SUE Field Technician (Subsurface Utility Engineering)
Job Description:
Job Title: SUE Field Technician (Subsurface Utility Engineering)
Location: Centralia, WA
Compensation: $25-50/hr (depending on experience)
Travel: Up to 90% nationwide (with company-paid lodging, transportation, and per diem)
About the Role:
Do you have a passion for innovation and cutting-edge technology? As a Senior SUE Field Technician, you will be at the forefront of transforming how we detect, map, and protect underground utility infrastructure. Utilizing advanced Subsurface Utility Engineering (SUE) technologies, you’ll play a key role in critical infrastructure projects across the country. This position offers a unique opportunity to harness the power of tools like Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR), Electromagnetic Induction (EMI), LIDAR, and other state-of-the-art equipment to uncover buried utility networks with precision and efficiency.
What You’ll Do:
- Lead cutting-edge technologies like Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR) and EMI to detect and map underground utilities, ensuring safe and efficient excavation for projects ranging from transportation infrastructure to utility maintenance.
- Innovate with acoustic methods and geospatial technologies to identify non-metallic utilities, plastic pipes, and difficult-to-locate infrastructure, overcoming the challenges that traditional methods cannot.
- Leverage advanced data collection tools such as GPS Survey, TDEM (Time-Domain Electromagnetic), and LIDAR to capture and interpret utility infrastructure data, delivering precise, actionable insights.
- Supervise and train field crews on using these advanced technologies, ensuring that all utility locating and mapping are done accurately and efficiently.
- Collaborate with engineers and project teams to interpret data, streamline design practices, and implement innovative solutions for utility systems.
- Operate and maintain high-tech equipment, including EM Pipe and Cable Locators, Ground Penetrating Radar, and geophysical survey devices, ensuring top performance in every project.
- Perform essential fieldwork, conducting investigations in varied terrains and weather conditions while ensuring team safety and compliance with traffic control protocols.
Why This Opportunity?:
- Pioneering Utility Detection: Work with the latest subsurface technologies, such as multi-channel GPR, step-frequency devices, and acoustic methods, to revolutionize underground utility detection.
- Critical Impact: Your expertise will directly influence the safety, efficiency, and sustainability of infrastructure projects nationwide by preventing costly utility strikes and ensuring smooth project execution.
- Professional Growth: As the industry evolves, you’ll be a leader in adopting and mastering new technologies, staying ahead in a field that is becoming increasingly tech-driven.
- Work-Life Adventure: Enjoy nationwide travel, working on diverse projects with a company that values its employees’ time with daily per diems and company-paid travel expenses.
Hours and Flexibility:
Work Schedule: Monday to Friday, 8 AM - 5 PM, with flexibility for overtime, night shifts, and weekend work as needed for projects.
Travel: Expect up to 90% travel for project assignments across the country.
Your Qualifications:
- Technical Mastery: 1-5+ years of experience in utility designating with advanced knowledge of EM Pipe and Cable Locators, Ground Penetrating Radar, and related SUE technologies.
- Field Leadership: 1-3+ years of experience managing field crews, ensuring precise and efficient utility locating.
- Tech-Savvy Problem Solver: Ability to operate GPS and geospatial systems, interpret utility data, and collaborate with project teams using mobile and PC platforms.
- Proficient in Software: Skilled in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Outlook, Teams) and experienced with Windows, Apple, and Android mobile technologies for field data collection and reporting.
- Physically Prepared: Ability to lift up to 75 lbs, walk long distances, and work in all weather conditions.
- Licensed to Drive: Valid driver’s license with a clean driving record.
Environmental and Physical Requirements:
- Comfortable working outdoors in all weather conditions, including extreme temperatures.
- Ability to safely operate around moving traffic and within traffic control zones.
- Proficient in the use of basic power tools and experienced in manhole/storm sewer lid removal.
Notes for Sue Field Techs
- Most jobs are in Seattle some in the Portland area
- There is a lot of travel
- A typical month would have 2 weeks on the road and then one week back at the office
- Some weekend travel
- Will get paid their mileage, travel plus per diem
- The client also has other projects in Minnesota, Colorado, Utah, Montana
Success Profile
- Need to be organized and methodical
- Very thorough field notes
- Accuracy- they are more like engineering
- Could have no experience but have the right pedigree/mentality, they can train on the utility piece
Sourcing
- Utility exp/Field ops
- Surveying exp
- GIS
- Utility Designation
- Pipeline safety
Join Our Team:
- This is your opportunity to lead in the growing field of Subsurface Utility Engineering, where innovation and technology are reshaping the future of infrastructure projects.
- Be part of a team that values precision, safety, and cutting-edge technology to protect and enhance the nation’s critical utility systems.
