Utility Locator

We are the Metropolitan Council, the regional government for the seven-county Twin Cities metropolitan area. We plan 30 years ahead for the future of the metropolitan area and provide regional transportation, wastewater, and housing services. More information about us on our website.

We are committed to supporting a diverse workforce that reflects the communities we serve.

Metro Transit is one of the country's largest transit systems, employs more than 3,000 people, and prior to Covid provided more than 80 million rides a year through an integrated network of buses, light rail and commuter trains, as well as resources for those who carpool, vanpool, walk or bike in the Twin Cities.

How your work would contribute to our organization and the Twin Cities region:

A GSOC Utility Locator provides accurate, efficient surveying and locating services to various Council departments in the area of Preliminary Engineering Surveys, Construction and As-built Surveys; performs utility locates; process utility crossing permits; and represents the agency during utility coordination meetings with outside agencies and stakeholders to communicate the risks involved if a facility is damaged. The position may be required to assist in projects and shutdowns that may take place on night shifts and/or weekends as assigned.

• Processes permits by coordinating the review with Council staff, reviewing applications for adherence to Council requirements and securing approvals and signatures.
• Performs Gopher State One Call utility locates and follows up to ensure Council facilities are not impacted.
• Processes encroachment requests and draft agreements assessing impact to facility and issuing permits.
• Reads and interprets construction plans.
• Responsible for researching records and utilizing the best available data to determine utility locations.
• Uses and operates GPS, total station, or other survey data collection equipment.
• Uses and operates an electromagnetic locator or other technologies to locate and mark buried facilities.
• Monitors and prioritizes incoming utility locate requests. Organizes and schedules routes to excavation subject areas.
• Monitors quality of GIS data with the GIS team
• Other duties as assigned.

Any of the following combinations of experience (surveying or engineering technology) and completed education (surveying-engineering technology or a related field):

• High school diploma/GED with five (5) years of experience.
• Associates degree with three (3) years of experience.
• Bachelor's degree, or higher, and one (1) year of experience.

• Experience with Gopher State One Call process (access to website, review maps, add permission for users to access or view locate tickets).
• Experience using survey equipment to locate utilities.
• Experience with Trimble GPS/GIS Interface, geolocation, foot counter wheels, and survey marking materials (paint, flags, etc.).
• Experience using software such as GIS ArcMap, Auto Cad, Trimble Business Center and terrasync.
• Experience working and collaborating in diverse, multi-cultural and inclusive environments.

• Knowledge of surveying principals and practice
• Knowledge and ability to comply with local 811 processes and laws
• Knowledge and experience with Trimble GPS/GIS Interface, geolocation, foot counter wheels, and survey marking materials (paint, flags, etc.)
• Skill in MS Office - Word, Excel
• Skill in software such as GIS ArcMap, Auto Cad, Trimble Business Center and terrasync
• Ability to operate a multifrequency pipe and cable locator
• Ability to read plans and maps
• Ability to organize and prioritize work.
• Ability to work both independently and in a team setting
• Ability to make decisions, pay attention to detail and work quality
• Ability to communicate effectively with co-workers, managers, other government agencies, contractors, and 811 staff
• Ability to understand and apply best practices relating to safety in the field (intersections, Right-of-Way)

• We offer the opportunity to make a difference and positively influence the Twin Cities metropolitan area.
• We encourage our employees to develop their skills through on-site training and tuition reimbursement.
• We provide a competitive salary, excellent benefits and a good work/life balance.

Union/Grade: NRC /Grade E
FSLA Status: Non-Exempt
Safety Sensitive: No

Work Environment: Work is performed in a standard office setting and in the field. This position has exposure to extreme weather conditions where there is no effective protection from the weather, loud noises, exposure to hazards such as proximity to moving mechanical parts, electrical current, and working near moving parts, atmospheric conditions, and vibration. Travel between primary worksite to other sites is required.

What steps the recruitment process involves:
1. We review your minimum qualifications.
2. We rate your education and experience.
3. We conduct a structured panel interview.
4. We conduct a selection interview.

If you are new to the Metropolitan Council, you must pass a background check, which verifies education and employment, covers driving record and any criminal record. If you have a criminal conviction, you do not automatically fail. The Metropolitan Council considers felony, gross misdemeanor and misdemeanor convictions on a case-by-case basis, based on whether they are related to the job and whether the candidate has demonstrated adequate rehabilitation.

If you are already an employee of the Metropolitan Council, you must pass a criminal background check if the job you're applying for is safety sensitive, is a supervisory or management job, is in the Finance, Information Services or Human Resources departments, or has access to financial records, files/databases, cash, vouchers or transit fare cards.

IMPORTANT: If you make a false statement or withhold information, you may be barred from job consideration.

The Metropolitan Council is an Equal Opportunity, Affirmative Action, and veteran-friendly employer. The Council is committed to a workforce that reflects the diversity of the region and strongly encourages persons of color, members of the LGBTQ community, individuals with disabilities, women, and veterans to apply.

If you have a disability that requires an accommodation during the selection process, please email HR-OCCHealth@metc.state.mn.us.