Utility Locating for Twenty Years! My Advice!

In this video I give some advice on the job of utility locating. Dig safe 811 system. Hope you get some value out of this. 

[pauldonahue-kyzz]

My father told me when I was 14 years old pretty much, your on your own...find something you like to do and stick with it.Been locating since I was 23 years old and just turned 60 years old this year. In my 37th year.Not for everyone...enjoy the freedom of being on my own.

[jckskelton]

I have 10 years in the 811 side, just switched to SUE work. Best thing I ever did for myself, use it as a stepping stone.

[nickashe]

been locating for 5 years myself. started off locating gas for my local gas company, now im at a pretty sizeable water company. I locate water, sewer, and a government fiber. kind of in the same shoes as you my father has been locating about 25 years on the contract locating side so i have been around the locate world my whole life. i love it

[thedoctor]

Just did a HV substation and 7 transformer feeds today. If i did it how your supposed to do it it would have been a disaster.
But as a qualified electrician and network engineer i understand how Lenz's law of electromagnetic induction works and how the transformers centre tapped earth can really screw you up.
Lots of people fail at this job cause they dont have two things... a true understanding of electromagnetic induction and a mind that can analyse and solve problems

[toasterquestion]

I'm looking up this video at this time. Because I failed my OQ test today. I have been doing my best to understand to verify my location, my marks and pretty much anything I can do to better myself. But unfortunately I tend to overthink. I also have a problem with trying to think of the calling of row to row or any of the actual functions of what they're asking for on a ticket. For example, if a powerline bowl needs to get replaced and they're going for a 30-ft radius, obviously the electric is clear. But for the gas I want to always make sure I mark it out regardless if it's a double clear or not. I guess if you can understand my shenanigans of what I'm saying on Google voice. Then you're truly a locator heart. I'm going to listen to the rest of the video regardless of my full intake. You're not listening to it. But I know it's good advice. Thank you for making this video.

[dustinmontgomery]

Im just over 2 years in. Excelled very quickly at the job. I absolutely love being out side at at different locations daily. I made lead tech after a little over a year.

My suggestion to new people. Be honest. Do your job. And talk to and make as many contacts as possible. Be ready for rain shine and heat and cold. Learn logistics and work balance. Routing yourself is very important.

If a fun job, people dont understand the job until you do the job. It takes a self motivated person. You have to be thick skinned. But do you job, number one.

[geckoafterlife]

I left my locating job a few months ago but I'm going back because I miss being out in the field getting my shoes painted and getting yelled at by annoyed homeowners lol. I wish i watched this video before i left.

[rathkhan]

My man! Awesome video . Keep bringing it more about locating.

[rubeanesam]

Starting next week first time ever experience new place new job. Thanks for the tips Mark.

[AllenCaver]

Just got my phone screening yesterday, April 2, 2024. I should be starting soon with USIC, like others that have commented before me. Here for the heads up. Thank you, it was great video.

[williamking]

I retired as a Lineman and after 3 years of retirement I got bored so I am now a Locator . LOVE IT .

[haroldishoy]

I enjoy your insights and advice, very informative. I worked for a locating company last summer and could never figure out how any locate technician can complete 20-30 or 40 tickets in one shift which was the expectation, I averaged 5-8. I worked in a part of the county where there was considerable distance between the addresses and with the time spent parking, putting out cones, time spent checking the GIS and GPS mapping systems, and all the related steps then logging in the results on the tablet, it was just impossible to get 10 locates. I suppose there are areas better than others. New subscriber now as of today, enjoy your retirement. I’ll plant a flag⛳️

[basia]

When you said common sense i had to leave a comment, i was just trained recently for utility locating and my foremen told us they weren’t allowed to use that phrase because so many people dont have it these days.

[davidmoore]

I located for 20 yrs. Very stressful and demanding job. Then one day I got hit by a car. Not my fault. The guy came around the curve, jumped the curb, and hit me. Well that was the end of my locating career. I had to go on disability. My advise to all locators, wear your ppe at all times. I had mine on, cones out, and safety lights on. This will help you out incase something should happen to you. I know. I spent 5 weeks in the hospital.

[stacimorel]

My husband is a utility locator now Supervisor and we are making a play list for his crew. May we add this video to our playlist for his crew. It's a fantastic video. Thank you for making it.

[RCannonn]

Everything else I pretty much agree with love the end tip haha

[KingdomX]

I just started locating. I’m still in training VERY scared of the test. I really appreciate the tips and definitely will subscribe if you talk about this often

[DM-right]

Hmm…I’d just say “I was looking for a job when I found this one, I’ll find another.”
This is why I own my own private locating business. Just me and my locator and fault equipment. Love being extremely accurate and having only myself to answer to.

[poacheddeer]

Good day from the other side of the st Lawrence. I am 14 years in myself, I can relate.

[mrsaveabuck]

Thank you so very much for this, you provided some great quality advice! Like the cartoon as well!Thanks again!