These videos are excellent! I am 49 years old and looking for a career change. I've been in construction and public service my whole life and I am excited to say that I have an interview scheduled with USIC! I hope to be a part of the team!
Best job I ever had. I would like to thank the company for everything and just know I tried to give my best each and every day, without ever complaining. Thank you for a great 6 years and 7 months.
I was a Locator for a Year. I was one of the older ones that came out of training. It was a major change of employment. In overview, I worked for USIC out of Evansville office for a year. I had No damages during that time. The Stress was there to try and get the number of Locates done that was required of me. I was averaging 25-28 a day. The pay was Not there in conjunction to the responsibility we held and the danger involved. I lost 37 lbs and caught Poison Ivy real bad but it sure was a challenge. What did it for me was that I was on call on this particular weekend which had Deer season opened on. I knew I was on call but I went hunting anyway. I was up in my deer stand and around 8am I got the alert and responded. It was 1 hour and 30 minute drive to find out it was a Close Out! That means it was a nothing burger and everything was arial. $12.00 an hour wasn't worth the aggravation and stress so shortly thereafter, I quit. Good to have No damages though. Not many locaters can say that.
Haha you just didn’t switch companies. I make $23 an hour and I know some that make $32 and this isn’t in California this is in Florida in low cost of living so it’s good money
DAMN $12 an hour is crap. How long ago where you working here? I havnt heard of too many areas starting out at less than $18 now.. I started at $14 in 2015 but I am now getting up around $30. some union locations get mid 30s to low 40s.. Some states and locations definatly tend to screw guys over pretty good, i used to get pretty irritated but now after almost 10 years i just show up do whatever i get done in the hours i feel like working and then i go home. On Call can suck but in NY if they dont pay extra for being on call they cannot restrict your personal time, so it doesnt effect my hunting season. If i get a call and dont answer it, someone will figure it out eventually lol.
@@ClearGalaxies get involved with a big company with benefits. This job will give you what's known as your area. If it rains for three days, your contractors all want to dig when you cant work. Then when it dries up, its cellphone hell. You give your best, but nobody will remember the rain, and when you show up, the comments begin. Oh, look who's here, you guys are late all the time anyway, etc. The 20 yr old supervisor will forget the rain delay also, and within a few months, you will lose your respect for the excavation trade. I worked in the big cities where the pressure was intense at times, along with traffic, more calls coming in daily, fake emergencies, damages on dead lines that you go to with a lump in your throat on the drive over, only to hear, " what the F#$% is that?". If it is your fault because of the rush to keep up, well, look forward to a pay adjustment, and dont get me started on the utility company bosses, who's names will be engraved in your mind. The old timer excavation guys will sometimes tell you how they appreciate what you do, but they are disappearing. I spent 31 years in this, set up my own retirement because at the time, there wasnt one. The upside, you can do this job anywhere in the world. They always need locators. Learn it, then buy equipment, and go private.
If you have anxiety issues, depression, get overwhelmed easily, frustrated, then here's a Warning... (training is brutal). And being on the field will be even more brutal. It's not a cupcake job, it's mentally draining. They drill you and drill you with vehicle safety, so many tests each day that your Brian will feel like it's on overdrive. There is a pass or fail to continue on, and I believe that's after 3 weeks. Things you're told...You have to Stop behind white line, look left, right, then left again, can't go more than 2 miles over the speed limit, when you stop behind a vehicle make sure you can see their tires and pavement etc etc etc... Basically the camera will talk to you if you even move your head down, it assumes you're not paying attention, so no cell phones, or eating while driving. When drinking, if your head tilts back that's a violation, cause it thinks you're not paying attention. You'll get marked for everything pretty much. The class I was in the trainer was a Sargent at one time, and he literally acted like one. Makes you feel like crap when you're called on to answer a question, and you don't get it right... But then will turn around and say, it's okay if you don't get the material right away it's gonna take time, then right back to.... You should know that question. Had my head spinning. They won't tell you that some homeowners will be mentally abusive because the homeowners don't want you there at their home, period. Contractors are different because they know you're coming, they set the appointment up, but you'll still deal with Crappy contractors. You'll deal with a lot of crappy people on the job. There's no hands on training right away, it's all classroom, reading, reading, and watching videos, and listening to them lecture. Also the class I was in, was very loud... meaning if they were done with their tests they'd talk amongst each other and if you're like me, and need to concentrate...forget it. That was my issue, I couldn't concentrate to finish the test. I feel that's how they weed them out. If you can't keep up, and you get overwhelmed out the door a lot of them go. To me and to the ones I was talking to from my class, we felt a lot of the stuff they're teaching you, is overkill...and there were some pretty smart intelligent people in my class, and they were extremely overwhelmed. So if you can handle hours and hours of tests, lectures, videos, extreme boredom, being overwhelmed, confused, don't mind feeling dumb for asking questions, can handle being abused on the field... that's if you pass the class. Then this job is for you. Good luck!
No wonder they like Veterans. They know we can take the shit. But for real, your comment has me making second thoughts about this. Thanks for being honest.
@@KerplunkyGamesI’ve been working there for a year now and this jobs not bad at all, all depends on your area and your supervisors. The camera is touchy but if you get dinged call your supervisor and explain to them what happened and they won’t ding you. It’s simple. Easy going job. Long hours but we’re adults we can handle it. If not then you got some growing up to do in my eyes
I’m not gonna lie, USIC is the starting point for all locators atleast everyone that i’ve met throughout my locating experience! Central Florida USIC management is not the best though! I now work at stake center and only locate fiber! Shoutout USIC for teaching me majority of everything i know.
I just applied I cannot wait for someone to see my application I’ve been a plumber for 6 months and in construction for around 4 years. And this looks like such an amazing job.
A Supervisor talking about 'day in the life of a technician' now that is ironic, supes sit in their trucks, always idling, always in A/C, sitting on the side of a road, no beacons/strobes, no cones, and pass judgement on techs that idle more than 20% of the time, or dont have their cones at exact perfect placement. Supervisors are basically "Do as I say, not as I do, because we don't lead by example, but hold you to standards we don't hold ourselves to"
yessir! been in for almost 10 years with usic but have worked for other companies. USIC has a whole different way of managing, completely free of any common sense. They try to manage mainly with scare tactics, which works on the newer guys. As long as you can maintain a damage free record, youll always have a job with or without them. There are a ton of locating companies and locating is only getting bigger and more important as infrastructure grows and gets more complex. Pay will increase as time goes on as well. Its a good job if you can tune out the corporate noise.
Yessir… I’ve always said USIC is the Walmart of locating… they are the biggest, the undercut the competition to gain more contracts, and when they can’t beat the competition they buy them… USIC will buy all of the other smaller companies just to cut out the competition.. it is all about quantity over quality..
@@iamTkzs Did you end up completing training and are you still working USIC ? If so, what state are you in and how is the job overall? Some of these comments are all over saying it's good and others saying it's bad. Any input is appreciated as I might apply for the position in Texas.
There is a reason the "NOW HIRING, no experience needed" stickers on the trucks are permanent ... keep that in mind. Any company that is ALWAYS hiring and doesnt require any experience is a company you should be weary of going into it.. Im not saying its a bad place, ive worked here a long time, but they are a large corporation and they operate like amazon or any other large corporation. youll always be a number and expected to act as a robot.
How long is the hiring process? I’ve applied over a month ago and was told my application was accepted and that HR would be in contact with me for further information. Still haven’t heard anything
That all depends on the local management, number of applicants, and schedule of training classes. Idk how ALL areas operate, but in my experience, taking this job in the busy season will be tough for training. If you get called and can pass a drug test (no matter how you do it) you will get hired. BUT come into it with the mindset that you will have to learn some shit on your own. TH-cam has some really great videos about locating (search Planet Underground) and I would recommend watching some stuff and learning little tid bits about frequencies and how signals travel. You can learn a lot about different locating equipment and stuff USIC won’t teach you. Summer time can be tough because many areas operate by giving you a week or two in a class room where most stuff doesn’t make a lot of sense, then they put you in the field with a production tech. In the busy season production locators are busy and have to get shit done and sometimes (often) the training gets pushed to the side, which means you go in the field alone with and just an idea of what to do and little confidence.. I’ve seen guys that do a week in class, then a week in the field before getting thrown to the wolves. If the stress of being confused doesn’t make them quit, the damages get them fired. I don’t say anything to scare you, just to give a heads up that some things will be on you to figure out. DO NOT let ANYONE push production numbers on you EVER! Take your time, make SURE you are getting it right, and no matter how much it may annoy a senior locator ALWAYS ask questions and get help if you’re not feeling confident. Cover Your Ass is the name of the game in locating utilities. Good luck
I understand that, however a job in public safety isn’t the place to just get back on your feet. People could die from our mistakes in the field and if the training is lacking at a company like that, there could be major issues the come from it. hiring young people who have never had a job or some of the drug addicts that end up working in this field can prove to be very dangerous. I say that because I’ve witnessed it first hand with USIC time and time again.
Retired from ATT as a tech, placed many burial requests for local contractor to bury the fiber or copper wiring and often found the wiring was buried before the locator every showed up. For ATT 50% of work is outside and 50% inside customer residence, this position is all outside but unlike many construction jobs, think dump truck driver / road construction, you’re working all weather conditions. Not sure what benefits are but sick time for severe conditions should be a must. I am now retired and work part time Home Depot to stay physical, walking, climbing, squats, get ups… basically a paid gym membership…. I would consider USIC as a part time employee, 3 days a week for 24 to 30 hours…. This locator position is likely better than driving school bus which in my area is paying $24 a hour with 25 hours per week guarantee ($600) during school year with down side of split shifts 3 hours in morning (6-9) and three in afternoon (2-5) but driving in all weather types.
Did you end up completing training and are you still working USIC ? If so, what state are you in and how is the job overall? Some of these comments are all over saying it's good and others saying it's bad. Any input is appreciated as I might apply for the position in Texas.
Good afternoon, this message is in regard to the position I applied for. Hempstead, TX. is near Cypress, Texas. I’m a little confused due to this being the second time I was informed I was outside of the working areas I am applying for. Please help me understand how USIC choose candidates based on areas they reside in. Thank you…
I want to say, I read the other comments, mostly negative, but I wish to add my two cents, I cut my teeth the hard way at USIC in 2015 in NC, worked my way through projects crew for AT&T Fiber projects, we located whole neighborhoods at a time. At the start USIC located gas so I had to locate Gas, power, telecom. Fast forward 9 years later I work for a damage investigation company overseeing the work these guys do ……..in short😊
Realistically this company is a great company to work for, if anything to get your foot in utilities and meet “key” people on the ground……..work the tickets, don’t cut corners, and under your scope…….
I was scheduled for a phone interview today with a confirmation and they haven't called yet and it's 3 hours past due ! But my application status shows as in progress. Not a good look right out of the gate !
I am an Amazon delivery driver, never worked in this kind job. I saw USIC is hiring for utility locator. Does anyone did or doing this job with out any experience ?
@@BigBaller-he1dz hey man I was wondering if I can ask how you like it so far. I also just got hired and starting at the end of the month. Is it a career job ?
@@Erron-w9r its a good stepping stone to a career in utilities. depending on where you work and the management team for the area it can be great with decent pay, or it can be absolutely miserable with meaningless pay. This is a very large corporation so youre always just a number and they could truly care less about you (no matter what the company tries to tell you) . Ive found the real key is to always make sure you are accurate, build good relationships with the utility companies and contractors, and DO NOT let the management walk all over you. If you dont have boundries with supervisors, you will be treated like dirt and youll be picking up everyones slack.
@@bakedpagan4674the spiders are the only thing that would fuck with me.. are they attracted to utility boxes or something or are you just sayin in general they’re outside as expected?
employment with this company is an exercise in soul-crushing futility. It utterly disregards personal boundaries and any semblance of work-life balance, leaving employees in a perpetual state of exhaustion. The relentless demands drain not only your time but your very sense of self. Accepting a position here is arguably the most ill-advised decision one could make in their career-an exercise in energy theft and personal disintegration!! Learn a skill or start a business. Its 2024 leave the programming.
that is up to the utility companies and contractors to inform homeowners of what going on. We don't know where we will be until the morning of that day typically and we also have no homeowner information in most cases. We have an address and a scope of work to be done, thats it. We show up, do the work, and leave. We work for the utility and have the right to enter properties where utilities companies have a right of way. We understand that it is inconvenient to home owners and i think most guys try to be respectful of that, however we just want to get the job done and move on as quickly as possible.
@@justinweber6566 If you find a rather litigious Karen type you'll find out the protections these utility companies are offering aren't much more than lip service and they'll happily throw you under the bus to avoid a suit. I watched a crew scurry around my neighborhood, walking wherever they pleased without so much as contacting one of us. Several of our gardens were trodden upon in areas there were no utilities. I realise your crews are strapped for time, but a little common courtesy can diffuse a conflict before it starts.
@@shaneoakley8757did you get the job? I applied to one 200 miles away and it sent me a message that I am too far away, so I applied to one closer and received a response like you, hours later. I have a phone interview. I really like the job, and I hope I get it. In hope you got it as well!
Some big problems with USIC that you see happen to other people in this company, specifically in Florida; Supervisors will write you up at the drop of the hat, for the most innocuous shit. The Samsara camera will go off and report you for driving while texting WHILE YOU ARE PARKED AT A WALMART EATING LUNCH, and the supervisor will ASSUME the camera is correct, and you have to FIGHT and threaten HR, to get someone to look at the recording to clear your name. Supes will tell you one thing, but they will never hold themselves to account, they live by "do as I say, not as I do" mentality, they will never take responsibility or be accountable, everything wrong is someone else's fault. A supervisor tells you to clear a ticket, and you put in the ticket notes "Supervisor told me to clear the ticket" and you do so, then the excavator hits a big 288 fiber line, the damage investigator will charge you with the damage, without looking at your notes, then your supervisor will write you up for not marking a ticket, then when you pull up your ticket notes and the text of the supervisor telling you to clear the ticket, you get a "neutral" warning about not being more descriptive with your notes. When you cover your ass by taking screenshots of emails, call logs, and texts, with contractors and supervisor orders, to attach to tickets, you'll be told that it violates company policy and is a breach of privacy, but then when you don't take screenshots of emails, texts, etc, you get bitched at for not covering your and your company's ass. Veterans in leadership positions, will favor veterans as locators. If you take a pic of a supervisor, and his team, having a tail-gate meeting on the side of a busy highway, with no strobes or cones out, and send it to the powers that be, you'll find yourself the target of "random drug screenings" every single day for two months straight. But hey, its totally just a randomized screening! If you get caught with strobes on and no cones, OR no strobes but cones out, you will be suspended for one week, without pay, and given a final written warning. If you drive over a sprinkler head by accident, and your supervisor says its "not a big deal" and your district manager says "no need to report it", but another supervisor finds out, they can file a report to HR, and get you suspended/terminated. If you have to piss, you can't cover the camera and use a piss bottle, you get a write up. If you drive to a gas station, you have to text your supe to let them know that you're driving off the ticket to use restroom. Lead techs get 'designer tickets' and remotely screen and close tickets, giving them massive closed ticket counts, and sets a high bar, then the supes will complain and bitch that regular techs aren't able to close out 200 tickets a day. Half your team will be pot heads who pass random drug tests and openly talk about using fake piss form smoke shops, to pass tests, but are some of the most awesome people ever... The other half of your team will be snitches, and will rat you out to supes and corporate, if you even breath about unions, or talk to others about how much money you make, or complain about locating alongside an interstate by yourself with no traffic control at all. When someone in another state is killed on the job by wreckless drivers, your district will have a stand-down safety call on teams, and the district manager will some how, some way, make it sound like the locator's death was preventable if they had paid more attention to other drivers, or did some random obscure thing that isn't practicle when you're locating along in a dangerous traffic area. Former employee, moved on to greener pastures, super happy where I am, even with the USIC PTSD I have now that makes me panic sometimes, I've learned that there are better companies out there and they ALL are better, treat you better, pay you better, don't buy into the propaganda that USIC is the best, they're the worst and they use scare tactics to keep you there.
In North Carolina area- you need to re-train your black technicians- they turn on loud musics in the company’s trucks- they are talking on the phone with there friends while working all the time thru out the day. Sloppy work. I recommend the company put a camera in the truck to see what’s going on and if they are working or calling friends and talking on the phone while working- that’s not serious. Company’s needs to get serious.
It's advertising It makes the job look like a great career to have. Indeed it is. But like video mention, if any weather conditions bothers you, it isn't for you. Not many people love working outside
These videos are excellent! I am 49 years old and looking for a career change. I've been in construction and public service my whole life and I am excited to say that I have an interview scheduled with USIC! I hope to be a part of the team!
I worked three years for them if you don't want to be stressed out 24/7 don't work for them.
@@bigjim6256this role specifically or just the company in general?
@rocketbeez4870 It was the company.
Ditto
@@bigjim6256you're just mentally weak
Best job I ever had. I would like to thank the company for everything and just know I tried to give my best each and every day, without ever complaining. Thank you for a great 6 years and 7 months.
Sound like you were fired
Nope. Far from that.
Are you in the same industry? Why did you leave? If you don't mind me asking
I still locate, just for only 1 utility. And more pay.
Will they hire without experience
I was a Locator for a Year. I was one of the older ones that came out of training. It was a major change of employment. In overview, I worked for USIC out of Evansville office for a year. I had No damages during that time. The Stress was there to try and get the number of Locates done that was required of me. I was averaging 25-28 a day. The pay was Not there in conjunction to the responsibility we held and the danger involved. I lost 37 lbs and caught Poison Ivy real bad but it sure was a challenge. What did it for me was that I was on call on this particular weekend which had Deer season opened on. I knew I was on call but I went hunting anyway. I was up in my deer stand and around 8am I got the alert and responded. It was 1 hour and 30 minute drive to find out it was a Close Out! That means it was a nothing burger and everything was arial. $12.00 an hour wasn't worth the aggravation and stress so shortly thereafter, I quit. Good to have No damages though. Not many locaters can say that.
Haha you just didn’t switch companies. I make $23 an hour and I know some that make $32 and this isn’t in California this is in Florida in low cost of living so it’s good money
What state did you work in?
southern Indiana
@@danielhoward4566
Yeah $23 hr is good money down here in Florida. Especially if in panhandle area
DAMN $12 an hour is crap. How long ago where you working here? I havnt heard of too many areas starting out at less than $18 now.. I started at $14 in 2015 but I am now getting up around $30. some union locations get mid 30s to low 40s.. Some states and locations definatly tend to screw guys over pretty good, i used to get pretty irritated but now after almost 10 years i just show up do whatever i get done in the hours i feel like working and then i go home. On Call can suck but in NY if they dont pay extra for being on call they cannot restrict your personal time, so it doesnt effect my hunting season. If i get a call and dont answer it, someone will figure it out eventually lol.
Dont rush for this job. The turnover rate is high, so it will always be there if you want to try it.
What are some similar jobs?
@@ClearGalaxies get involved with a big company with benefits. This job will give you what's known as your area. If it rains for three days, your contractors all want to dig when you cant work. Then when it dries up, its cellphone hell. You give your best, but nobody will remember the rain, and when you show up, the comments begin. Oh, look who's here, you guys are late all the time anyway, etc. The 20 yr old supervisor will forget the rain delay also, and within a few months, you will lose your respect for the excavation trade. I worked in the big cities where the pressure was intense at times, along with traffic, more calls coming in daily, fake emergencies, damages on dead lines that you go to with a lump in your throat on the drive over, only to hear, " what the F#$% is that?". If it is your fault because of the rush to keep up, well, look forward to a pay adjustment, and dont get me started on the utility company bosses, who's names will be engraved in your mind. The old timer excavation guys will sometimes tell you how they appreciate what you do, but they are disappearing. I spent 31 years in this, set up my own retirement because at the time, there wasnt one. The upside, you can do this job anywhere in the world. They always need locators. Learn it, then buy equipment, and go private.
If you have anxiety issues, depression, get overwhelmed easily, frustrated, then here's a
Warning...
(training is brutal).
And being on the field will be even more brutal.
It's not a cupcake job, it's mentally draining.
They drill you and drill you with vehicle safety, so many tests each day that your Brian will feel like it's on overdrive. There is a pass or fail to continue on, and I believe that's after 3 weeks.
Things you're told...You have to Stop behind white line, look left, right, then left again, can't go more than 2 miles over the speed limit, when you stop behind a vehicle make sure you can see their tires and pavement etc etc etc... Basically the camera will talk to you if you even move your head down, it assumes you're not paying attention, so no cell phones, or eating while driving.
When drinking, if your head tilts back that's a violation, cause it thinks you're not paying attention. You'll get marked for everything pretty much.
The class I was in the trainer was a Sargent at one time, and he literally acted like one. Makes you feel like crap when you're called on to answer a question, and you don't get it right... But then will turn around and say, it's okay if you don't get the material right away it's gonna take time, then right back to.... You should know that question. Had my head spinning.
They won't tell you that some homeowners will be mentally abusive because the homeowners don't want you there at their home, period. Contractors are different because they know you're coming, they set the appointment up, but you'll still deal with Crappy contractors. You'll deal with a lot of crappy people on the job.
There's no hands on training right away, it's all classroom, reading, reading, and watching videos, and listening to them lecture. Also the class I was in, was very loud... meaning if they were done with their tests they'd talk amongst each other and if you're like me, and need to concentrate...forget it.
That was my issue, I couldn't concentrate to finish the test. I feel that's how they weed them out. If you can't keep up, and you get overwhelmed out the door a lot of them go.
To me and to the ones I was talking to from my class, we felt a lot of the stuff they're teaching you, is overkill...and there were some pretty smart intelligent people in my class, and they were extremely overwhelmed.
So if you can handle hours and hours of tests, lectures, videos, extreme boredom, being overwhelmed, confused, don't mind feeling dumb for asking questions, can handle being abused on the field... that's if you pass the class. Then this job is for you. Good luck!
No wonder they like Veterans. They know we can take the shit. But for real, your comment has me making second thoughts about this. Thanks for being honest.
Sounds perfect for me!
Sounds good to me but then again I’m not a cupcake I’m used to being abused and yelled at hell that’s how I ended up married
I work for this company and almost none of that is true here. Other than home owners being d1cks sometimes.
@@KerplunkyGamesI’ve been working there for a year now and this jobs not bad at all, all depends on your area and your supervisors. The camera is touchy but if you get dinged call your supervisor and explain to them what happened and they won’t ding you. It’s simple. Easy going job. Long hours but we’re adults we can handle it. If not then you got some growing up to do in my eyes
Great video im about to start training so i am here looking at tips and advise and learning as i go. Thanks for this great content.
yo did you start I got interview coming up and how much u get for starting pay
@@livingonedgeslotshow is it
This a good video. I just had my second interview. Look like a awesome place to work.
Did u get the job
I’m so blessed to have met Andrew from Downers Grove Illinois, he explained this to me and my eyes lit up, I wanted to be bomb disposer in military
My name is Paul Gurnic if you can pleaaaase give him some sort of bonus for showing me this opportunity
I’m not gonna lie, USIC is the starting point for all locators atleast everyone that i’ve met throughout my locating experience! Central Florida USIC management is not the best though! I now work at stake center and only locate fiber! Shoutout USIC for teaching me majority of everything i know.
I just applied I cannot wait for someone to see my application I’ve been a plumber for 6 months and in construction for around 4 years. And this looks like such an amazing job.
lol boy are you in for a rude awakening
Why u say that?
Why would you give up a plumbing job? They make bank lol
@@BigBlackGlock Maybe he doesn't wanna deal with literal shit all day
@@aclstudios you can be a new construction plumber. Genius
A Supervisor talking about 'day in the life of a technician' now that is ironic, supes sit in their trucks, always idling, always in A/C, sitting on the side of a road, no beacons/strobes, no cones, and pass judgement on techs that idle more than 20% of the time, or dont have their cones at exact perfect placement.
Supervisors are basically "Do as I say, not as I do, because we don't lead by example, but hold you to standards we don't hold ourselves to"
That sounds like a poor manager or supervisor. There is always one that is afraid of you taking his/hers job so he gives you hell!
yessir! been in for almost 10 years with usic but have worked for other companies. USIC has a whole different way of managing, completely free of any common sense. They try to manage mainly with scare tactics, which works on the newer guys. As long as you can maintain a damage free record, youll always have a job with or without them. There are a ton of locating companies and locating is only getting bigger and more important as infrastructure grows and gets more complex. Pay will increase as time goes on as well. Its a good job if you can tune out the corporate noise.
Thats walmart buddy
Yessir… I’ve always said USIC is the Walmart of locating… they are the biggest, the undercut the competition to gain more contracts, and when they can’t beat the competition they buy them… USIC will buy all of the other smaller companies just to cut out the competition.. it is all about quantity over quality..
Worked here a little over a year. would not want to work anywhere else.
How long have you worked for them and what state?
Is it difficulty and very technical?
I've just finished my over the phone interview. Going in in two days for an in-person interview for utility locator
You get hired
@@elijahwest5090 yeah. Have to wait a month tho for the next class availability
@@iamTkzs Did you end up completing training and are you still working USIC ? If so, what state are you in and how is the job overall? Some of these comments are all over saying it's good and others saying it's bad. Any input is appreciated as I might apply for the position in Texas.
There is a reason the "NOW HIRING, no experience needed" stickers on the trucks are permanent ... keep that in mind. Any company that is ALWAYS hiring and doesnt require any experience is a company you should be weary of going into it.. Im not saying its a bad place, ive worked here a long time, but they are a large corporation and they operate like amazon or any other large corporation. youll always be a number and expected to act as a robot.
Hell yeah
How long is the hiring process? I’ve applied over a month ago and was told my application was accepted and that HR would be in contact with me for further information. Still haven’t heard anything
That all depends on the local management, number of applicants, and schedule of training classes.
Idk how ALL areas operate, but in my experience, taking this job in the busy season will be tough for training. If you get called and can pass a drug test (no matter how you do it) you will get hired. BUT come into it with the mindset that you will have to learn some shit on your own. TH-cam has some really great videos about locating (search Planet Underground) and I would recommend watching some stuff and learning little tid bits about frequencies and how signals travel. You can learn a lot about different locating equipment and stuff USIC won’t teach you.
Summer time can be tough because many areas operate by giving you a week or two in a class room where most stuff doesn’t make a lot of sense, then they put you in the field with a production tech. In the busy season production locators are busy and have to get shit done and sometimes (often) the training gets pushed to the side, which means you go in the field alone with and just an idea of what to do and little confidence.. I’ve seen guys that do a week in class, then a week in the field before getting thrown to the wolves. If the stress of being confused doesn’t make them quit, the damages get them fired.
I don’t say anything to scare you, just to give a heads up that some things will be on you to figure out. DO NOT let ANYONE push production numbers on you EVER! Take your time, make SURE you are getting it right, and no matter how much it may annoy a senior locator ALWAYS ask questions and get help if you’re not feeling confident. Cover Your Ass is the name of the game in locating utilities.
Good luck
Well that's many jobs honestly. Some people just need a job to get back on their feet...
I understand that, however a job in public safety isn’t the place to just get back on your feet. People could die from our mistakes in the field and if the training is lacking at a company like that, there could be major issues the come from it. hiring young people who have never had a job or some of the drug addicts that end up working in this field can prove to be very dangerous.
I say that because I’ve witnessed it first hand with USIC time and time again.
Over a year in 0 damages great job !
That's a supervisor truck buddy
What trucks do beginner utility finders get?
@@kennedyfinancialsolutions colorados with a dash cam watching you all day
We all know a real day in the life of a supervisor is sitting in an empty parking lot all day making a few phone calls if that
I just want that cushy, no work supervisor position. How does one get it at USIC?
Retired from ATT as a tech, placed many burial requests for local contractor to bury the fiber or copper wiring and often found the wiring was buried before the locator every showed up.
For ATT 50% of work is outside and 50% inside customer residence, this position is all outside but unlike many construction jobs, think dump truck driver / road construction, you’re working all weather conditions. Not sure what benefits are but sick time for severe conditions should be a must.
I am now retired and work part time Home Depot to stay physical, walking, climbing, squats, get ups… basically a paid gym membership…. I would consider USIC as a part time employee, 3 days a week for 24 to 30 hours…. This locator position is likely better than driving school bus which in my area is paying $24 a hour with 25 hours per week guarantee ($600) during school year with down side of split shifts 3 hours in morning (6-9) and three in afternoon (2-5) but driving in all weather types.
I don’t think they offer part time but they do have a work life balance of 70 hours per week. On average they want 50-60
Hard to believe this "commercial" the employee reviews from actual locators claims USIC is a horrible place to work.
I worked for them for three years. I left when my alcoholism got so bad I couldn't go a day without.
@@bigjim6256 We're you drinking because the people and the job sucked so bad?
@@tanner3285yes he was (He is now dead bc of the job)
Awesome video. Informative!
I'd like to join this company. Is it true that you can get a job here without experience? I saw a job posting that said "No Experience Necessary"
Yes you can get this job without any prior locating experiences
It was funny 5:07 when you looked sideways at the camera lol
Just got hired on, I start on the 3rd of June and I’m looking forward
I have interview for them that day!
@@TopTier-xv1xxhow it go
How is it
Was it worth it
Did you end up completing training and are you still working USIC ? If so, what state are you in and how is the job overall? Some of these comments are all over saying it's good and others saying it's bad. Any input is appreciated as I might apply for the position in Texas.
I’m really looking forward to an education in SUE!
Do you get paid for training?
Good afternoon, this message is in regard to the position I applied for. Hempstead, TX. is near Cypress, Texas. I’m a little confused due to this being the second time I was informed I was outside of the working areas I am applying for. Please help me understand how USIC choose candidates based on areas they reside in. Thank you…
Does usic not do in person interviews now? Or just does virtual recording ones now?
Is there over time?
Did you experience any heights? This would be a turn off for some people
My daughter works here, super proud of her ❤
Snakes In the areas u survey ?
I want to say, I read the other comments, mostly negative, but I wish to add my two cents, I cut my teeth the hard way at USIC in 2015 in NC, worked my way through projects crew for AT&T Fiber projects, we located whole neighborhoods at a time. At the start USIC located gas so I had to locate Gas, power, telecom.
Fast forward 9 years later I work for a damage investigation company overseeing the work these guys do ……..in short😊
Realistically this company is a great company to work for, if anything to get your foot in utilities and meet “key” people on the ground……..work the tickets, don’t cut corners, and under your scope…….
Shoutout the fiber boys under BT we had a great team, he took care of us…… good times
I got an interview over the phone today at 11 am hoping I get it
I was scheduled for a phone interview today with a confirmation and they haven't called yet and it's 3 hours past due ! But my application status shows as in progress. Not a good look right out of the gate !
If the job was os desirable, this video wouldnt exist
I am an Amazon delivery driver, never worked in this kind job. I saw USIC is hiring for utility locator. Does anyone did or doing this job with out any experience ?
Yes I was hired without experience, been with USIC for 3 yrs now.
Do you like it? And is the pay decent? @@BigBaller-he1dz
@@BigBaller-he1dzhow is it?
@@BigBaller-he1dz hey man I was wondering if I can ask how you like it so far. I also just got hired and starting at the end of the month. Is it a career job ?
@@Erron-w9r its a good stepping stone to a career in utilities. depending on where you work and the management team for the area it can be great with decent pay, or it can be absolutely miserable with meaningless pay. This is a very large corporation so youre always just a number and they could truly care less about you (no matter what the company tries to tell you) . Ive found the real key is to always make sure you are accurate, build good relationships with the utility companies and contractors, and DO NOT let the management walk all over you. If you dont have boundries with supervisors, you will be treated like dirt and youll be picking up everyones slack.
what does the job pay
I hope I can work with you guys
Does the employee take their vehicle home every day?
Yes
How long are the shifts ?
Any encounters with wild animals? I hate snakes
dogs,snakes,spiders and angry homeowners
@@bakedpagan4674the spiders are the only thing that would fuck with me.. are they attracted to utility boxes or something or are you just sayin in general they’re outside as expected?
employment with this company is an exercise in soul-crushing futility. It utterly disregards personal boundaries and any semblance of work-life balance, leaving employees in a perpetual state of exhaustion. The relentless demands drain not only your time but your very sense of self. Accepting a position here is arguably the most ill-advised decision one could make in their career-an exercise in energy theft and personal disintegration!! Learn a skill or start a business. Its 2024 leave the programming.
How about adding some additional training in contacting homeowners about what is going on before you crawl all over their curtilage.
that is up to the utility companies and contractors to inform homeowners of what going on. We don't know where we will be until the morning of that day typically and we also have no homeowner information in most cases. We have an address and a scope of work to be done, thats it. We show up, do the work, and leave. We work for the utility and have the right to enter properties where utilities companies have a right of way. We understand that it is inconvenient to home owners and i think most guys try to be respectful of that, however we just want to get the job done and move on as quickly as possible.
@@justinweber6566 If you find a rather litigious Karen type you'll find out the protections these utility companies are offering aren't much more than lip service and they'll happily throw you under the bus to avoid a suit.
I watched a crew scurry around my neighborhood, walking wherever they pleased without so much as contacting one of us.
Several of our gardens were trodden upon in areas there were no utilities.
I realise your crews are strapped for time, but a little common courtesy can diffuse a conflict before it starts.
Ты говоришь как Карен
@@nicklyon6325 не ломай мои растения
If you fail a drug test once. Your banned for life. I tried to go back 3 times and they lied saying yes we do give second chances
ive applied i would LOVE a job!
I applied and didn’t receive anything back from them. Was disappointed
I applied yesterday morning and got an interview invitation 2 hours later. Keep applying! It’s my understanding they are needing field techs bad.
@@shaneoakley8757 illinois?
@@shaneoakley8757 do u have prior experience? I applied as a 19 year old with no utility or locating skills
@@shaneoakley8757did you get the job? I applied to one 200 miles away and it sent me a message that I am too far away, so I applied to one closer and received a response like you, hours later. I have a phone interview. I really like the job, and I hope I get it. In hope you got it as well!
Some big problems with USIC that you see happen to other people in this company, specifically in Florida;
Supervisors will write you up at the drop of the hat, for the most innocuous shit. The Samsara camera will go off and report you for driving while texting WHILE YOU ARE PARKED AT A WALMART EATING LUNCH, and the supervisor will ASSUME the camera is correct, and you have to FIGHT and threaten HR, to get someone to look at the recording to clear your name.
Supes will tell you one thing, but they will never hold themselves to account, they live by "do as I say, not as I do" mentality, they will never take responsibility or be accountable, everything wrong is someone else's fault. A supervisor tells you to clear a ticket, and you put in the ticket notes "Supervisor told me to clear the ticket" and you do so, then the excavator hits a big 288 fiber line, the damage investigator will charge you with the damage, without looking at your notes, then your supervisor will write you up for not marking a ticket, then when you pull up your ticket notes and the text of the supervisor telling you to clear the ticket, you get a "neutral" warning about not being more descriptive with your notes.
When you cover your ass by taking screenshots of emails, call logs, and texts, with contractors and supervisor orders, to attach to tickets, you'll be told that it violates company policy and is a breach of privacy, but then when you don't take screenshots of emails, texts, etc, you get bitched at for not covering your and your company's ass.
Veterans in leadership positions, will favor veterans as locators.
If you take a pic of a supervisor, and his team, having a tail-gate meeting on the side of a busy highway, with no strobes or cones out, and send it to the powers that be, you'll find yourself the target of "random drug screenings" every single day for two months straight. But hey, its totally just a randomized screening!
If you get caught with strobes on and no cones, OR no strobes but cones out, you will be suspended for one week, without pay, and given a final written warning.
If you drive over a sprinkler head by accident, and your supervisor says its "not a big deal" and your district manager says "no need to report it", but another supervisor finds out, they can file a report to HR, and get you suspended/terminated.
If you have to piss, you can't cover the camera and use a piss bottle, you get a write up. If you drive to a gas station, you have to text your supe to let them know that you're driving off the ticket to use restroom.
Lead techs get 'designer tickets' and remotely screen and close tickets, giving them massive closed ticket counts, and sets a high bar, then the supes will complain and bitch that regular techs aren't able to close out 200 tickets a day.
Half your team will be pot heads who pass random drug tests and openly talk about using fake piss form smoke shops, to pass tests, but are some of the most awesome people ever... The other half of your team will be snitches, and will rat you out to supes and corporate, if you even breath about unions, or talk to others about how much money you make, or complain about locating alongside an interstate by yourself with no traffic control at all.
When someone in another state is killed on the job by wreckless drivers, your district will have a stand-down safety call on teams, and the district manager will some how, some way, make it sound like the locator's death was preventable if they had paid more attention to other drivers, or did some random obscure thing that isn't practicle when you're locating along in a dangerous traffic area.
Former employee, moved on to greener pastures, super happy where I am, even with the USIC PTSD I have now that makes me panic sometimes, I've learned that there are better companies out there and they ALL are better, treat you better, pay you better, don't buy into the propaganda that USIC is the best, they're the worst and they use scare tactics to keep you there.
did you get the chance to enjoy the 360 app thats replacing ticket pro? its there award winning dumpster fire
🎶 Promo-SM
In North Carolina area- you need to re-train your black technicians- they turn on loud musics in the company’s trucks- they are talking on the phone with there friends while working all the time thru out the day. Sloppy work. I recommend the company put a camera in the truck to see what’s going on and if they are working or calling friends and talking on the phone while working- that’s not serious. Company’s needs to get serious.
Need the number .
What a fucking joke
Why?
It's advertising
It makes the job look like a great career to have. Indeed it is. But like video mention, if any weather conditions bothers you, it isn't for you. Not many people love working outside
Lies
Why?