Today, more and more of the utility companies that supply your home or business with power, heat, water, telephone, sewer, gas and cable television service are delivering those services underground. It is also possible that these buried service lines are close to the surface, making digging a dangerous endeavor. Fortunately, you can find out where public utility-owned lines are buried on your property by contacting 811 either by phone or online. NC811 will notify our member utility companies of your excavation needs and those utilities will have professional locators mark their buried lines, free of charge.

North Carolina 811, is a non-profit organization funded by its member facilities. We take locate information from anyone engaged in excavation activities. An excavator may include contractors, utilities, and homeowners. The information about proposed excavation is transmitted to the member facility owners that provide service in the requested excavation area. We have a variety of member facility owners including utilities, municipalities, universities, and homeowner’s associations.

North Carolina 811 provides a toll free number, 1-800-632-4949, that can be reached from anywhere in the continental United States or you may dial 811 within North Carolina. North Carolina 811 does not mark utility lines; we do provide an easy communication link between excavators and utility owners.

Position Overview

North Carolina 811 (NC811) is seeking a motivated, relationship-focused professional to serve as its Damage Prevention Liaison for Western North Carolina. This is an exciting opportunity to make a meaningful impact on public safety by helping protect the underground infrastructure that communities depend on. Through education, stakeholder engagement, and public outreach, you will help promote safe digging practices across the region.

As a field representative of NC811, the Damage Prevention Liaison builds relationships with utility owners, contractors, excavators, municipalities, industry associations, and the public. You will share practical safety information, deliver engaging presentations, participate in community and industry events, and encourage compliance with safe digging laws and best practices. Success in this role calls for strong communication skills, sound judgment, initiative, and the ability to build productive relationships throughout the region.

Essential Functions and Responsibilities

Industry Outreach and Education

• Deliver professional presentations and educational programs regarding NC811 services, state excavation requirements, and damage prevention best practices.
• Conduct outreach to utility owners, contractors, excavators, municipalities, engineers, and other industry stakeholders to increase awareness and utilization of NC811 resources.
• Visit construction sites, utility facilities, and stakeholder offices to promote safe excavation practices and reinforce compliance with excavation laws and regulations.
• Coordinate and facilitate educational meetings, workshops, and training opportunities throughout the region.

Damage Prevention and Membership Development

• Promote the Five Steps to Safe Digging and other industry best practices designed to reduce damage to underground facilities.
• Identify facility owners who are non participating members of NC811 and provide information regarding membership requirements, responsibilities, and compliance obligations.
• Foster relationships that support voluntary compliance and participation in damage prevention initiatives.

Community and Public Awareness Engagement

• Assist in the planning and implementation of statewide public awareness campaigns, with particular emphasis on National Safe Digging Month and other Damage Prevention Awareness initiatives.
• Represent NC811 at trade shows, conferences, community events, industry meetings, and educational outreach activities.
• Participate in demonstrations and public engagement events involving NC811 educational equipment, including the safe digging express education trailer and mini excavator.

Utility Coordinating Committee (UCC) Support

• Support and strengthen existing Utility Coordinating Committees throughout the assigned territory.
• Assist with the development and organization of new UCCs where opportunities exist.
• Encourage collaboration and communication among utilities, contractors, and other stakeholders.

Administrative and Reporting Responsibilities

• Maintain accurate records of outreach activities, meetings, presentations, and stakeholder interactions.
• Prepare and submit activity reports, expense reports, meeting minutes, and other required documentation in a timely manner.
• Maintain appropriate inventories of educational, promotional, and outreach materials.
• Contribute to the development and revision of educational resources, presentations, brochures, excavation guides, and other communication materials.

Qualifications

Required Qualifications

• Demonstrated public speaking and presentation experience with audiences ranging from small groups to large conferences.
• Strong interpersonal, networking, and relationship-building skills.
• Ability to work independently while effectively managing multiple projects and priorities.
• Knowledge of the utility damage prevention industry, excavation practices, utility operations, construction, or a related field.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications including Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, and Access.
• Ability to operate presentation and audiovisual equipment and 360-degree camera systems.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Valid North Carolina driver's license and proof of required automobile insurance.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in utility operations, construction, public works, engineering, damage prevention, or a related field.
• Bilingual proficiency in English and Spanish.
• Experience conducting educational outreach, training, or stakeholder engagement programs.

Travel and Physical Requirements

• Must reside within the Western Region of North Carolina to support effective coverage of the assigned territory.
• Ability to travel extensively throughout Western North Carolina, including occasional overnight and weekend travel. Occasional out of state travel as well to conferences.
• Ability to operate an NC811 fleet vehicle for authorized business purposes.
• Provide reliable personal transportation available when a company vehicle is temporarily unavailable.
• Ability to lift and transport materials weighing up to 30 pounds.
• Ability to set up and operate display, presentation, and outreach equipment.

Reporting Relationship

This position reports directly to the NC811 Public Awareness and Outreach Manager and works in collaboration with other NC811 staff.

Compensation and Benefits

NC811 offers a competitive beginning salary of $58,000 annually for this role, commensurate with experience, qualifications, and geographic location within the Western Region. Interviews and final offer will be determined based on the selected candidate’s experience and skill set in early January 2027.
NC811 is proud to offer a comprehensive benefits package to support the health, financial security, and professional growth of our employees, including:
• Medical, dental, and vision insurance
• Company-paid life insurance and short- and long-term disability coverage
• 401(k) retirement plan with employer match
• Paid time off (PTO) and paid holidays
• Company-provided fleet vehicle and fuel card for business travel
• Mileage reimbursement for use of personal vehicle when a fleet vehicle is unavailable
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Flexible spending account (FSA) and/or health savings account (HSA) options

Join NC811

Ready to make a difference? Join NC811 and help protect the people, communities, and critical underground infrastructure of North Carolina. If you enjoy building relationships, educating others, and working in a role where your outreach has a real-world impact, we encourage you to apply.