Damage Prevention Specialist

The Damage Prevention Specialist is responsible for identifying, locating and marking the location of all partner subsurface utilities in order to minimize damage or disruption of service due to construction excavation activities.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Have the ability and determination to work safely.
• Locate and mark existing utility lines including, gas lines, water lines, wastewater lines, and telephone lines including fiber optic and copper, electric lines including primary, secondary, streetlights, traffic signals and cable television lines.
• Complete daily electronic reports and forms; time sheets, vehicle mileage, work, and contact documentation to include completion screens, meet sheets, and post locate photos on every locate.
• Interact with contractors, co-workers, and the general public in person and by telephone and/or email to establish and maintain effective work relationships to promote the Arkansas 811law and the concept of building relationships with utilities and excavators to prevent damage.
• Follow ARKUPS policies and procedures in relationship to contractual agreements with our utilities partners.
• Ensure that proper notification of a bad plant is made to the district manager and/or utility.
• Ensure all equipment is properly cared for through established preventative maintenance procedures.
• Ensure maintenance on assigned vehicle is done.
• Ensure that vehicle is kept clean and damage free.
• Must be willing to work overtime as required and is subject to emergency call outs and stand by.
• Must be willing to travel to other areas to assist and work as needs of the business require, this includes work assignments in other districts which may require overnight stay(s) and/or weekend work.
• When requested, assist Special Services, the Training Department, and also work on special projects.

Skills:

• Must have a valid driver’s license and maintain a good driving record.
• Must have good communication skills.
• Must be able to work with minimal supervision.
• Must be knowledgeable in Microsoft Office Software.
• Must be organized and have the ability to prioritize.
• Must be able to read and interpret maps and electronic prints.
• Must have the ability to pass the PULSE Assessment Test.
• Must have the ability to operate various electronic devices designed to assist in the locating of subsurface utilities including gas, water, electric, wastewater, telephone, and cable television lines.
• Must be able to distinguish colors to mark utilities with the designated color for the corresponding utility.
• Must have the ability to interpret signals and output from electronic detection equipment to accurately locate underground utility lines.
• Must have the ability to satisfactorily complete Phase I training within 30 days of hire date.
• Must have the ability to satisfactorily complete Phase ll training within 120 days of hire date.

Other:

• Must wear uniform shirts and work boots. (lace up type preferred)
• Must perform all duties in a safe efficient manner (Be aware of surroundings, have adequate vision and audio acuities to see and hear traffic in safety related hazards).

Physical Abilities:

• Must be able to sit, stand, bend, or stoop.
• Must be able to walk in difficult and uneven terrain for long periods of time.
• Must be willing and able to get into confined spaces.
• Must be able to work in extreme temperatures and inclement weather.
• Must be able to climb and work from a ladder.
• Must be able to lift (approximately 80lbs.).

Training/ Competency

• All new employees will be provided classroom training (3weeks).
• All new employees must pass a series of test (one on each subject and a final test). These records will be kept in the employee’s personal file.
• All new employees will receive field training (appx. 3 weeks) and as needed.
• All new employees will be evaluated for initial certifications.
• All employees will be tested and re-evaluated every 3 years for required certifications.
• All certifications will be kept in the employee’s personal file.

Accommodations will be considered for qualified applicants and employees with a disability.