Distribution Certification. Flagger, trenching and shoring and other construction safety certifications preferred. Two (2) years of college or technical school with major course work in civil engineering or related area preferred.
EXPERIENCE: Minimum of 2 years of utility locating experience required, or equivalent combination of training and experience that provides evidence that the applicant possesses the required knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform essential functions of the position. Five years of direct utility locating experience preferred.Ability to obtain a valid Colorado Class B Commercial Driver's License within 6 months of hire and maintain a safe driving record. Ability to obtain a Level I Water Distribution Certification and Level I Water Collection Certification within 6 months if not already certified. Ability to obtain Certification in Flagging / Traffic Control, Confined Space, Construction Site Safety, and Excavation Safety training within 3 months if not already certified. This position is on call frequently. Be able to respond to emergency locates and City emergencies such as utility damage, water main breaks, etc. within 30 minutes of call-out.
WORK ENVIRONMENT AND PHYSICAL DEMANDS:
Work is performed independently in both office and field environments. Work regularly involves working in traffic to locate utilities under roadways, accessing pits and vaults, and walking on uneven surfaces. Field work may involve exposure to extreme weather conditions, dust, gases, and fumes. Work requires the ability to drive a vehicle throughout the work period, including off-road and during adverse weather conditions. Must have sufficient writing ability to complete reports, documentation, and notices. Work requires the ability to communicate effectively with employees, contractors, and the public; may need to communicate with the public and contractors under adversarial situations. Must be able to balance multiple concurrent tasks, manage interruptions and handle stressful situations. Frequent exposure to noise levels that may cause distractions. Physical demands include the ability to lift heavy loads (over 50 lbs.). Specific vision abilities required include vision sufficient to identify infrastructure in poor lighting conditions and adverse weather conditions, read a variety of material, and complete paperwork. The employee is frequently required to walk, talk, hear, climb, balance, stoop, kneel, crouch or crawl, and reach with both hands; handle or feel objects, tools, or controls; climb on ladders; and work around moving parts and running machines and/or moving vehicles. Regularly exposed to confined work areas.
Work is generally scheduled Monday through Friday with some weekend, after hours, and holiday work required. Position also involves on-call duty which requires availability to respond to emergency locate requests and other emergencies outside of normal working hours, including evenings, weekends, and holidays. Will be subject to random, reasonable suspicion and post-accident alcohol and substance abuse testing as required by law.
The ideal candidate should have a considerable knowledge of the utility locating processes and associated office and field tools, ability to read and interpret maps, easements, and survey information. construction materials and practices, regulatory requirements, and operations and maintenance of municipal utility and transportation systems. The City of Lafayette’s small size provides the position the opportunity to get involved in other maintenance and operational activities when time allows for it. Candidates should enjoy working with a high degree of independence, solving problems, and working with a variety of stakeholders.
Lafayette is a thriving and diverse community of approximately 29,000 residents. Encompassing 9.54 square miles at the foothills of the Rockies, Lafayette is located at the southeastern edge of Boulder County, allowing for easy access to Boulder, Denver, Denver International Airport, and the Rocky Mountains. Our community enjoys robust services and amenities, including the Great Outdoors Water Park, an award-winning skate park, the Hale Irwin designed Indian Peaks Golf Course, a senior center, The Collective Community Arts Center, Art on the Street public art program, exciting and diverse events like Art Night Out and the Lafayette Peach Festival, Waneka Lake park and boathouse, 20 community parks, 1,465 acres of open space, 20 miles of trails, Lafayette Public Library, NRPA Gold Medal Award-winning Bob L. Burger Recreation Center, multiple community events, and a vibrant downtown. Lafayette has appeared on numerous national lists of top places to live and raise a family.
The salary range for this opportunity is $47,290--$70,935. Additionally, the City provides a comprehensive and generous benefits package.
Exceptional City Provided Benefits
- 100% City-paid Medical, Dental, Vision (up to $25,980 annually for family coverage)
- 401a Retirement Plan (10.2% City, 8% Employee, immediately 100% vested upon hire)
- Life Insurance (One year’s salary up to $150,000. AD&D coverage in equal amount)
- Tuition Assistance (up to $5000 per year for approved expenses)
- Employee Assistance Program (free counseling, travel assistance, legal aid, etc)
- Long Term Disability
- Bilingual Pay
- Short Term Disability
- Deferred Compensation and Roth Options
- Voluntary Life Insurance/AD&D
- Identity Theft Protection Program
- Recreation Center Pass
- Wellness Punch Card (100 punches per year to use at golf course, waterpark, etc)
GENERAL SUMMARY
Identifies and marks water, wastewater, stormwater, and other infrastructure to protect City facilities from damage, meet Utility Notification Center of Colorado (UNCC) requirements, and support contractors, City staff, and the public in the safe and efficient planning and execution of excavation, boring, and other subsurface work. Uses a variety of data sources, including mapping software, document management systems, as-built drawings, specialized equipment, and field observations to ensure accuracy and timeliness in accordance with UNCC requirements. Work includes a high level of independent judgment, including the ability to work under pressure when responding to emergencies and other afterhours requests. Performs timely and accurate locates of City utilities, including but not limited to:
- Monitors UNCC ticketing system. Reviews and responds to requests in accordance with required time limitations, including response to afterhours emergency requests.
- Coordinates with contractors, utility companies, and the public as necessary to clarify scope of work and extent of work area.
- Researches and interprets data, including plats, easements, as-built drawings, geographic information systems, field notes, and other data sources to determine whether City utilities are present in proposed excavation areas.
- Coordinates with other City staff as needed to determine locations of utilities where limited documentation is available.
- Clearly marks locations of City utilities in accordance with UNCC standards through use of paint, flags, or other accepted methods. Refreshes markings as required.
- Operates and maintains specialized tools and equipment. Maintains knowledge of technology and best practices. Makes recommendations on locating equipment purchases.
- Trains staff in use of equipment and in locating practices.
- Reviews locates with contractors as needed. Provides oversight of active work as needed to ensure protection of City facilities, including monitoring of directional boring work.
- Keeps City staff apprised of work impacting public rights-of-ways and easements to ensure permitting and appropriate management of impacts.
- Communicates effectively with the contractors, developers, engineers, City staff and the public on inquiries and issues related to location of utilities.
- Coordinates with Risk Manager on investigation of utility damage and resolution of related claims.
- Identifies discrepancies between City records and field conditions. Provides GIS staff with information to update records.
- Supports operations and maintenance staff in mapping of asset management and repair work.
- Utilizes GPS and other survey equipment to acquire data for areas with incomplete or inaccurate records.
- Supports engineering staff in review of as-built drawings and conversion of data into GIS and asset management systems.
- Performs water meter installation, replacement, repair, troubleshooting, customer support, and reading.
- Responds to utility emergencies including but not limited to water main breaks, wastewater backups, and flooding.
- Supports winter snowplowing operations, including temporary shift work assignments as necessary.
- Perform related work as required and assigned
KNOWLEDGE: Considerable knowledge of applicable laws, standards and regulations relating to utility location in the state of Colorado; thorough knowledge of the process of utility locating. Considerable knowledge of the methods, materials used in the construction, repair and maintenance of water systems including automated metering systems, wastewater collection systems, and stormwater systems. Ability to read and interpret plats and easements; knowledge of surveying principles and techniques
SKILL: Reading and interpreting maps and specifications; operating specialized equipment required to perform the job, and a high level of computer proficiency
ABILITY: Apply standard testing and analysis procedures and operate appropriate equipment; provide technical advice to contractors and the public; understand and respond to customer needs; employ technical skills to maintain accurate computer records and utilize applicable software; review and interpret engineering plans and drawings and utilize a variety of reports and records; establish and maintain effective working relationships with contractors, developers, the public and other employees; address problems and trends in a timely, efficient, and equitable manner; address multiple demands and meet deadlines; adapt to interruptions, equipment, failures, unusual demands, and/or changing priorities.
TRAINING: High school diploma or equivalent required. Prefer candidates hold current Level I Water Collection Certification and Level I Water Distribution Certification. Flagger, trenching and shoring and other construction safety certifications preferred. Two (2) years of college or technical school with major course work in civil engineering or related area preferred.
EXPERIENCE: Minimum of 2 years of utility locating experience required, or equivalent combination of training and experience that provides evidence that the applicant possesses the required knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform essential functions of the position. Five years of direct utility locating experience preferred.Ability to obtain a valid Colorado Class B Commercial Driver's License within 6 months of hire and maintain a safe driving record. Ability to obtain a Level I Water Distribution Certification and Level I Water Collection Certification within 6 months if not already certified. Ability to obtain Certification in Flagging / Traffic Control, Confined Space, Construction Site Safety, and Excavation Safety training within 3 months if not already certified. This position is on call frequently. Be able to respond to emergency locates and City emergencies such as utility damage, water main breaks, etc. within 30 minutes of call-out.
WORK ENVIRONMENT AND PHYSICAL DEMANDS:
Work is performed independently in both office and field environments. Work regularly involves working in traffic to locate utilities under roadways, accessing pits and vaults, and walking on uneven surfaces. Field work may involve exposure to extreme weather conditions, dust, gases, and fumes. Work requires the ability to drive a vehicle throughout the work period, including off-road and during adverse weather conditions. Must have sufficient writing ability to complete reports, documentation, and notices. Work requires the ability to communicate effectively with employees, contractors, and the public; may need to communicate with the public and contractors under adversarial situations. Must be able to balance multiple concurrent tasks, manage interruptions and handle stressful situations. Frequent exposure to noise levels that may cause distractions. Physical demands include the ability to lift heavy loads (over 50 lbs.). Specific vision abilities required include vision sufficient to identify infrastructure in poor lighting conditions and adverse weather conditions, read a variety of material, and complete paperwork. The employee is frequently required to walk, talk, hear, climb, balance, stoop, kneel, crouch or crawl, and reach with both hands; handle or feel objects, tools, or controls; climb on ladders; and work around moving parts and running machines and/or moving vehicles. Regularly exposed to confined work areas.
Work is generally scheduled Monday through Friday with some weekend, after hours, and holiday work required. Position also involves on-call duty which requires availability to respond to emergency locate requests and other emergencies outside of normal working hours, including evenings, weekends, and holidays. Will be subject to random, reasonable suspicion and post-accident alcohol and substance abuse testing as required by law.
Salary : $47,299 - $70,928