Lead SUE Technician – Subsurface Utility Locating

Mark Thomas; Oakland (CA); Hybrid; USD 114,616,000 - 157,597,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

401k and ESOP

Paid time off

Vision insurance

Disability insurance

Life insurance

Tuition reimbursement

Hybrid/remote work

Job summary

Mark Thomas is seeking an experienced Subsurface Utility Technician (SUE Technician III) to lead field crews in locating and marking utilities using ground penetrating radar (GPR) and electromagnetic locating gear. This role supports project teams in Oakland, San Jose, and Walnut Creek, California, with mentoring of junior technicians and strict adherence to safety standards.

The ideal candidate has at least five years of utility locating experience, strong leadership and communication skills,

Qualifications

• Minimum of 5 years of experience in utility locating techniques.
• In-depth understanding of utility systems and infrastructure.
• Ability to work solo on utility location tasks.
• Work safely following IIPP and Code of Safety Practices.
• Exceptional attention to detail in marking locations.
• High School diploma or equivalent required.
• Strong leadership and communication skills; mentoring preferred.
• Proficient with SUE equipment.
• Proficient in MS Office for data analysis and reporting.
• Understand ASCE SUE 38-22 guidelines.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to manage multiple projects and priorities.
• Ability to collaborate in a team environment.
• Willingness to travel regionally; valid driver's license.

Responsibilities

• Leads and supervises advanced utility locating techniques and equipment to mark utilities.
• Reviews plans and maps to provide solutions for underground challenges; communicates with owners.
• Independently provides underground marking information to survey crews.
• Ensures timely task completion within budget; adheres to QA/QC standards.
• Prepares field packages, data reduction, and filing.
• Acts as field partner and mentor to SUE Technician I; trains junior techs.
• Instructs juniors on locating all utilities and related infrastructure.
• Assists other technicians with field troubleshooting issues.
• Resolves field issues and communicates concerns as needed.
• Promotes safety protocols; adheres to Injury & Illness Prevention Program.
• Maintains vehicles and locating equipment; reports malfunctions.

Skills

Leadership

Communication

Mentoring

Field experience

SUE equipment

MS Office

ASCE SUE 38-22

Driver's license

Education

High School diploma or equivalent

Tools

GPR

EM locating equipment

Job description

Mark Thomas is seeking an experienced Subsurface Utility Technician (SUE Technician III) to lead field crews in locating and marking utilities using ground penetrating radar (GPR) and electromagnetic locating gear. This role supports project teams in Oakland, San Jose, and Walnut Creek, California, with mentoring of junior technicians and strict adherence to safety standards.

The ideal candidate has at least five years of utility locating experience, strong leadership and communication skills,