My articles this year have explored the “Simple Recipe for Utility Locating”, with emphasis on following established guidelines, techniques, and standards to successfully complete a locate request. We’ve covered proper grounding of the equipment and selection of the appropriate frequency, which (when combined) significantly enhances the accuracy of the locate. However, there’s a critical ingredient of the recipe that we haven’t addressed yet – the locator themselves.
What defines an effective and competent utility locator? While there are varying perspectives on this topic, and some of what follows may be inherently subjective, I believe there are essential qualities that individuals must possess to succeed in the utility locating profession. For one to be effective and competent in the utility locating profession, an evaluation initially and continually of one’s soft skills, blended with both physical capabilities and technical skills, is needed to ensure the quality and safety within the industry are met.
On the soft skills front, accountability and integrity are key. I view integrity as the innate character of someone to always do the right thing, even when no one (supervisor, etc.) is looking – the drive to not take shortcuts. It’s observed in a locate tech’s attention to detail and use of problem-solving skills. Accountability promotes integrity and is supported by accurate documentation of the findings at a site. Strong and clear communication of the results to contractors, utility owners, homeowners and industry professionals leads to effective collaboration between stakeholders. And we can’t overlook the importance of time management and teamwork in the locator’s arsenal of soft skills that lead to efficient completion of jobs without compromising accuracy.
Locating is physically demanding. The long hours of walking, bending, kneeling and working outdoors in varying weather conditions while carrying and operating locate equipment can take a toll on one’s body. One aspect of the job that no one wants to do, but is necessary, is the occasional use of the shovel. With a shovel, the locator can visibly and accurately identify the targeted utility, especially when it is a difficult locate, which validates one’s technical skills. It’s more than simply pointing a piece of equipment at the ground to magically identify where a utility is located.
Technical proficiency of the utility locator is challenged daily with the ever-changing locate requests. A knowledge base is developed in the day-to-day operation of the utility system, and proficiency is developed through training and ongoing use of equipment. Having the ability to solve complex issues and the ability to understand and read blueprints, drawings and utility maps are core to success in the role.
Utility locating isn’t an easy job. It’s often solo work, but interpersonal and soft skills are needed. It’s a lot of time in a truck, but it’s also physically demanding. It may not be rocket science, but there’s a technical skillset that must be learned and refined through practice. The most effective locators are well-rounded professionals who take pride in each aspect of the job so they can master this simple recipe.