CAREER PATHWAY • DAMAGE PREVENTION
Protect critical infrastructure before every excavation by locating and marking underground utilities using advanced technology, mapping systems, and industry-leading detection equipment.
01
High Demand
Essential field role
02
Outdoor Work
Every day is different
03
Advanced Tech
Locator, GPS, GPR
04
Hands-On
Professional equipment
05
Career Support
Placement assistance
Protect What’s Below Before Anyone Digs
Utility Locators identify and mark underground infrastructure before excavation begins—keeping crews, communities, and critical services safe.
Fiber & Telecom
Critical communication lines.
Electric Utilities
Lines that keep power moving.
Gas & Water
Essential pipeline systems.
Private Utilities
Conduit, sewer, and on-site systems.
Every Safe Excavation Begins With a Utility Locator
Accurate locates prevent utility strikes, service interruptions, injuries, property damage, environmental hazards, and costly project delays.
LOCATE
→
MARK
→
VERIFY
→
EXCAVATE SAFELY
What You’ll Learn
01
Locating Fundamentals
Underground infrastructure, utility ownership, color codes, mapping, and locating standards.
02
Electromagnetic Locating
Active and passive locating, frequency selection, signal tracing, cable identification, and sondes.
03
GPR & GPS Mapping
Subsurface images, non-metallic utilities, GPS points, GIS documentation, and reporting.
04
Marking & Safety
APWA marking colors, flags, 811 procedures, PPE, hazard recognition, and damage prevention.
A Day in the Life of a Utility Locator
Review Requests
Study locate tickets and project maps.
Locate Utilities
Trace underground lines with specialized detection equipment.
Mark the Site
Apply industry-standard paint and flags.
Map & Document
Collect GPS points and complete field reports.
Coordinate Safely
Share findings with contractors before excavation.
BUILD A SAFER FUTURE
Every successful excavation starts with accurate utility locating. Develop the skills to protect communities, prevent utility damage, and support the construction projects that keep our world connected.