Build a rewarding career in utility locating with HR Utilities. Join Victoria's leading utility locating team and develop expertise in underground infrastructure detection, BYDA processes, and advanced locating technologies. See our current openings below.
BYDA Training Provided 
Advanced Technology 
Career Progression Comprehensive training and certification in Before You Dig Australia processes and Australian Standard AS5488
Learn to operate state-of-the-art GPR, EMI, and locating equipment from industry leaders
Clear pathways from entry-level positions to senior utility locating specialist roles
Attractive salary packages with performance incentives and comprehensive benefits
Utility locating pays a solid hourly rate and the numbers climb with experience, supervision, and HDD work. These are typical Victorian market rates, not a guarantee for any individual hire.
$30–35/hr
Trainee and entry-level locators
$40/hr
Experienced field locators — around $83,000 a year
$50+/hr
Supervisors, HDD locators, and senior specialists
The $40/hr figure tracks median earnings reported for field utility locators in Australian government labour data. For the full salary breakdown, training requirements, and industry growth trends, read our guide to building a career in underground utility locating.
No university degree required. Most locators start with a driver's licence and a willingness to work outdoors. The technical side — BYDA processes, AS5488, GPR, and EMI equipment — is trained on the job.
Field work, not desk work. A typical day runs something like this:
Morning brief
Jobs for the day, site safety review, and equipment checks at the depot.
Plan review
Read the BYDA pack for the site and note gaps, aged drawings, and corridors with no records.
Site walk and sweep
Check pits, valves, and meter boxes, then run EML and GPR across the works footprint.
Marking
Paint marks, pegs, and clear briefings so plant crews know exactly where services run.
Survey pickup and handover
Capture detections with GPS or total station, attribute AS5488 quality levels, and hand over CAD/GIS files with written limitations.
Horizontal directional drilling (HDD) crews need a dedicated locator on every bore. The locator tracks the drill head underground, steers it around existing services, and keeps the drill path clear of gas, water, power, and telecom assets.
HDD locator supervisor jobs add crew management: running locating teams across bore sites, reviewing drill paths, and signing off that clearances are met before plant moves. It pays above standard locating rates and suits locators who like the higher pace of drilling jobs.
At HR Utilities, we've built a culture where utility locating professionals thrive. Our team values safety, precision, and continuous learning, creating an environment where your utility locating career can flourish.
Every utility locating project prioritizes safety for our team, clients, and the public
We maintain the highest standards in utility locating accuracy and documentation
Ongoing training in the latest utility locating technologies and techniques
Supportive team environment where utility locating professionals thrive
Complete training in Dial Before You Dig processes, Australian Standard AS5488, and safety protocols essential for utility locating careers.
Hands-on training with industry-leading utility locating equipment including GPR, EMI, and advanced detection technologies.
Clear pathways for advancement in your utility locating career, from trainee to senior specialist and team leadership roles.
HR Utilities welcomes applications year-round for utility locating positions across Victoria. We're always interested in connecting with talented individuals who are passionate about utility locating and underground infrastructure detection.
No. HR Utilities runs trainee positions where you learn BYDA processes, AS5488, and GPR/EMI locating on the job. A valid driver's licence and comfort working outdoors matter more than formal qualifications.
Experienced field utility locators typically earn around $40 per hour, roughly $83,000 a year, based on Australian government labour data. Trainees start lower and supervisors and HDD locators earn more.
Yes. HR Utilities accepts applications year-round for utility locator jobs across Victoria, from trainee to senior specialist and HDD supervisor roles. Email your resume and cover letter to info@hrutilities.com.au.
An HDD locator supervisor runs locating crews on horizontal directional drilling sites, tracking the drill head, checking clearances against BYDA plans, and steering bores clear of existing underground services.
Send your resume and cover letter highlighting your interest in utility locating careers
Meet with our team to discuss your utility locating career goals and our opportunities
Begin your utility locating career with comprehensive training and mentorship
Join HR Utilities and build a rewarding career in utility locating with Victoria's leading team. Applications are welcome year-round.
Email your application to:
info@hrutilities.com.auInclude your resume and cover letter highlighting your interest in utility locating