OSP Utility Locator Technician

Classification: Full-Time, Non-Exempt, At-Will

Reports to: OSP Director

Department: Construction & OSP

Location: In-Field: Lancaster, CA.

Location Status: Work will be primarily performed at a designated field worksite location based out of a central Race Communications worksite. Occasional travel to and work

from other Race offices or other off-site locations will be required.

Beware of scams that target job seekers. Race Communications will never provide a job offer without a comprehensive interview process (including in-person or secure video conferencing), request sensitive information through unsecure platforms such as email or text messaging, require candidates to pay fees, or pressure candidates to act without careful consideration. You can get more information about Race Communications at www.race.com or by contacting our recruiting team directly.

About Us:

As the leading provider of 10G fiber internet in California, Race Communications is a company built by the needs of the communities that we serve. In collaboration with the California Public Utilities Commission and many non-profit community advocacy groups, we build next-generation fiber infrastructure where others won’t, serving over 30 communities across the state.

Working for Race means being dedicated to bringing cutting-edge fiber internet to rural and urban communities, providing opportunities, enhancing technology, and enabling access for generations to come.

Summary:

The Utility Locator Technician is a skilled professional responsible for accurately identifying and marking underground utility lines, ensuring the safety and integrity of excavation projects. This role involves using advanced equipment and techniques to locate and map utility lines, such as fiber optic cables, to prevent damage during construction or maintenance activities. Utility Locator Technicians collaborate closely with construction teams, follow safety protocols, and adhere to industry standards to minimize disruptions and costly repairs. Their expertise plays a critical role in maintaining reliable telecommunications infrastructure and ensuring the uninterrupted delivery of essential services.

This individual should be able to communicate and work effectively with external service representatives and internal team members who possess a wide variety of backgrounds, personalities, and communication skills. This individual should be able to work effectively in a dynamic, fast-paced, and evolving environment while maintaining a productive professional demeanor. This individual must be capable of working independently, as well as collaboratively with other Race team members across teams and levels of our organization.

Qualifications and Experience:

• Eligibility for US Employment without sponsorship
• Minimum of 18 years of age
• High School Diploma or GED or equivalent combination of education and experience is preferred
• A valid California driver's license, subject to successful verification through a DMV check
• Proficiency in Spanish Language a plus
• AutoCAD/Google Maps/KMZ experience preferred
• Utility Marking Experience preferred
• Maintains a dependable record of attendance, consistently punctual
• Ability to work nights and weekends, variable schedule(s), and overtime as needed

Skills:

• Proficient use of MS Office applications including Teams, Word, Excel, and PowerPoint; teleconferencing applications
• Functional use of common office equipment, computers, and office software
• Strong time management skills, with the ability to manage priorities and workflow
• Commitment to accuracy and high standards for quality of work
• Ability to work with all levels of team members and management
• Excellent problem resolution and customer service skills
• Ability to deal effectively with a diversity of individuals at all organizational levels
• Strong organizational skills that reflect ability to perform and prioritize multiple tasks seamlessly with excellent attention to detail
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills
• Ability to work on complex projects with general direction and minimal guidance
• Versatility, flexibility, and willingness to work within constantly changing priorities with a sense of urgency
• Good judgement with the ability to make timely and sound decisions
• Highly resourceful team-player, with the ability to also be extremely effective independently
• Ability to effectively present information and respond to questions

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

Support and Coordination:

• Supports USA ticketing and Field Marketing per 811 guidelines

Utility Identification and Mapping:

• Interprets utility maps and prints, using tools such as KMZ and AutoCAD, to determine the natural and dimensions of underground utilities

Utility Location and Marking:

• Utilizes various electronic detection tools to accurately locate and mark underground facilities within specified precision boundaries
• Conducts minor excavations using a shovel when needed to uncover buried utilities
• Deploys a range of hand tools and equipment, including shovels, screwdrivers, wrenches, and ped keys, as required

Infrastructure Inspection:

• Conducts inspections of both aerial and underground fiber infrastructure as needed

Vehicle Maintenance and Travel:

• Maintains vehicle/equipment pre-op/post-op to be prepared to perform required duties
• Maintains a clean driving record as defined by the current fleet insurance underwriter
• Spends a significant portion of the workday traveling in a vehicle visiting various locations and spending time both indoors and outdoors including businesses and/or residents depending on the nature of the job
• May be required to work overtime, after hours, on weekends, for emergencies, or be on-call as needed to ensure work is completed

Safety Awareness and Compliance:

• Observes hazards and reports any concerns or accidents to a supervisor or safety professional; participates in the investigation process as needed
• Understands, completes, and signs off all pre-job safety planning tools at the start and end of the shift; completes all required safety-related paperwork
• Understands and responds appropriately to all safety hazards and warning devices (e.g., back-up alarms, smell of smoke, fumes, odors, different colored warning tags, warning sirens)
• Upholds a secure work environment by adhering to regulations, procedures, and company policies, ensuring safety standards are consistently maintained

Other duties as necessary may include but are not limited to:

• Successfully complete assigned training and examinations, as well as participate in ongoing performance and development reviews, and goal setting
• Be available to participate in internal or external meetings, special functions, and professional development opportunities
• Cross-train and share knowledge with other team members
• Support routine tasks
• Maintain a professional appearance, hygiene, and demeanor

As Part of Our Team, You'll Enjoy:

• 100% Employer-paid medical, dental, vision, and life for all our employees
• 401 (k) with 100% Employer-matched up to 4% of your annual income
• Generous paid time off including sick, vacation, holiday and birthday pay
• Company provided equipment including uniforms, safety, tools, vehicle, and tech
• Free Race TV, highspeed internet, cable, and phone service where available
• Working as part of our diverse team that fosters a culture of appreciation and collaboration, where every member is valued as an integral part of our success

All offers of employment are contingent until all pre-employment requirements are met. These requirements, which vary by position, may include drug and background screenings as well as Motor Vehicle and DOT related screening and reporting requirements. Race will consider qualified job applicants with arrest and conviction records for employment.

All new employees will participate in the mandatory 'Speedway to Success' (Speedway) orientation at one our offices located in either Tehachapi, CA, Yuba City, Chico, CA, or South San Francisco, CA. The duration of the Speedway program spans from 1-3 weeks, depending on the position. During Speedway the schedule will vary: 8-hour days are planned, but shorter days may occur depending on the group’s pace. Applicants further than 50 miles from these training locations will be provided with necessary travel accommodations as part of the onboarding process. Applicants 50 miles or less from these locations will be considered regular commute. For those working remotely, virtual attendance will depend on position requirements. Further details will be provided to you during the interview process, and before your start date.

Race Communications is an equal opportunity employer who welcomes applications from individuals (with or without reasonable accommodation), with the skills, experience, and dedication to excel in their roles without regard to race, religion, color, sex/gender (including pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding, or related medical conditions), sex stereotype, gender identity/gender expression and sexual orientation, national origin, ancestry, physical or mental disability, medical condition, genetic information/characteristics, marital status/registered domestic partner status, age, sexual orientation, reproductive health decision-making, military or veteran status or any other basis protected by federal, state, or local law, ordinance, or regulation.

Reasonable accommodation(s) for qualified individuals with disabilities are available as part of the application and interview processes. If accommodations are needed during the application or interview process, or workplace accommodations are required after a job offer is made, please contact recruiting@race.com to initiate the interactive process.

Updated: 05/2024