Supervisor Underground Facilities Location

Job Purpose

The Supervisor, Underground Facilities Location, is responsible for leading and coordinating a team of field technicians and external contractors to ensure safe, accurate, and timely locating and marking of underground gas and electric distribution facilities. This position safeguards company assets, ensures public and worker safety, mitigates third-party damage risk, and supports regulatory compliance. The role also drives continuous improvement in locating operations, technology integration, and team development.

Key Responsibilities

- Field Operations: Oversee daily activities of field locating technicians, ensuring timely, safe, and compliant locate responses, including emergencies; perform all underground facility damage investigations.

- Vendor & Stakeholder Coordination: Act as liaison with third-party vendors and internal departments to ensure service quality and resolve issues.

- Team Leadership: Lead, coach, and develop field staff; implement training and succession plans while promoting a culture of safety and excellence.

- Process & Performance Management: Analyze performance data, report on asset protection metrics, and drive continuous improvement through new technologies.

- Regulatory Compliance: Ensure adherence to relevant laws and policies; represent the company in industry discussions and policy development.

Competencies

- Drives Results: Consistently achieves goals, even under tough circumstances.

- Tech Savvy: Embraces and leverages technology to improve efficiency and accuracy.

- Manages Ambiguity: Operates effectively, even when things are not certain or the way forward is unclear.

- Communicates Effectively: Delivers clear, persuasive, and timely messages tailored to different audiences

- Customer Focus: Prioritizes the customer experience and builds productive partnerships.

Skills

- In-depth knowledge of underground utility locating methods and equipment.

- Proficiency in interpreting engineering plans, GIS data, and schematic diagrams.

- Strong leadership, conflict resolution, and coaching skills.

- Excellent written and verbal communication across all levels of the organization.

- Competency with MS Office Suite; working knowledge of GIS, CAD, and utility mapping systems is a plus.

- Ability to evaluate and deploy new technologies to improve field operations.

Physical Requirements

- Ability to work in an outdoor environment and be exposed to various weather conditions.

- Capable of walking, standing, bending, and lifting up to 40 lbs during field visits.

- Ability to respond to after-hours emergencies and on-call rotations.

- Must be able to operate company vehicles and equipment safely.

Education

- High school diploma or equivalent required.

- Associate’s or bachelor’s degree in Construction Management, Utility Operations, Engineering Technology, or related field preferred.

Experience

- Minimum 5 years of progressively responsible experience in underground utility locating or gas/electric distribution operations.

- At least 2 years of supervisory or team leadership experience.

- Experience with third-party contractor oversight and damage prevention programs is strongly preferred.

- Must complete Operator Qualification (OQ) certification for covered tasks within 18 months of hire and maintain compliance.