Field Technician III

Halff Associates, Inc.; San Antonio (TX); On-site; USD 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Employee ownership

Comprehensive benefits

Job summary

Halff Associates, Inc. in Austin or San Antonio is seeking a SUE Field Technician III with a minimum of five years of Subsurface Utility Engineering experience to locate, document, and designate subsurface utilities while leading a two-person crew.

You will operate GPR and locating equipment, read plans, and coordinate with stakeholders to support project objectives. Role requires field travel, overtime as needed, strong safety focus, and ongoing training in emerging SUE technologies.

Qualifications

• Minimum of 5 years of SUE utility locating and designating experience.
• Strong understanding of SUE principles and utility designation practices.
• Proficiency operating GPR, electromagnetic locating equipment, and vacuum excavation systems.
• Valid driver's license with acceptable driving record.

Responsibilities

• Operate, maintain, and calibrate utility locating equipment (GPR, locators, vac truck).
• Lead field operations and designate utilities with accuracy.
• Read and interpret utility plans, maps, and records.
• Prepare sketches, maps, and reports detailing utilities' location and depth.
• Coordinate with project managers, owners, and clients; provide field progress updates.
• Perform manhole entry activities and implement traffic control per safety plans.
• Travel to project sites and work flexibly, including overtime and weekends as needed.

Skills

SUE field experience

Analytical thinking

Reading drawings & plans

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Post-secondary education preferred

Tools

GPR

Electromagnetic locators

Vacuum excavation systems

CAD software

GIS applications

Job description

SUE Field Technician III, Austin or San Antonio

Halff has an immediate opening for a SUE Field Technician III in our Austin or San Antonio office. We are seeking an experienced utility locator/designator with a minimum of five years of Subsurface Utility Engineering (SUE) experience. This position offers an outstanding opportunity for career growth, professional development, and employee ownership within a collaborative and expanding organization.

The SUE Field Technician III plays a critical role in supporting infrastructure and construction projects by locating, identifying, and documenting subsurface utilities. This individual will utilize advanced utility detection technologies, lead field operations, and provide accurate utility data to support engineering and surveying teams while maintaining the highest standards of safety and quality.

What you will do:

• Operate, maintain, and calibrate utility locating equipment, including Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR), electromagnetic locators, duct rodders, vacuum excavation equipment, and other SUE technologies.
• Conduct utility locating and designating investigations to accurately identify, assess, and mark underground utilities.
• Lead a two-person utility designating crew and/or vacuum excavation crew.
• Read and interpret utility plans, engineering drawings, maps, and utility records.
• Prepare accurate field sketches, maps, reports, and documentation detailing the location, depth, and type of identified utilities.
• Communicate and coordinate effectively with project managers, utility owners, municipalities, clients, and other stakeholders to support project objectives and provide field progress updates.
• Perform manhole entry activities using approved equipment, safety devices, and procedures.
• Implement traffic control devices in accordance with approved plans and safety protocols.
• Operate company vehicles safely and maintain a professional appearance.
• Adhere to all company safety policies, PPE requirements, and industry best practices.
• Work in varying weather conditions, including occasional after-hours, overtime, weekend, and travel requirements as needed.
• Participate in training and stay current with emerging SUE technologies, methodologies, and industry standards.

What you will need:

• High school diploma or equivalent; post-secondary education in a related field is preferred.
• Minimum of 5 years of SUE utility locating and designating experience.
• Strong understanding of SUE principles, utility types, geophysical methods, and utility designation practices.
• Proficiency operating GPR, electromagnetic locating equipment, vacuum excavation systems, and other utility detection technologies.
• Familiarity with utility markings, APWA color codes, and industry standards such as ASCE 38-22.
• Ability to read and interpret construction plans, engineering drawings, and utility records.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with the ability to make sound field decisions.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Strong attention to detail and commitment to delivering accurate, high-quality field data.
• Valid driver's license with an acceptable driving record.
• Ability to travel to project sites and work flexible schedules, including overtime and occasional weekend work as needed to support project requirements.
• Ability to work outdoors in various weather conditions and physically demanding environments.
• Prolonged periods of walking and standing on uneven terrain.
• Ability to lift up to 50 pounds.
• Ability to safely access and navigate active construction and project sites.

Preferred Qualifications

• Surveying experience or knowledge.
• Experience with CAD software and GIS applications.
• Industry certifications in utility locating or SUE practices, such as NULCA or UESI certifications.

The Halff SUE/Utility Coordination Advantage

• Cross-trained personnel make Halff a one-stop shop for client's SUE/utility coordination needs.
• 20+ years of experience with more than 10 million lf of utilities located and more than 10,000 test holes performed.
• Our team has proven processes and QA/QC procedures that provide accuracy and economy in project-driven utility inventories.

Halff's SUE/Utility Coordination Services:

• 2D and 3D SUE Quality Levels A-D
• Alignment and ROW Staking
• Peer Reviews
• Permitting Assistance
• Reimbursement Negotiations
• Surveying
• Utility Adjustment Monitoring and Verification
• Utility Coordination
• Utility Engineering
• Utility Relocation Design

Company Overview

Halff is a full-service infrastructure consulting firm planned, designed, engineered, constructed - and purposed - for people. Since 1950, we've been creating smart solutions that improve lives and communities by turning ideas into reality.

Halff was founded on a core tenet: Focus on people, treat them well, and success will follow. It's no wonder, then, that our employees and the culture they create result in our firm consistently being named a Top Workplace in America.

Our industry-leading professionals collaborate to meet tough challenges in creative ways.You can view Halff's full complement of services here

Halff has over 30 offices in Texas, Oklahoma, Louisiana, Florida, Arkansas, Arizona, and Georgia.

We offer excellent benefits, including but not limited to:

• Medical, dental, prescription and life insurance
• Long-term and short-term disability insurance
• Paid time off (PTO) and 8 company paid holidays (and Veteran's Day for our veterans)
• Traditional and Roth 401(k) plans
• Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP)
• Health Savings Account (HSA)
• 529 College Savings Plan
• Flexible spending accounts (FSA)
• Employee Assistance Plan

Salary is competitive and commensurate with experience.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, national origin, disability, veteran status, or other legally protected status.

Halff is a drug-free workplace. This offer of employment is contingent upon the receipt of a clear drug screen and background check prior to your first day of employment. This position may be subject to random drug testing pursuant to federal regulations.

Qualifications

Education

High School (required)

Experience

5 years: SUE utility locating and designating experience (required)

Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities

This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws.

For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.