Utility Locator - Public Works

Job description

About the City Lafayette has an inescapable small-town feeling that provides a sense of belonging and connection. Whether it’s eclectic Old Town, distinctive neighborhoods, or unique arts and outdoors spaces, the City has a warmth and character all its own, offering a unique vibe and spirit. Lafayette has appeared on numerous national lists of top places to live and safely raise a family. We are a full-service City, which means services are provided directly to our community such as Police, Fire, Public Works, Economic Development, Parks and Recreation, Library and Community Arts Center. These types of services offer employment opportunities for a wide array of interests. The City’s mission is to recruit, develop and retain a diverse, well-qualified and professional workforce that reflects the unique personality of the community we serve. Exceptional City Provided Benefits: • Medical, Dental, Vision • 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) • Short and Long-Term Disability • Bilingual Pay Additional Benefits: • Deferred Compensation and Roth Options • Voluntary Life Insurance/AD&D • Identity Theft Program • Recreation Center Pass • Wellness Punch Card (100 punches per year to use at golf course, waterpark, etc) Leave: • First year employees will accrue 80 hours Vacation • Sick Leave • Floating Holiday Leave • 11.5 paid City holidays. • Other leave programs are offered to include FMLA, Parental and Bereavement Leave 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. TYPICAL QUALIFICATIONS: 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. ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS: The following duties are illustrative only and are not intended to be all inclusive: 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. Maintains accurate mapping of City infrastructure, including but not limited to: • 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. • Supports other operations, maintenance, and engineering functions, including but not limited to: • 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 SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS: • 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. Please ensure your application is complete and submitted prior to 11:59 pm on October 23, 2026, to be considered. Incomplete applications will be withdrawn from the process.