Day In The Life of a USIC Technician

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  • Опубліковано 27 лип 2024
  • Learn more about what it's like to be a utility locate technician at USIC by following Nick through his day.

КОМЕНТАРІ • 129

  • @shaneoakley8757
    @shaneoakley8757 8 місяців тому +32

    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!

    • @bigjim6256
      @bigjim6256 7 місяців тому +7

      I worked three years for them if you don't want to be stressed out 24/7 don't work for them.

    • @rocketbeez4870
      @rocketbeez4870 6 місяців тому

      @@bigjim6256this role specifically or just the company in general?

    • @bigjim6256
      @bigjim6256 6 місяців тому +2

      @rocketbeez4870 It was the company.

    • @wrongcitcpagecellar5446
      @wrongcitcpagecellar5446 6 місяців тому

      Ditto

    • @SADDLEBAGS6969
      @SADDLEBAGS6969 5 місяців тому

      ​@@bigjim6256you're just mentally weak

  • @fallenstar4706
    @fallenstar4706 Місяць тому +6

    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!

    • @KerplunkyGames
      @KerplunkyGames Місяць тому +1

      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.

    • @Slimenator
      @Slimenator Місяць тому

      Sounds perfect for me!

  • @blacklight4075
    @blacklight4075 4 місяці тому +11

    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.

    • @grasshopperplus8318
      @grasshopperplus8318 4 місяці тому

      Sound like you were fired

    • @blacklight4075
      @blacklight4075 4 місяці тому

      Nope. Far from that.

    • @cflo1386
      @cflo1386 4 місяці тому +3

      Are you in the same industry? Why did you leave? If you don't mind me asking

    • @blacklight4075
      @blacklight4075 4 місяці тому +3

      I still locate, just for only 1 utility. And more pay.

    • @akbarbukhari
      @akbarbukhari 3 місяці тому +1

      Will they hire without experience

  • @slimjim4028
    @slimjim4028 3 місяці тому +1

    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.

    • @shreddaze2832
      @shreddaze2832 Місяць тому +2

      lol boy are you in for a rude awakening

  • @therealjdeals
    @therealjdeals 2 місяці тому +1

    Awesome video. Informative!

  • @richmunoz123
    @richmunoz123 3 місяці тому +2

    This a good video. I just had my second interview. Look like a awesome place to work.

  • @michaeldelio1870
    @michaeldelio1870 3 місяці тому +7

    Dont rush for this job. The turnover rate is high, so it will always be there if you want to try it.

    • @ClearGalaxies
      @ClearGalaxies 3 місяці тому

      What are some similar jobs?

    • @michaeldelio1870
      @michaeldelio1870 3 місяці тому +1

      @@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.

  • @epd3014
    @epd3014 6 місяців тому

    I’m really looking forward to an education in SUE!

  • @abduhlrivers7519
    @abduhlrivers7519 8 місяців тому +12

    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.

    • @livingonedgeslots
      @livingonedgeslots 8 місяців тому +5

      yo did you start I got interview coming up and how much u get for starting pay

    • @warzone7180
      @warzone7180 Місяць тому

      @@livingonedgeslotshow is it

  • @joes6883
    @joes6883 5 місяців тому +6

    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.

    • @jaysadventures6454
      @jaysadventures6454 5 місяців тому +2

      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

    • @danielhoward4566
      @danielhoward4566 5 місяців тому +1

      What state did you work in?

    • @joes6883
      @joes6883 5 місяців тому

      southern Indiana
      @@danielhoward4566

    • @MyButtsBeenWiped510
      @MyButtsBeenWiped510 4 місяці тому +1

      Yeah $23 hr is good money down here in Florida. Especially if in panhandle area

    • @justinweber6566
      @justinweber6566 3 місяці тому +2

      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.

  • @user-dj1sr1bj3m
    @user-dj1sr1bj3m Місяць тому

    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

    • @user-dj1sr1bj3m
      @user-dj1sr1bj3m Місяць тому

      My name is Paul Gurnic if you can pleaaaase give him some sort of bonus for showing me this opportunity

  • @justinweber6566
    @justinweber6566 3 місяці тому +13

    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.

    • @ToxcityYT
      @ToxcityYT 2 місяці тому +1

      Hell yeah

    • @deangelowilliams5928
      @deangelowilliams5928 Місяць тому

      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

    • @justinweber6566
      @justinweber6566 Місяць тому +2

      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. UA-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

    • @taemac10
      @taemac10 Місяць тому

      Well that's many jobs honestly. Some people just need a job to get back on their feet...

    • @justinweber6566
      @justinweber6566 Місяць тому

      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.

  • @marflebark2865
    @marflebark2865 8 місяців тому +16

    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"

    • @florinbenjaminmanzar4354
      @florinbenjaminmanzar4354 6 місяців тому +4

      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!

    • @justinweber6566
      @justinweber6566 3 місяці тому +2

      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.

    • @ANDERSONEXPRESS7
      @ANDERSONEXPRESS7 2 місяці тому +1

      Thats walmart buddy

    • @justinweber6566
      @justinweber6566 2 місяці тому

      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..

  • @HaydenWright-ts5uk
    @HaydenWright-ts5uk 8 місяців тому +14

    Worked here a little over a year. would not want to work anywhere else.

    • @the3mcbees
      @the3mcbees 8 місяців тому +2

      How long have you worked for them and what state?

    • @akbarbukhari
      @akbarbukhari 3 місяці тому

      Is it difficulty and very technical?

  • @yogililly1
    @yogililly1 Місяць тому

    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.

  • @iamTkzs
    @iamTkzs 3 місяці тому +1

    I've just finished my over the phone interview. Going in in two days for an in-person interview for utility locator

    • @elijahwest5090
      @elijahwest5090 3 місяці тому

      You get hired

    • @iamTkzs
      @iamTkzs 3 місяці тому +3

      @@elijahwest5090 yeah. Have to wait a month tho for the next class availability

  • @andytoledo9614
    @andytoledo9614 8 місяців тому +11

    Hard to believe this "commercial" the employee reviews from actual locators claims USIC is a horrible place to work.

    • @bigjim6256
      @bigjim6256 7 місяців тому +3

      I worked for them for three years. I left when my alcoholism got so bad I couldn't go a day without.

    • @tanner3285
      @tanner3285 5 місяців тому +1

      @@bigjim6256 We're you drinking because the people and the job sucked so bad?

    • @churlissh_7680
      @churlissh_7680 4 місяці тому

      @@tanner3285yes he was (He is now dead bc of the job)

  • @AmeliatheRose14
    @AmeliatheRose14 3 місяці тому +2

    Do you get paid for training?

  • @weldonhealth
    @weldonhealth Місяць тому

    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…

  • @arxdallas8368
    @arxdallas8368 2 місяці тому +1

    Just got hired on, I start on the 3rd of June and I’m looking forward

  • @aftech7268
    @aftech7268 4 місяці тому +1

    Snakes In the areas u survey ?

  • @user-dj1sr1bj3m
    @user-dj1sr1bj3m Місяць тому

    It was funny 5:07 when you looked sideways at the camera lol

  • @brianhuffman9290
    @brianhuffman9290 4 місяці тому +7

    That's a supervisor truck buddy

    • @kennedyfinancialsolutions
      @kennedyfinancialsolutions 2 місяці тому

      What trucks do beginner utility finders get?

    • @bakedpagan4674
      @bakedpagan4674 2 місяці тому +1

      @@kennedyfinancialsolutions colorados with a dash cam watching you all day

  • @Judy-jr2fc
    @Judy-jr2fc 2 місяці тому +1

    My daughter works here, super proud of her ❤

  • @lolacole9827
    @lolacole9827 5 місяців тому +4

    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"

    • @sportstalkonly1442
      @sportstalkonly1442 3 місяці тому

      Yes you can get this job without any prior locating experiences

  • @alexmatthews7706
    @alexmatthews7706 7 місяців тому +7

    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

  • @gabrielortiz612
    @gabrielortiz612 3 місяці тому

    I got an interview over the phone today at 11 am hoping I get it

    • @CruiserMB
      @CruiserMB 2 місяці тому

      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 !

  • @uniquesubstance2353
    @uniquesubstance2353 Місяць тому

    I hope I can work with you guys

  • @MalcomX1
    @MalcomX1 2 місяці тому

    Does the employee take their vehicle home every day?

  • @36boys.
    @36boys. 4 місяці тому

    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
      @BigBaller-he1dz 4 місяці тому +2

      Yes I was hired without experience, been with USIC for 3 yrs now.

    • @Stew-What-It-do_4
      @Stew-What-It-do_4 3 місяці тому

      Do you like it? And is the pay decent? ​@@BigBaller-he1dz

    • @isaactankersley349
      @isaactankersley349 3 місяці тому

      @@BigBaller-he1dzhow is it?

    • @user-wi5ko5vf7k
      @user-wi5ko5vf7k 3 місяці тому +1

      @@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 ?

    • @justinweber6566
      @justinweber6566 3 місяці тому

      @@user-wi5ko5vf7k 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.

  • @tonyyayo2115
    @tonyyayo2115 4 місяці тому

    Any encounters with wild animals? I hate snakes

    • @bakedpagan4674
      @bakedpagan4674 2 місяці тому

      dogs,snakes,spiders and angry homeowners

    • @808Goose
      @808Goose Місяць тому

      @@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?

  • @michaeldelio1870
    @michaeldelio1870 3 місяці тому +2

    If the job was os desirable, this video wouldnt exist

  • @fs127
    @fs127 3 місяці тому

    How about adding some additional training in contacting homeowners about what is going on before you crawl all over their curtilage.

    • @justinweber6566
      @justinweber6566 3 місяці тому

      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.

    • @fs127
      @fs127 3 місяці тому

      @@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.

    • @nicklyon6325
      @nicklyon6325 3 місяці тому

      Ты говоришь как Карен

    • @fs127
      @fs127 3 місяці тому

      @@nicklyon6325 не ломай мои растения

  • @AsoftDolphinn
    @AsoftDolphinn 8 місяців тому +2

    ive applied i would LOVE a job!

    • @jimmyssnowremoval1075
      @jimmyssnowremoval1075 8 місяців тому

      I applied and didn’t receive anything back from them. Was disappointed

    • @shaneoakley8757
      @shaneoakley8757 8 місяців тому +2

      I applied yesterday morning and got an interview invitation 2 hours later. Keep applying! It’s my understanding they are needing field techs bad.

    • @AsoftDolphinn
      @AsoftDolphinn 8 місяців тому

      @@shaneoakley8757 illinois?

    • @AsoftDolphinn
      @AsoftDolphinn 8 місяців тому

      @@shaneoakley8757 do u have prior experience? I applied as a 19 year old with no utility or locating skills

    • @florinbenjaminmanzar4354
      @florinbenjaminmanzar4354 6 місяців тому

      @@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!

  • @evo2500
    @evo2500 24 дні тому

    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

  • @GregoryGolden-sl1sh
    @GregoryGolden-sl1sh 5 місяців тому

    Need the number .

  • @garyl3115
    @garyl3115 7 місяців тому

    🎶 Promo-SM

  • @jamiejackson1786
    @jamiejackson1786 4 місяці тому +1

    Lies

  • @user-pv8vz2ml8x
    @user-pv8vz2ml8x 3 місяці тому +3

    What a fucking joke

    • @ClearGalaxies
      @ClearGalaxies 3 місяці тому

      Why?

    • @edgarhernandez4529
      @edgarhernandez4529 3 місяці тому +3

      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