Laborer (Pothole Crew)

Summary: A potholing laborer in the underground water and sewer industry is responsible for assisting in the identification and excavation of underground utilities, including water, sewer, and other utility lines. Potholing is a critical process that involves digging small test holes to expose buried utilities in order to prevent accidental damage during construction or excavation projects.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities: 

• Locate and identify underground utilities using various techniques, including survey maps, utility records, and electronic detection equipment.
• Use hand tools, such as shovels, picks, and digging bars, to carefully excavate small test holes (potholes) in predetermined locations to expose buried utilities without causing damage to the lines.
• Maintain accurate records of pothole locations, utility types, and any relevant information, including measurements and photographs. Provide detailed reports to supervisors or project managers.
• Operate and maintain equipment, including utility locators, ground-penetrating radar, and vacuum excavation trucks and trailers, in accordance with manufacturer instructions and safety guidelines.
• Work closely with other team members, including supervisors and office staff, and utility crews, to coordinate potholing activities, share information, and ensure efficient project execution.
• Assist in backfilling and compacting potholes once utility identification is complete, ensuring that the site is restored to its original condition including hardscape 
• Adhere to all safety regulations and procedures to ensure a safe working environment. Use personal protective equipment (PPE), such as hard hats, safety glasses, reflective vests, and gloves, while performing duties.

Education and/or Work Experience Requirements: 

• No minimum education required
• 1 year experience with potholing underground water and sewer preferred 
• Training or experience in specialty areas such as wet utilities, concrete, asphalt preferred, but not required
• Able to operate as well as maintain mechanical equipment and tools is preferred, but not required
• Valid Driver’s License 
• Ability to work independently and to carry out assignments to completion within parameters of instructions given
• Receive classroom and on-the-job training attentively and work to expand your knowledge and experience.  Apply the same on the job

Physical Requirements: 

• Ability to safely and successfully perform the essential job functions consistent with the ADA, FMLA and other federal, state and local standards, including meeting qualitative and/or quantitative productivity standards. 
• Ability to maintain regular, punctual attendance consistent with the ADA, FMLA and other federal, state and local standards
• Must be able to lift and carry up to 80 lbs.

Salary : $20 - $24