Located in Coffs Harbour, northern NSW, Peter is the Director of his business Locate3D. He says one of the most challenging things about being a locator is also what he likes most. 

“I like working out what’s going on underground and how best to overcome each obstacle that comes along.”

“On the flip side, one of the other challenges is handling last-minute calls from clients who urgently need us onsite. Not only does it throw your day’s plans out but it’s frustrating to turn up and find the excavator operator ready and waiting on us to do a locate and give the all clear.”

“It’s certainly not the safest way to prepare for an excavation job,” said Peter. 

Safety plays a very important role when working around existing utilities. Peter says safety is paramount on every locate job. 

“It’s not just the personal and work health and safety aspects, but it’s also the quality of the locate that’s vital.” 

Peter was a utility locator for three years when he took the steps to become a Certified Locator. 

“It was great to finally get certified. I had my staff, who were all Certified Locators, so it was time for me to set the right example. The move has also been great for my business.” 

“Being certified means I get out of the office much more and do the field work which I enjoy,” said Peter.  

One of the perks of the job is getting to locate at some pretty amazing places. Peter’s favourite locating destination so far was Lord Howe Island.  

When asked what tip he would give to someone considering becoming a Certified Locator, Peter says “just do it, get out there and get the experience.” 

“Becoming certified not only improves your locating skills but enhances your knowledge base and career opportunities,” said Peter. 

Congratulations to Peter on achieving his Locator Certification!

 

If you’re interested in connecting with Peter or Locate3D, feel free to reach out: 

Connect with Locate3D on Facebook

Find out more about becoming a Certified Locator here. 

To contact a Certified Locator for your next project search here. 

“Becoming a Certified Locator is about applying the knowledge, skills and processes in the field. Having a national standard and framework helps safeguard professionals, as well as the clients and assets we work to protect. For me, safety is a number one priority.”

“I see our job as contributing to that by applying our skills and knowledge and using the right equipment to locate and identify underground assets to protect them from damage, and, in turn, protect the people who will then work on the site – and the public too,” explained Joshua.

Joshua experienced a situation which highlighted the importance of applying a careful and diligent process, as well as making sure when a client hires a utility locator they check the locator is at least competent and at best a Certified Locator.

“We did a job at a school once where a construction project was underway. Despite previous attempts to locate the services on site, the school’s power and water were both cut during the works. So we were brought in to have a good look around and find what services were buried where.”

“Since they already experienced issues with the previous damage, we wanted to be extra thorough. In addition to the assets we had already EMF located, we brought in the GPR to get a greater insight of what else might be hiding underground and provide that peace of mind,” said Joshua.

As with many locators, one of the aspects Joshua loves about utility locating is that every job is different, and he gets to learn and experience something new every day.

“I enjoy being able to use many different pieces of equipment, including push GPR and concrete scanners. One of the most interesting jobs involved heading to the Outback to scan for improperly filled, abandoned mine shafts,” said Joshua.

Joshua says one of the great things about locating is that when there’s skills or concepts you’re not understanding or applying properly, it’s easy to access the support to learn and brush up on your skills and knowledge.

“In the process of becoming a Certified Locator, I found I struggled a bit with locating sondes. Kim Simpson, one of the DBYD Certification assessors, gave me some useful feedback which helped immensely in that regard,” shared Joshua.

If you’re thinking about making the move to utility locating and then getting certified, Joshua recommends doing a locating training course and finding good people in the industry to help you learn.

“This is important for becoming a good locator, as well as for learning to run a business if you’re going to work alone. Getting to know your peers in the industry can also help in finding the right equipment for a reasonable price, and obtaining work,” said Joshua.

“If you’re in doubt about locating, even after running through different methods in your skillset, pack it up. Locating isn’t a guessing game. Clients need to know your receiver isn’t a magic wand.”

“It’s okay for someone with more experience, or additional equipment such as a hydrovac truck, to get involved and complete a job safely,” added Joshua.

If you’re interested in connecting with Joshua or Subsurface Locating, feel free to reach out:

Connect with Subsurface Locating on Instagram and visit their website.

Find out more about becoming a Certified Locator here.

To contact a Certified Locator for your next project search here.

In addition to operating Subsurface Locating, Joshua also moonlights with South East Scanning.

“I approached the Head of Utilities at work and my manager about my interest in locating. They both loved the idea of me progressing my career and learning a new skill,” said Leyton.

It was a change in direction that Leyton hasn’t regretted.

“Becoming a locator has brought new opportunities to learn, grow and excel within an evolving construction industry. It’s also opened new pathways for both my career and at work that I never imagined,” said Leyton.

Leyton is a Senior Surveyor and Utility Locator with Survey Management Solutions, in Melbourne, Victoria. He says the most challenging aspect of the job is dealing with distorted signals. On the flipside, his favourite thing about being a locator is the problem solving and playing a role in protecting his colleagues from harm.

“Safety is extremely important to me. It’s also key pillar of our company and our highest priority on any work site.”

“Being able to locate and protect underground services from accidental damage brings me great satisfaction – it means I’m protecting workmates and others from harm. With construction being a high-risk industry, nothing’s more important than going home to your loved ones every night,” said Leyton.

Taking care at work certainly applied to Leyton in one instance. He recalled his most dangerous encounter to date, was with a huge brown snake he uncovered curled up in a Telstra pit.

“Safe to say this pit was UTO (unable to open) that day! Maybe I should’ve clamped it to see if it had a trace,” joked Leyton.

Locating is often likened to detective work. It involves problem solving, exploring and unearthing interesting finds, as Leyton has discovered.

“We carried out a QL-A and QL-B locate and survey job in a main street of Collingwood, alongside saw-cutting and NDD (non-destructive digging) workers. What made this job so interesting was seeing multiple layers of old bluestone that was still there well below the existing surface.”

“It was fascinating to see the remnants of an old Melbourne street – and many unknown services too!” said Leyton.

In becoming a locator, Leyton also sought to take the next step and become a Certified Locator. His approach was to go slow and make sure he was prepared for each stage of his training and certification.

“I didn’t rush into the certification program. I made sure I was diligent with my work and training, so I was well prepared for the exams.”

“Being a surveyor, I took the slower route, managing both survey work and locating training together. I believe the extra time I took meant I was ready for the tests and made me a better locator in the long run.”

“Learning from quality, experienced locators made all the difference too,” said Leyton.

Congratulations on becoming a Certified Locator Leyton! You’re now part of a unique group recognised for applying a high-level of locating skills and knowledge to help protect Australia’s utility network from damage and contribute to a safer workplace and community.

If you’re interested in connecting with Leyton or Survey Management Solutions, feel free to reach out: 

Connect with Leyton on LinkedIn.

Connect with Survey Management Solutions on LinkedIn.

Find out more about becoming a Certified Locator here.

To contact a Certified Locator for your next project search here.

 

The importance of safety seems second nature to Beau who says becoming certified was about the recognition of his commitment to locating and doing it to the best of his ability.

“Becoming a Certified Locator gives me a sense of pride in being able to give people peace of mind, so they can go home safe at the end of the day. It also means making sure I can watch my kids grow up,” said Beau.

It sounds like that pride also comes from working with a great team. Beau says his favourite thing about locating is the company he works for, Georadar Australia.

When you’re a utility locator you get to visit lots of interesting and different sites and locations across Australia. With work based around central Queensland, Beau has seen many scenic spots including the stunning Carnarvon Gorge in the Central Highlands.

“I see so many picturesque places. But Carnarvon Gorge would have to be up there!” said Beau.

Locators are never short a of story about interesting or unusual location experiences. For Beau, it was doing a job outside the rural town of Rolleston.

“I was on a job, locating earths for Ergon. I was locating a HV (high voltage) earth due to high resistance. It turns out the farmer put his shiny new gate through the earth in two different spots!” said Beau.

A great reminder to always check what’s below no matter how remote you think you are from utility services. Using the services of a Certified Locator is the safe way to go about it.

If you’re interested in becoming a Certified Locator, Beau’s tip is to not overthink the process.

“Listen to the experts and don’t be afraid to ask the stupid questions,” said Beau.

If you’re interested in connecting with Beau or Georadar Australia, feel free to reach out: 

Connect with Beau on Facebook

Connect with Georadar Australia on LinkedIn and Facebook

Find out more about becoming a Certified Locator here.

To contact a Certified Locator for your next project search here.

 

“We’ve got so many beaches. It’s my favourite place to work. Although, I get very conflicted about being at work when the weather is excellent for fishing,” said Russell.

Unfortunately, not all locations are quite so paradisaical. Sometimes Russell and his team have to locate live water lines where they can get thoroughly drenched trying to sonde or get a traceable rod into position.

Despite some of the environmental challenges, Russell loves being a locator.

“I enjoy the problem solving and using the variety of techniques required to achieve as much certainty as possible. I also like to see how accurate we are – we use our vac trucks to then do the physical locate to check.”

“Safety is also a very important aspect of our job. If you don’t work safely – nothing else matters,” said Russell.

Russell had been a locator for two years before he took the next step to become a Certified Locator. He saw this an opportunity to not only expand the range of services the business offers but to also provide a more comprehensive range.

In preparing for the certification process, Russell said the most challenging part was the idea of doing the assessment.

“While preparing for an assessment can be daunting, if you put in the effort and follow the procedure, you’ll be fine,” said Russell.

Russell’s other tip for locators interested in becoming certified is to get experience.

“Practical experience is a must, there is no substitute,” said Russell.

Congratulations Russell on becoming a Certified Locator. You’re now part of a unique group recognised for applying a high-level of locating skills and knowledge to help protect Australia’s utility network from damage and contribute to a safer workplace and community. 

If you’re interested in connecting with Russell or Groundvac, feel free to reach out: 

Connect with Russell on LinkedIn and Facebook.

Connect with Groundvac on LinkedIn and Facebook.

Find out more about becoming a Certified Locator here.

To contact a Certified Locator for your next project search here.

 

After five career changes that started as a solicitor and ended with being a school teacher, Aidan Waszaj, South East Scanning, finally decided to ditch the whole nine-to-five routine and become a utility locator.

“Becoming a locator meant doing something very different that’s far more interesting and engaging. It meant no more nine-to-five days. Instead, now I get to drive all over Queensland, visit interesting locating sites, specialise in a very interesting field, and work with a range of great clients,” said Aidan.

It’s also a job that can take him across the border – A LOT!

“That’s right. One day I crossed the border between NSW and QLD about 20 times. That’s because I was doing a locate at the Captain Cook Monument in Tweed Heads – which sits on the state border,” said Aidan.

Hopefully that job didn’t happen during daylight savings – could have been a very long day too!

Aidan says one of the highlights of locating is the freedom to work outdoors. Although that also has its moments.

“One day I was inside a Telstra footway access chamber, and I uncovered a large nest of huntsman spiders. I wasn’t happy to see them, and they certainly weren’t too happy to see me,” recalls Aidan.

While an uncomfortable experience, Aidan says for him feeling safe in a work environment is about following best practice and taking the necessary steps to minimise risk.

“As a small business owner, doing all we can to make our worksites safe also means workers are happy, productivity is boosted, and harm is averted,” said Aidan.

Starting up his own business on Queensland’s Sunshine Coast was one of the reasons Aidan looked to become a Certified Locator sooner.

“Getting certified meant I can build my own business on my own terms – with support from other experienced locators in Queensland and across the country as well as the team at DBYD Certification,” said Aidan.

For Aidan the most challenging part of the certification process was ensuring he could meet the demands of the practical assessment – combining a sound understanding of locating theory with practical knowledge – and understanding how to problem-solve to achieve a particular outcome.

With his business now up and running, Aidan advises anyone looking to get into locating, or get certified, to get as much experience as possible.

“Find an experienced locator and learn from them. Ask as many questions as you can, take notes, and learn to problem solve. Learn to change your approach to achieve the highest quality locate. Watch for the little tricks and techniques that experienced locators employ.”

“For example, attach a string or line to your magnet for a direct connect if it is out of reach, or down a valve pit, rather than simply clipping on with your alligator clips. It makes it a lot easier to pull it out or recover it when you have finished locating. Since using this little trick, I haven’t needed to buy a new magnet,” shares Aidan.

Congratulations Aidan on becoming a Certified Locator. You’re now part of a unique group recognised for applying a high-level of locating skills and knowledge to help protect Australia’s utility network from damage and contribute to a safer workplace and community.

If you’re interested in connecting with Aidan or South East Scanning, feel free to reach out:

Connect with Aidan on LinkedIn.

Connect with South East Scanning on LinkedIn.

Find out more about becoming a Certified Locator here.

To contact a Certified Locator for your next project search here.

 

A year ago we profiled Gabby as one of the eight female Certified Locators in Australia. This year we’re excited to share Gabby has been appointed as the first female locator assessor for the Certified Locator program! An achievement she is both very proud and excited about.

While this role marks a change in direction, Gabby says it’s a natural progression as it compliments not only her seven years of experience as a utility locator but also as an industry trainer.

“I have always enjoyed helping others learn new skills and watching them grow. So, when I was offered the opportunity with DBYD Certification, I jumped at it.”

“Moving into assessing for the Certified Locator program has been in my sights for a while. I’m proud to join the DCL team – and to be the first female assessor is a bonus,” said Gabby.

Contributing and helping make a workplace as safe as possible and supporting others are some of the priorities that drive Gabby.

“Taking on this role means I can be part of the process for maintaining the highest standards in the locating industry and contribute to workplace safety.”

“In addition, it’s exciting to see a candidate’s hard work and training pay off – and then to welcome them as a Certified Locator will be very satisfying,” said Gabby.

Circling back to being Australia’s first female assessor for the Certified Locator Program, we asked Gabby what the title meant to her.

“I am hopeful I can be a role model for other females and encourage them to follow the pathway to becoming a Certified  Locator.”

“Locating really is a highly rewarding career. Fundamentally, it contributes to safer outcomes in the construction industry, which sits high on the list of job satisfaction for me.”

“If this is something you’re passionate about and you have a keen eye for detail, then this industry needs you. My advice is to work with a reputable and supportive locating company and start learning about the network mysteries that lie beneath!” shares Gabby.

Congratulations Gabby on your appointment – and welcome to the team. We hope you, together with all the female Certified Locators, continue to be inspirational pioneers for the industry and anyone looking for a career that takes them to interesting places, offers great challenges, and where no two days are the same.

Meet Kane Anderson – who recently became a Certified Locator. Working with Western Australia’s largest utility location and surveying company, Abaxa, Kane gets to work in all sorts of interesting places – from stunning remote locations to complex city buildings.

“Each location I’ve been to – from quiet camp sites and lakes to high-rise city buildings and hospitals – have all had something different to offer,” Kane says.

“Although one of my more memorable experiences was doing a locate at a cattle station where I decided to quickly jump over a wire fence to reach a pit. Turned out that fence was electric. I got a shock in a spot that was a little too close for comfort,” Kane shared.

Apart from the interesting and different locations, Kane enjoys the versatility of his locating work and solving problems on difficult jobs. He strives to always do his best to solve issues, never makes assumptions and enjoys being able to help clients progress with their projects.

Becoming a Certified Locator was a natural next step. While Kane finds the field work comes easily to him, it was the theory side of the certification process that he found more challenging.

“Becoming certified and being recognised for my knowledge and skills was great for my self-belief and confidence.”

“It’s great to have a process that recognises my abilities to locate all types of assets as well as my understanding of how underground infrastructure systems work,” Kane said.

What tip would Kane give a locator thinking of getting certified? “Go for it. If you like what you do and you’re good at it, then becoming a Certified Locator is great,” Kane advised.

Congratulations Kane on becoming a Certified Locator. You’re now part of  a unique group recognised for applying a high-level of locating skills and knowledge to help protect Australia’s utility network from damage and contribute to a safer workplace and community. 

If you’re interested in connecting with Kane, feel free to reach out: 

Connect with Kane on LinkedIn.

Find out more about becoming a Certified Locator here.

To contact a Certified Locator for your next project search here.

 

When asked what’s the best thing about being a utility locator, Matthew Fuller explained it’s a work environment where there is always something to learn.

“Every day is different. Not just different work sites. There are different problems to solve and different utilities to locate. No two days are the same,” Matt said.

Based in South Australia, Matt says he finds locating at substations the most fascinating.

‘There’s always a lot going on. Old stuff, new stuff. Earthing grids. My head spins every time,” Matt said.

“Although one of the strangest locates was to cut off an old water service to Yatala prison (Northfield, SA) and install a new one for the new prison upgrade.”

“We had so much trouble locating the old cast iron service, we ended up hydrovacing a hole large enough to fit someone who could then actually hold the direct connect clip on the main. We then discovered the service trunked in three separate connections. Not quite what we were expecting,” said Matt.

With October being National Safe Work Month, we asked Matt what safety means to him when out locating.

“Safety is always at the front of my mind. We all want to go home safe. I always look to keep worksites free of trip hazards, by not leaving things laying around. We also make sure we use our pit barriers,” Matt said.

Matt has been locating for two years and this year he went for his certification and passed. Now a Certified Locator, Matt said achieving this national recognition is a must if you’re serious about locating.

“It’s a requirement now for most work sites. If you’re interested in locating, I recommend completing a training course and getting experience before attempting certification.”

“For me, becoming Certified means credibility,” Matt said.  

If you’re interested in connecting with Matt, feel free to reach out:  

Connect with Matt on LinkedIn.  

Find out more about becoming a Certified Locator here.

To contact a Certified Locator for your next project search here.