811 Lead Technician - Pinellas County

At McKim & Creed, we are an employee-owned firm with a culture centered on People Helping People. Our core values of respect for people, client satisfaction, continuous improvement, safety, and ownership guide how we serve our clients, support one another, and protect the communities where we work.

Overview

McKim & Creed is seeking an 811 Lead Technician to perform 811 underground utility locating and support field coordination and technician development in Pinellas County. Approximately 70% of the role involves completing personally assigned locate tickets and 30% involves supporting and mentoring technicians under the direction of the 811 Field Supervisor.

This hourly, field-based role combines independent 811 locating with ticket coordination, field training, and quality support. The Lead Technician may assign and reassign tickets within the Field Supervisor’s direction. Formal supervision and personnel decisions remain with designated management. Assigned utilities depend on the client and contract. Local daily travel, overtime, and scheduled emergency/on-call coverage are part of the role.

During your workday

• Independently review ticket instructions, excavation limits, maps, and available records; select appropriate locating methods; and accurately locate and mark assigned underground utilities.
• Manage your assigned tickets by due time, travel, field conditions, and service requirements while maintaining safe, accurate work. Keep complete notes, required photographs, positive responses, and completion records.
• Assign and reassign tickets as directed by the Field Supervisor, considering deadlines, geography, technician qualifications, and workload. Support daily coverage and report overdue risks, coverage gaps, and resource needs.
• Support field-procedure training and mentor 811 technicians through demonstrations, observation, practical feedback, and follow-up. Reinforce approved company and client methods; report progress and development needs to the Field Supervisor.
• Assist with difficult locates, signal interference, conflicting records, and other field challenges. Explain the supporting evidence and limitations; escalate unresolved conditions before marking, clearing, or closing a ticket without adequate support.
• Perform assigned field quality and ticket-documentation reviews. Record findings, help technicians complete corrective actions, and verify corrections as directed by the Field Supervisor.
• Support damage and near-miss investigations by preserving ticket records and photographs, documenting field conditions, and gathering facts for the Field Supervisor.
• Coordinate with excavators and client representatives on ticket scope, access, field conditions, and work status within delegated authority. Escalate disputes, service risks, and requests outside the assigned scope.
• Provide continuity during the Field Supervisor’s absence through delegated ticket coordination and technical support. Refer management and personnel matters to designated leadership.
• Model safe work and complete required safety documentation. Help maintain equipment and supply readiness, report shortages or defects, and support emergency/on-call coverage. Stop work and escalate unsafe conditions or tasks beyond training or authorization.

Qualifications and Benefits

What you will need

• High school diploma or GED required.
• Hands-on 811 underground utility locating experience and demonstrated ability to independently manage tickets, interpret instructions and utility maps, evaluate field evidence, and recognize when assistance is needed.
• Strong working knowledge of electromagnetic locating receivers and transmitters, troubleshooting methods, utility marking, positive responses, and complete field documentation.
• Ability to organize ticket workloads, identify approaching deadlines, and coordinate assignments within the Field Supervisor’s direction.
• Ability to explain 811 locating methods clearly, coach technicians respectfully, provide constructive feedback, and verify that instruction is applied in the field.
• Dependable work habits, sound judgment, accurate reporting, and the ability to balance personal ticket production with assigned team-support duties.
• Ability to communicate professionally with technicians, supervisors, excavators, property owners, and client representatives, and to use mobile devices, email, and ticket-management applications.
• Ability to travel throughout the assigned service area and meet the work schedule, including overtime and scheduled emergency/on-call coverage.
• Ability to perform essential outdoor field duties, including walking on uneven terrain, working in varying weather, and carrying and operating locating equipment, with or without reasonable accommodation.
• A valid driver’s license and acceptable motor vehicle record, with successful completion of required background screening and drug testing.

What will make you stand out

• Five or more years of hands-on 811 underground utility locating experience preferred.
• Experience mentoring 811 locators, providing field-procedure training, coordinating ticket assignments, or serving as a working lead.
• Experience with 811 field quality reviews, damage-investigation support, and verification of corrective actions.
• Experience with UtiliSphere or comparable 811 ticket-management systems and the utilities covered by the assigned contract.

Scope of authority

The Lead Technician provides working leadership under the 811 Field Supervisor and may assign or reassign tickets within delegated authority. This position has no management-level or HR responsibilities, including hiring, discipline, formal performance reviews, compensation decisions, or approval of leave. Supporting coverage during a supervisor’s absence does not expand that authority.

What we offer

• Hourly compensation and competitive benefits.
• Employee ownership through participation in our Employee Stock Ownership Plan, subject to plan eligibility and vesting requirements.
• Training, mentoring, and opportunities for career development.
• Meaningful work protecting people, underground infrastructure, and the communities we serve.

McKim & Creed is an Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action Employer, and VEVRAA Federal Contractor and will consider all qualified applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, protected veteran status or disability status and maintains a Drug Free Workplace.

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