Utilities Locator

Utility Locate Technician – Experienced

C-N-I Locates, Ltd. | Greater Seattle Area, WA

Compensation: $30–$40 per hour, depending on experience

Employment Type: Full-Time

Schedule: Primarily Monday–Friday, 7:00 AM–5:00 PM, with occasional overtime, on-call, weekend, and holiday work

Location: Greater Seattle Area and surrounding Washington communities

Company Description

C-N-I Locates, Ltd. is a leader in underground utility detection, inspection, and subsurface damage prevention services throughout Washington State and the greater Pacific Northwest. Established in 2001, our company has built a reputation for providing reliable, high-quality utility locating solutions for commercial, industrial, residential, and infrastructure projects.

We specialize in a wide range of advanced detection and inspection services, including:

• Electromagnetic (EM) Utility Locating
• Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR) Utility Detection
• Concrete and Structural Scanning
• Non-Metallic Pipe Detection and Sonde Tracking
• Acoustic Pipe Detection
• Leak Detection
• Electrical Fault Detection
• Magnetic Detection
• Video Push Camera Inspections
• Robotic Sewer Crawler Inspections
• Utility Mapping (GNSS, RTK, CAD, KMZ, PDF, and CSV)
• Aerial Drone Imagery and Photogrammetry
• Design Utility Surveys

Our technicians are the foundation of our success. Their commitment to communication, technical knowledge, integrity, problem-solving, accuracy, safety, teamwork, and continuous improvement is what sets CNI Locates apart from the competition.

With a reported 99.99% success rate in completing locates without subsurface damage, we take pride in our commitment to safety, reliability, and delivering the highest quality of service to our clients.

We believe utility locating is more than simply putting paint on the ground. It requires critical thinking, investigative skills, technical knowledge, and the determination to solve complex underground utility challenges.

Position Overview

C-N-I Locates, Ltd. is seeking experienced Utility Locate Technicians to join our growing team in the Greater Seattle Area.

We are looking for motivated, dependable professionals who have experience identifying and marking underground utilities and are interested in expanding their technical abilities through exposure to a wide variety of specialized detection and inspection technologies.

Unlike traditional utility locating positions that focus on a limited number of utility types or detection methods, our technicians have the opportunity to work with advanced equipment, investigate complex subsurface conditions, and develop expertise across multiple service disciplines.

The ideal candidate takes pride in their work, demonstrates strong troubleshooting abilities, communicates professionally, and understands the importance of accurately identifying underground utilities to prevent damage and protect public safety.

Key Responsibilities

• Accurately locate, identify, and mark underground utilities, including electrical, communications, fiber optic, gas, water, sewer, stormwater, and other subsurface features.
• Operate electromagnetic utility locating equipment, including transmitters, receivers, and associated detection technologies.
• Utilize GPR, sonde tracking, acoustic detection, and other specialized technologies as training and experience allow.
• Review utility records, as-built drawings, engineering plans, and site maps to assist in determining utility locations.
• Investigate complex or unknown utility configurations using critical thinking and multiple detection methods.
• Perform utility locating services at commercial, industrial, residential, municipal, and construction sites.
• Accurately document field findings through utility markings, photographs, digital reports, and status updates.
• Communicate clearly with clients, contractors, project managers, and fellow technicians regarding findings, limitations, and potential concerns.
• Maintain company equipment, vehicles, and technology in a clean, organized, and professional condition.
• Efficiently manage daily schedules, travel routes, documentation, and assigned work orders.
• Follow company procedures, industry best practices, and applicable safety regulations.
• Participate in ongoing training to develop proficiency in additional utility detection and inspection services.

Qualifications & Preferred Experience

We are primarily seeking candidates with at least 2 years of hands-on utility locating experience. Applicants with additional technical experience and certifications are strongly encouraged to apply.

Ideal candidates will possess:

• At least 2 years of professional underground utility locating experience.
• Experience operating electromagnetic utility locating equipment and understanding utility tracing principles.
• Ability to accurately read and interpret utility maps, engineering drawings, blueprints, and as-built records.
• Working knowledge of underground utility systems, including electrical, communications, gas, water, sewer, and stormwater infrastructure.
• Strong troubleshooting and problem-solving skills when investigating complex utility configurations.
• A demonstrated commitment to accuracy, safety, and underground damage prevention.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Strong organizational skills and the ability to complete accurate field documentation.
• Computer proficiency, including email, digital reporting applications, and mapping software.
• Ability to work independently while collaborating effectively with other technicians and project managers.
• A self-motivated attitude, strong work ethic, and willingness to continually learn new technologies and techniques.

Additional Experience That Sets Candidates Apart

Experience with any of the following services or technologies is highly desirable:

• Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR) for utility detection or concrete scanning.
• Non-metallic utility detection using sondes, flexrods, and traceable wires.
• Acoustic pipe locating or leak detection.
• Electrical fault detection.
• Magnetic detection.
• Video push camera inspections and sonde tracking.
• Robotic sewer crawler inspections.
• GNSS, RTK, CAD, or GIS utility mapping.
• Aerial drone imagery and photogrammetry.
• FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certification.
• NUCLA, OSHA 10, or other relevant industry certifications.

Candidates do not need experience in every service listed. We provide specialized training and encourage technicians to expand their skills across our different service offerings.

Physical & Employment Requirements

• Valid driver's license and acceptable driving record.
• Ability to work outdoors year-round in varying weather conditions, including rain, snow, heat, and cold.
• Ability to stand, walk, climb, bend, kneel, crouch, and perform physically demanding fieldwork.
• Ability to carry equipment weighing 60+ pounds and participate in safely lifting or moving heavier equipment weighing up to 150+ pounds with appropriate assistance or equipment.
• Ability to travel to project sites throughout Washington State and occasionally Oregon.
• Willingness to work a flexible schedule, including occasional overtime, on-call, weekend, and holiday assignments.
• Ability to meet applicable pre-employment screening requirements and company safety policies.
• Commitment to following established safety procedures, operating protocols, and company standards.

Compensation & Benefits

Hourly Pay: $30–$40, depending on experience and qualifications.

CNI Locates offers a competitive compensation and benefits package, including:

• Medical, dental, and vision insurance.
• 401(k) retirement plan with company matching up to 3%.
• Paid time off (PTO) and vacation benefits.
• Company-provided vehicle and phone.
• Performance bonuses and incentive opportunities.
• Overtime opportunities.
• Paid training and professional development opportunities.
• Exposure to advanced utility locating and inspection technologies.
• Opportunities for career advancement and promotion.
• Variety in daily assignments, job sites, and technical challenges.

Why Join CNI Locates?

At CNI Locates, we offer more than a traditional utility locating position.

Our technicians work with a broad range of specialized technologies and have the opportunity to develop skills that go well beyond conventional electromagnetic utility locating.

We value technicians who take initiative, enjoy solving challenging problems, maintain high standards of accuracy, and are motivated to become experts in their field.

Whether you're an experienced locator looking to broaden your technical knowledge or a seasoned professional seeking greater responsibility and career growth, CNI Locates provides opportunities to continue developing your expertise.

We're looking for professionals who don't just want to locate utilities — they want to understand them, investigate them, and become better at what they do every day.

How to Apply

If you have experience in underground utility locating and are interested in joining a company that values technical expertise, safety, quality, and professional development, we encourage you to apply.

Please submit your resume and a brief description of your relevant experience.

Email: office@cnilocates.com

• Website: www.cnilocates.com