Utilities Locator/Lineman Helper

Job Description

Reporting to the VTES Electric Service Manager, the Utilities Locator/Lineman Helper accurately identifies, locates, and marks the location of subsurface electric utilities in order to minimize accidental damage or disruption of service due to construction or excavation activities. Communicates with customers/excavators to understand excavation locations and limits. Performs locates within the prescribed time and provides responses to Virginia Utility Protection Service (VUPS) accordingly. Assists with electric utility construction and maintenance projects when not locating.

Required Qualifications

-Must have a working knowledge of electric distributions systems, including safety practices of the electric -distribution industry; i.e. previous job experience, education, training, or equivalent.
-Must be familiar with underground locating policies and procedures and industry standards.
-Must have a valid driver's license.
-Ability to locate and mark existing electric underground infrastructure including electric primary and secondary -lines, junction boxes, manholes and vaults within prescribed accuracy and time requirements.
-Ability to read and interpret utility maps, plans, and drawings to identify the type and size of underground utilities.
-Ability to work alone or in a team setting and receive and follow verbal instructions.
-Ability to use a computer or tablet to receive, document and close out VUPS excavation notices, both during normal hours and after hours.
-Ability to effectively communicate and interact with customers, excavators, utility reps, and company personnel and third parties regarding underground facilities.
-Required to enter manholes and confined spaces using appropriate safety procedures and equipment.

Preferred Qualifications

• -Experience with Virginia Utility Protection Service (VUPS) (Miss Utility - 811)
• -Possess a valid Commercial Driver License (CDL).
• -Experience operating equipment such as backhoe, excavator.
• -Familiarity with tools of the electric distribution industry.
• -Experience working around conductors energized at up to 12,470 volts.
• -Completion of an initial lineworker apprentice course (or equivalent experience).

Pay Band

3

Overtime Status

Non-Exempt: Eligible for overtime

Appointment Type

Regular

Salary Information

$55,000-$60,000; commensurate with experience

Hours Per Week

40

Review Date

October 7, 2025

Additional Information

This position is not eligible for visa sponsorship. Applicants must be authorized to work in the United States without the need for current or future sponsorship.

The successful candidate will be required to have a criminal conviction check.

About Virginia Tech

Dedicated to its motto, Ut Prosim (That I May Serve), Virginia Tech pushes the boundaries of knowledge by taking a hands-on, transdisciplinary approach to preparing scholars to be leaders and problem-solvers. A comprehensive land-grant institution that enhances the quality of life in Virginia and throughout the world, Virginia Tech is an inclusive community dedicated to knowledge, discovery, and creativity. The university offers more than 280 majors to a diverse enrollment of more than 36,000 undergraduate, graduate, and professional students in eight undergraduate colleges, a school of medicine, a veterinary medicine college, Graduate School, and Honors College. The university has a significant presence across Virginia, including Blacksburg, the greater Washington, D.C. area, the Health Sciences and Technology Campus in Roanoke, sites in Newport News and Richmond, and numerous Extension offices and research institutes. A leading global research institution, Virginia Tech conducts more than $650 million in research annually.

Virginia Tech endorses and encourages participation in professional development opportunities and university shared governance.  These valuable contributions to university shared governance provide important representation and perspective, along with opportunities for unique and impactful professional development.

Virginia Tech does not discriminate against employees, students, or applicants on the basis of age, color, disability, sex (including pregnancy), gender, gender identity, gender expression, genetic information, ethnicity or national origin, political affiliation, race, religion, sexual orientation, or military status, or otherwise discriminate against employees or applicants who inquire about, discuss, or disclose their compensation or the compensation of other employees or applicants, or on any other basis protected by law.

If you are an individual with a disability and desire an accommodation, please contact Facilities HR at opshr-g@vt.edu during regular business hours at least 10 business days prior to the event.