Utility Locating for Twenty Years! My Advice!

[@pauldonahue-ky6zz]

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.

[@cartoonmark75]

thx Paul,,wow 37 years,,,spray and pray. im glad to have left the position after 20..my Dad was a locator before me,,gave me excellent advice when i had problems.

[@smithwrx5910]

I started when I was 22. I'm completing my 45th year alive next week. Thank you for sharing your journey!

[@TravisRobinson00]

It just doesn’t pay.

[@kubadoran5382]

Dear god that shelf...

[@chikmnunget]

Holding on for dear life.

[@nathanaelethan]

Shelf's still got a few months of life left.

[@epsteinsc.p.a.935]

Did you mean: "Dear god that shelf...has so much character."

[@omniscient7333]

That shelf also has 20 years

[@WhatIsThis-ej2ot]

Holding on like my belt after thanksgiving dinner

[@nickashe1830]

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

[@cartoonmark75]

Nick I love hearing stories like this.

[@TravisRobinson00]

We have a position open at my job (Nat. Gas) it just doesn’t pay well.

[@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.

[@cartoonmark75]

glad i could help,,,,how is it going now? spray and pray Allen! lol

[@Username-es1iy]

What was your starting pay if you don’t mind me asking

[@rathkhan1114]

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

[@cartoonmark75]

Rath! You got it brother!👍👍👍👍

[@thedoctor8381]

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

[@cartoonmark75]

It sounds like you have a great understanding of EM that’s awesome and thanks so much for your information about this topic. 👍👍👍

[@smithwrx5910]

7:15

[@dustinmontgomery9274]

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.

[@Locate2024]

Making Lead Tech in a year is difficult.

[@brettbaker8357]

Great advice.

[@cartoonmark75]

great advice and i hope your still succeeding!

[@basia804]

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.

[@cartoonmark75]

i totally hear you,,,but once in a while i would run into a locator who was well versed in the biz,,

[@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.

[@cartoonmark75]

Wow you just gave me a flashback with all those annoying parts of the job. Especially the homeowners asking 20 questions. Good luck with everything. Maybe you could become a supervisor.

[@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.

[@stacimorel]

also to note my husband is the only supervisor in our state who actually goes out and locates with his guys... His boots have more paint on them then his entire crew ^_^ and he wouldn't change that for the world.

[@cartoonmark75]

Absolutely. Also watch my interview with my friend James. He is another locator buddy of mine.

[@rubeanesam654]

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

[@cartoonmark75]

Rubean your welcome for the tips. And congratulations on the job! 👍

[@RCannonn]

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

[@cartoonmark75]

hope it helps,,,dig safely! lol

[@haroldishoy2113]

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⛳️

[@cartoonmark75]

Harold, I fully understand your thoughts on completing numerous tickets in one day. I would delay tickets as needed, and if they were hand digging I would clear them. I just got into a rhythm after a while. Thanks for commenting!

[@dustinmontgomery9274]

Experience and ticket load is what matters. A good supervisor would know what to expect from a location and ticket load. Some places 12 to 15 might be normal. Built up areas with subdivisions being built. 30 tickets in 8 hours can be a breeze.

[@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.

[@brettbaker8357]

How did you get started doing that? How did you get jobs?

[@DM-right]

@@brettbaker8357 I was fortunate to be given an established business. I had to earn the respect of the electricians I do jobs for now and prove that I was as good or better than my father at it 😆 advertising and word of mouth goes a long way. If you’re good, it gets around quick. And I’m really good. Do your research on equipment, find someone that is willing to teach how to use it properly, and go from there. Start up isn’t cheap. Just one piece of equipment I carry is over $7,000.

[@cartoonmark75]

spray and pray!

[@cartoonmark75]

expensive stuff....however,, i trust you have good insurance for damages? I wouldnt want that liability

[@DM-right]

@@cartoonmark75 by the time I get there, the damage has already been done 😂 most of my jobs are faults. I’m covered, though.

[@williamking9603]

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

[@mrsaveabuck5969]

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

[@cartoonmark75]

glad to help

[@KingdomX1997]

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

[@cartoonmark75]

Xzavier thanks for sharing your story. I wish you the best on your test. Remember, they need you. Go slow and double check your marks. 👍

[@Jamie_Laughter1213]

Very very knowledgeable very intelligent repose/feedback. Thank you

[@cartoonmark75]

Glad to help 👍👍👍

[@davidmoore3022]

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.

[@cartoonmark75]

David thanks for sharing your story with us. Definitely had some close calls. Glad it wasn’t worse for you. Thanks for stopping by.

[@smithwrx5910]

Hey David, thanks for your service. I bet the men and women you served for 20yrs miss a guy like you.

[@Eltoro985]

Just recently got a gig locating in Louisiana this video really helped .

[@cartoonmark75]

Congratulations! Glad I could help! 👍

[@poacheddeer]

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

[@addisonfamily5156]

I'd like to here some stories of your 20yrs locating. I've been doing it for about 5yrs. Thanks for your videos on locating not many out there. Thanks isaac

[@cartoonmark75]

Isaac, thanks so much for commenting. Not many locators make it to five years lol. They just added electric street lighting to my job duties. Fun fun. My advice, spray and pray!🙏🙏😂

[@addisonfamily5156]

@@cartoonmark75 do u use gpr? I live in Panama city close to the city u like in Florida. Street lighting with Radio Dectection equipment can be tough! I like ur prospective on locating.

[@cartoonmark75]

@@addisonfamily5156 never got to use gpr but always wanted to learn.

[@PartyyKyle]

Whats the pay raises like

[@cartoonmark75]

@@PartyyKyle different for each area. I’ve seen them start at $18-20 and go up after that.

[@MrZacharykgwin]

It's my first day, and i really like it

[@daviddesantis4040]

Since it’s a year since the video has been posted I need to know is that self still holding up well?

[@cartoonmark75]

David, im in a much slower paced role in the utility biz,,,much happier! thx for watching

[@wilsonjr5713]

I can relate. Utility locator for 25 years finally got my dream job with utility owner as a damage prevention inspector now I just work and mentor new locators on our gas and power system it’s tough to explain to these newer techs the demand of this job and how important the work they do is. Super stressful only a select few succeed in the long term. I located gas power and communications

[@cartoonmark75]

Wilson, well put. Locators perform a very important job. I used to joke with my coworkers and say that this is an invisible job that nobody knows about until something goes wrong! Lol. Congratulations on your new role as inspector.

[@tylerstafford7636]

Hey Wilson sorry to ask but I’m just starting at locating and I’ve done construction work before, I’m just wondering how hard are the blueprints to read? I couldn’t find any examples of them online

[@Elpze-ml9hn]

@@tylerstafford7636 most prints of utilities will have the same base layout. Street names, property lines, access points, a compass, and a line(s) that show the path of projected underground route.

[@smithwrx5910]

Going on 23 years for me. It is refreshing to hear you say that only a select few last long-term. I used to meet people with more experience than me. Now when I meet someone with more experience than me it's like meeting a celebrity! I'm turning 45 and never thought Id be at this age with 15 more years experience than any else In the field locally. I will say, that I was fortunate enough to be hired on at the city locally and through them I was able to sustain my family with this career and many starting out don't get payed enough to stay. I did 7 years at very low pay. Also, I work harder at the City than where I came from. Keep your head head down and getting your shit done and you will get noticed by people who will utilize your talents and compensate your wages fairly.

[@betterbusinessbureau3056]

My utility locating training starts Monday in Houston, I'm just looking around KZbin and getting an idea of what I'm in for

[@cartoonmark75]

glad i could help, hope the training went well,,,,spray and pray!

[@markpinther9296]

Thanks for doing this one. Many of the open positions for locating in my region are constant travel jobs for directional drilling rigs. Rare to see a job pop open for a locator outside of those.

[@cartoonmark75]

Interesting. Yes directional drilling is big nowadays. Thanks for watching Mark.

[@sierrastephensen215]

Love the advice!!!

[@Steelzim]

I have been locating for 5 years and gas is almost always on my tickets it doesn’t bother me one bit I do my job and they do there’s there is no problems

[@dneroaddiction]

Hello recently started locating about 2 weeks ago going good so far learning so much, pain doing all utilities though electric,com,water,gas,and reclaim. Any tips that would save little time for example like taping 2 spray wands into 1.

[@cartoonmark75]

Attaching 2 spray paint wands together is a great start! I did that for years. Also just focus on one utility at a time, keep a diary of odd thigs that happened and everything you marked, so you can show your boss if needed. You will learn where to take shortcuts as you go. Best of luck!

[@dneroaddiction]

@@cartoonmark75 Thanks, the company I work for we have to take pictures of all markings just incase, any other tips thanks

[@fearlessstudios1]

14 years in in industry all utilities but mostly gas...things I've learned and trained to other locators..."Hey nice boots bro"...."Even when your right your wrong"...and your only as good as your last locate"

[@ziggy33399]

HHa..good vid, Mark. I watched on the family room TV & can give thumbs up or comment there. But watched. You’re a riot. 😂

[@cartoonmark75]

Thanks Ziggy. You’re the best

[@Spendishy]

2 years experience and from what I noticed if you don't want to quit at least once a week your doing it wrong. I enjoy it mostly so I would recommend if you hate I mean love your life 😂. Especially being on call where you have to stay home all weekend and week just in case someone calls you to drive 2 hours away to mark clear in the ground

[@cartoonmark75]

Wesley, excellent perspective. There is a high turnover rate with locating as you know. But if the new employee can juggle all the moving parts, it can be a bit more tolerable.

[@Spendishy]

@@cartoonmark75 Yes it's not made for everyone but it is a really good stepping stone

[@jsal2284]

Im watching as much as i can, i applied a month ago still processing my application atm

[@cartoonmark75]

Juan good luck with the hiring process. Nowadays we as “employees “ are in the driver’s seat.

[@sG-fn9mv]

Elm Utility Las Vegas NV 25 in hour. Experience 28.

[@ThisIsWhyWeCantHaveNiceThings.]

You were not kidding about that ADHD lol. But thank you for the video . I am interviewing with USIC at the moment.

[@cartoonmark75]

sorry im just seeing this,,,hope it went well and spray and pray!

[@OZM4N20]

You’re the type of fella that says “now I cannot tell you the depth it’s at” then proceeds to show me what your locate screen shows then goes on with your business

[@leeroy625]

I’m about to start need all the advice sir!

[@cartoonmark75]

Do one location at a time, ask questions, double check your work before you pull away from that job location. Keep a diary and document everything on who you spoke with in the field and on the phone. Don’t be afraid to problem locate or delay a ticket. Good luck 👍

[@rebelfrog3]

Thank you so much for that experience driven insight. I am a Utility Supervisor for a small town in Northern Virginia. How do I respond to an employee that insists he can cancel out tickets just by using GIS and not even go to the site. For example if we get a ticket for a real estate sign install in proximity of our water service, he just marks it no conflict and cancels the ticket without marking it. My response is how do you know where they are putting that sign in relation to our utility? Your thoughts on this would be greatly appreciated as I am more of an plant operator than locator.

[@cartoonmark75]

In New York State, there is a law code rule 753 that states if you are hand digging, we do not have to respond. If they are hand, digging for a sign, meaning no mechanical means it would be pretty crazy if they put a shovel through a water service. But it could happen. I would say, at least mark the shut off box, try to get the employee to understand that. The laws might be different in Virginia. I am not sure. Or if you have extra staff who can handle the little annoying locations, such as signs, fences, etc. have them do those locations and keep your main guy on the stuff that really matters that are deeper excavations. Hope this helps. Thanks for the comment.

[@garrettabcdefg4602]

The simple answer is GIS is not correct all the time. Every locate should be looked at

[@rebelfrog3]

@@garrettabcdefg4602 Totally agree. Our town is a square mile and we get maybe 3-5 tickets a day. I am in the process of writing up an SOP for the Town regarding the marking procedures. Garrett are you a locator? If so where? if you dont mind me asking.

[@retiredlogman]

How do you identify a utility that as a dowser I know is there, yet it has no surface markings at either end of our 8 acre parcel and for some reason 811 never picks up on it when I called for location markings of utilities ? It runs in a straight line. It gives out a stronger signal than the known utilities on the property.

[@cartoonmark75]

It sounds like you are dealing with a specific type of issue on their property. Show me attorneys are not covered in the one call system. Some are private. But they will mark private utilities for a fee. Dowsing or witching stick. I have had good luck with only if I know the general area of the utility, usually a Watermain or water service. Hope this helps.

[@retiredlogman]

@@cartoonmark75 Thank you for your guidance, I appreciate it.

[@eunahhunter4936]

Just absorbing your message. It’s relevant.

[@cartoonmark75]

Thank you. I’m glad to help. 👍

[@pa4765]

Thanks for the info and advice.

[@cartoonmark75]

👍👍👍👍

[@SADDLEBAGS6969]

What you don't do is talk negative about a job especially to the ones who think it'll be a great job.. I'll have my own company truck to drive to work no more using my car, good benefits etc

[@cartoonmark75]

after 20 years i got sour lol

[@smithwrx5910]

​@@cartoonmark75OMFG😂

[@genos1435]

Spray and pray... all jobs are hard... nothing comes easy... happy retirement to you...

[@cartoonmark75]

Thank you Genos. I’m glad to be moving on. But utility locating did somewhat help me in my new role in the water department so it was not without benefit.

[@genos1435]

I just got hired as a damage prevention technician at canadian locator inc. So far im enjoying it, pretty much challenging. Love it...

[@cartoonmark75]

@@genos1435 good luck with the new position. One location at a time. Double check your work. 👍

[@genos1435]

@@cartoonmark75 yes sir. Noted on this... i have no experience in locating, kinda crazy stuff like drawing, locating the optic fibers of rogers etc. Need to commit to study this new field that i choose...

[@AllenCaver]

Not all jobs are hard. Food delivery jobs are so easy I could do it with my eyes closed if I didn't need to drive, use the phone, or walk into restaurants to pick-up/drop-off the order at the house. 😅

[@Competers]

Awesome advice!!

[@cartoonmark75]

Thanks so much for watching 👍

[@tristiancurry4355]

I start march 6th with Usic in Wisconsin!!

[@cartoonmark75]

Congratulations and just take it one location at a time. Good luck 👍

[@renegaderats]

How are you liking it? I'm about to start with them too.

[@Mostopinionatedmanofalltime]

I want to travel nationwide doing it. Is that possible?

[@cartoonmark75]

yes i think so

[@JTclap]

thanks for this

[@cartoonmark75]

glad to help my friend

[@YasharCoppage]

If you’re reading this …… the shelf should have caved in by now 😂😂😂

[@BuLL3TzSniping]

Curious since you've been doing it for 20 years, how is the pay scale and job growth? Is it worth it for the long haul or would getting into a trade be better?

[@cartoonmark75]

The short answer is definitely get into the trades. Locating utilities, for the private sector, has a high turnover rate and is conducive to burn out. I was fortunate where I worked for a local city, and only had to locate water, sewer and electric. Not as demanding but still a pain. My salary was based off the union pay scale which was ok.

[@maxp8746]

Knowledge

[@CJ-lr4uq]

Hey Mark, I just got hired as a utility inspector. Haven't started yet, but would you say it's a better gig than locating? Worse? Basically the same? Appreciate it!

[@cartoonmark75]

CJ, from my experience, you will not be in the never ending hamster wheel of utility locating. Utility inspecting is somewhat similar and possibly less stressful. I think that’s a good gig stick with it. Thanks for stopping by the channel!

[@CJ-lr4uq]

@@cartoonmark75 🤘

[@abdelgadirsanad840]

Which the best location what the maximum deep

[@juicecounty714]

This guys hilarious. Hahaha😂

[@cartoonmark75]

hey i agree lol

[@RCannonn]

Saying private locators have so much red tape and have to call higher ups is completely false I’ve you make 10x more money private your much more appreciated and loved and but contractors homeowners etc we bring out the best of the best equipment I’m in SC so it could be different up there but if your a public locator down here you have to prove yourself before an private company would even look at you

[@cartoonmark75]

i can only speak from my coworkers in USIC and Primere,,etc,,they got thier hands tied by National Grid, and so much red tape honestly b4 they can even put a mark down,,,ive also learned more form private locaotrs,,still friends to this day...thx for commenting

[@codyweeks4774]

We do directional drilling , USIC locators are a joke these kids have no training or work ethic HELP THEM

[@cartoonmark75]

Cody, I’ve heard that more than once. Definitely a high turnover rate with USIC. Thank you so much for stopping by the channel.

[@lilgabe__]

curious why is that ? I recently seen that about USIC

[@sshumkaer]

How much do you make

[@cartoonmark75]

It depends on a few factors. In the private sector you start around $18 per hour to $22 per hour. I work for a local city so I have pension credits applied and longevity. Hope this helps. Thanks for watching.

[@sshumkaer]

@cartoonmark75 so your making more for the government plus state pension

[@cartoonmark75]

@@sshumkaer yes,I probably made more than the national average,,I have located utilities for 20 years,,however I just left to take a different job in a different department,,,much less stressful, and i keep my pension credits

[@Bradythelineman75]

I wouldn’t discourage anyone from Locating, but that’s just me. Yes, there’s a lot of responsibility and it can be very challenging. Most every job you go to they’re going to micro manage and it’s probably going to suck. Might as well be out by yourself as a locator managing your own day and your own work load.

[@cartoonmark75]

@@Bradythelineman75 all valid points 👍👍👍👍👍

[@phoenixfireclusterbomb]

Thanks, I’m not applying. Sounds like a bunch of corporate BS! Pretty much sounds like the same BS coming from all industries these days.

[@cartoonmark75]

smart choice

[@cannabine413]

You think this job is bad work for amazon as a driver . Might make you think different lol

[@cartoonmark75]

always a struggle out there

[@sG-fn9mv]

Just dont meet some girl you like in utility locating!

[@mattwarner1928]

Locator cartoons?!

[@cartoonmark75]

yes lol

[@user-lf7en6rf8m]

Isaiah hxje