Utility Locator

Classification: Non-Exempt

Salary Grade/Level/Family/Range: 5

Reports to: Utility Locator Coordinator

Date: 01/07/2026

JOB DESCRIPTION

Summary/Objective

The Utility Locator is responsible for accurately, safely, and efficiently locating and marking the Cooperative’s underground utilities, including electric and telecommunication facilities, in compliance with South Carolina 811 (SC811) requirements. This position requires providing professional and courteous service to Cooperative members, employees and the general public.

Essential Functions

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions. Other duties may be assigned.

1. Receive, review, and process underground utility locate requests through SC811.
2. Interpret system maps, records, and related documentation to accurately locate and mark the Cooperative’s underground electric and fiber facilities.
3. Assist with investigations of facility damage resulting from excavation activities, as required.
4. Identify and report discrepancies or inaccuracies in system mapping or records to appropriate personnel.
5. Provide after-hours and emergency assistance in locating the Cooperative’s underground utilities, including overtime work as required.
6. Maintain accurate records and documentation related to underground utilities locating activities.
7. Follow and support all AEC policies, procedures, rules, and practices; attend safety meetings and required training sessions; and promote a positive image of AEC to employees, members, and the general public.

Competency

1. Ethics and integrity
2. Oral and written communication skills
3. Negotiation skills
4. Analytical and critical thinking
5. Organizational awareness and alignment
6. Collaboration and teamwork
7. Professional and technical credibility
8. Project and time management
9. Adaptability
10. Risk awareness and compliance
11. Service orientation

Supervisory Responsibility

None

Work Environment

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is occasionally exposed to wet and/or humid conditions; moving mechanical parts; high, precarious places; fumes or airborne particles; outside weather conditions; extreme cold; extreme heat; confined space; risk of electrical shock; explosives. The noise level in the work environment is moderate to loud. 

The employee works around trenchers, line trucks, live electrical lines, oils spills and cleanup operations.  This role also utilizes standard office equipment, including tablets, computers, phones, and copiers.  The position requires the ability to safely operate motor vehicles and equipment in a variety of work environments.

Physical Demands

While performing the duties of this position, the employee is required to regularly walk or stand; drive a motor vehicle; use hands and fingers to handle or feel objects; reach with hands and arms; and communicate verbally. The employee must be able to hear and understand verbal instructions and audible warnings and must be able to distinguish colors to accurately identify and mark underground utilities and safety indicators.

The employee may be required to climb or balance and to stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move objects weighing up to 100 pounds.

Travel

Regular travel to local and state destinations is required, with occasional interstate travel as necessary.

Required Education and Experience

1. High School Diploma or equivalent.
2. Three (3) years of experience in utility locating.
3. Experience with utility locating equipment, GPS tools, GIS systems, and SC811 ticket management systems.

Preferred Education and Experience

1. Associate degree or equivalent from technical school and three (3) years related experience; or equivalent combination of education, experience, and training.
2. Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications, including word processing and spreadsheet software.
3. Experience in the electric and/or broadband utility industry.
4. Knowledge of AEC’s service territory.

Additional Eligibility Qualifications

1.  Valid driver’s license.
2. Ability to distinguish colors for accurate utility identification and marking.
3. Residency requirements.
4. Legal authorization to work in the United States.

EEO Statement

Aiken Electric Cooperative, Inc. provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws.

This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training.

At-Will Employment Statement

This job description is intended to outline the general duties and responsibilities of the position and is not a binding contract. Employment with Aiken Electric Cooperative, Inc. (AEC) is on an at-will basis, which means that either the employee or AEC may terminate the employment relationship at any time, with or without cause or notice, and for any lawful reason.

This document does not create an employment contract, expressed or implied, nor does it modify the at-will nature of employment.

Other Duties

Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities and activities may change at any time with or without notice.

Due to the nature of an electric and broadband utility, all employees are subject to working extended hours, holidays, nights, and weekends with or without notice.  All employees of Aiken Electric Cooperative, Inc., may be required to work during the Annual Meeting.  Additional duties or responsibilities may be assigned

Signatures
This job description has been approved by all levels of management:

Manager____________________________________________________

HR_________________________________________________________

Employee signature below constitutes employee's understanding of the requirements, essential functions and duties of the position.

Employee__________________________________ Date_____________

NRECA Electric Cooperative Employee Competencies