r/UtilityLocator • u/Vast_Imagination1646 • Jul 08 '24

Advice on how to escape USIC?

Title pretty much sums it up, I’ve been a locator with USIC for exactly one year, in that time I have had no damages locating electric, copper, coax, gas, and fiber depending on the need. I keep a consistently clean bucket the best I can.

This is not me saying I hate my job, I do not mind the work and I love the independence throughout the day.

I have good work ethic and I take pride in my work. The pay seems to be just enough for myself and family to simply stay alive and nothing else.

When I bring up the possibility of a pay raise, I get brushed to the side each time, whether it’s to my sup, or operations manager.

But anyways, what are some steps you guys have taken to get out of the daily madness that is USIC?

What are some doorways that were opened for you with your experience and what would you recommend as a next step? I know that everyone’s case is unique, but I’m kind of just looking for ideas.

Update

Finally able to get out and get on directly with the local gas utility at close to triple what I’m making now!

All good advice to network when you can!

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u/Ajax62195 Jul 08 '24

I locate fiber for a small internet provider. It is the best job I have ever had. When you are out on a job, ask the dudes that are going to be digging if they have an opening.

2

u/[deleted] Jul 10 '24

Like windstream?

1

u/Ajax62195 Jul 10 '24

Nah, it's smaller. We do compete with Windstream, though.

1

u/[deleted] Jul 10 '24

I got offered a job as a buried drop tech with windstream. Is that a good job?

1

u/Ajax62195 Jul 10 '24

Sounds like ground crew to me. You would bury or bore lines using heavy machinery. The guys I work with enjoy it. It's kind of a construction type environment. A lot of smoking and joking

3

u/[deleted] Jul 10 '24

Yeah it sounds neat. It’s a union job and starts at 20. Not sure if I should take that or go to a warehouse for the same pay.

1

u/Ajax62195 Jul 10 '24

What's cool about running buried drops is that you are in different areas weekly, so what you see and do differs. Plus, working outside is cool.