DAMAGE PREVENTION SPECIALIST I, II or III

About the Department

Performs technical semiskilled work locating utility lines; does related work as required. Ensure compliance with PHMSA regulation 49 CFR Parts 192.614 and 192.935 pertaining to a Damage Prevention Program and NCGS Chapter 87 Article 8A pertaining to Underground Utility Safety and Damage Prevention Act. Work involves interpreting utility maps, using locating equipment, documenting field conditions, and ensuring protection of the City’s utility assets during excavation activities. Employees in this classification work under close supervision and are expected to learn City systems, safety practices, and locating methods through hands-on experience. Work is performed under the limited supervision of the Energy Services Utility Locator Crew Leader. 

This is medium work requiring the exertion of 50 pounds of force occasionally, up to 20 pounds of force frequently, and up to 10 pounds of force constantly to move objects, and some heavy work requiring the exertion of 100 pounds of force occasionally, up to 50 pounds of force frequently, and up to 20 pounds of force constantly to move objects; work requires balancing, stooping, kneeling, crouching, reaching, standing, walking, pushing, pulling, lifting, fingering, grasping, and repetitive motions; vocal communication is required for expressing or exchanging ideas by means of the spoken word; hearing is required to perceive information at normal spoken word levels; visual acuity is required for depth perception, color perception, peripheral vision, visual inspection involving small defects and/or small parts, use of measuring devices, assembly or fabrication of parts at or within arm’s length, operation of machines, operation of motor vehicles or equipment, determining the accuracy and thoroughness of work, and observing general surroundings and activities; the worker is subject to inside and outside environmental conditions, extreme cold, extreme heat, noise, vibration, hazards, atmospheric conditions, and oils.  

Position Duties

Locating and marking natural gas, electric, water, sewer, and fiber optic utilities; providing utility location services to other utilities and City departments; prepares and maintains maps, files, and records. 

Completes utility locates for natural gas transmission and distribution lines, electric distribution lines, water distribution lines, sewer collection lines, and fiber optic communication lines.

Completes utility locate documentation per state law requirements.

Responds and communicates in response to excavation damage for natural gas, electric, and fiber optic facilities; repairs third party damages.

Conducts inspection of contractor installations of natural gas, electric, water, sewer, and fiber optic facilities, ensures compliance to Operations and Maintenance (O & M) procedures, permit requirements, and industry standards.

Participates in as-built and project documentation required for natural gas, electric, water, sewer, and fiber optic facilities.

Completes map corrections and reviews maps for quality assurance.

Assists in the installation of gas line markers, test stations, critical asset markers etc.

Discusses job requirements with and receives detailed instructions from supervisor.

Keeps trucks stocked with materials and tools; performs minor equipment maintenance; calibrates tools.

Performs landscaping and back fill duties; maintains right-of-ways. 

May be required to work outside normal hours in emergencies and perform on-call duties; participates in locating for emergency locate tickets; responds to after hour locates, if needed.

Performs related tasks as required. 

Minimum Qualifications

General knowledge of the operation of electronic locating devices; ability to read and understand utility maps to determine the location of natural gas pipelines, electric lines, water lines, sewer lines and fiber optic cables; knowledge of the tools, materials, and equipment used in locating. General knowledge of a variety of methods and tasks involved in the installation, maintenance, repair, location, and replacement of utility lines and appurtenances; standards and specifications related to underground utility locating methods, and materials; hazards and related safety precautions involved in working on energized pad-mounted transformers and hand boxes; electrical principles and function;  ability to read, understand, and follow oral and written instructions; ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with associates, contractors, and the public.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE: 

Any combination of education and experience equivalent to graduation from high school and minimal experience in utility construction or maintenance including some experience locating underground utility lines. 

Other Qualifications

Maintains required Operator Qualifications (OQs) under the Natural Gas Division’s OQ Program.

Possession of or ability to obtain a Class A commercial driver’s license valid in the state of North Carolina within six months of employment.

Possession of or ability to obtain CPR and basic first aid certification within one year of employment.