Senior SUE Technician

Labella-Associates; Town of Ithaca (NY); On-site; USD 41,000 - 55,000; Full time

Job summary

LaBella is seeking a Senior SUE Technician for our Ithaca, NY office (also serving Rochester, Buffalo, Syracuse). You will lead field operations for SUE projects, perform EM locating and GPR, and ensure accurate utility designation and deliverables.

You will mentor junior technicians, interpret utility records, coordinate with project teams, and participate in QA/QC reviews. A Bachelor's degree and 2–5 years of SUE QL-B experience are required, along with a valid driver’s license and ability to

Qualifications

• 2–5 years of progressively responsible experience performing Subsurface Utility Engineering (SUE) Quality Level B (QL-B) designation.
• Proficiency using electromagnetic utility locating equipment and Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR).
• Ability to read and interpret utility records, as-built drawings, design plans, and field conditions.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills; ability to mentor junior staff.
• Valid driver’s license and ability to lift up to 50 pounds; willingness to travel.

Responsibilities

• Lead daily field operations for SUE projects with emphasis on safe, accurate designation.
• Perform advanced utility locating using EM induction and GPR to identify subsurface utilities.
• Interpret records and plans to accurately identify underground infrastructure.
• Mentor and provide technical guidance to junior SUE technicians.
• Coordinate daily activities with project managers, surveyors, engineers, and clients.
• Prepare accurate daily field reports, utility sketches, and electronic documentation.
• Conduct QA/QC reviews of field data and final SUE deliverables.
• Assist with utility records research and project documentation; maintain equipment.
• Support business development by identifying SUE opportunities on projects.

Skills

Electromagnetic locating

GPR operation

Reading utility plans

Communication skills

Physical stamina

Valid driver's license

Education

Bachelor's degree in Land Surveying, Engineering, Geology, Construction Management, or related technical discipline

Tools

AutoCAD Civil 3D

Trimble Business Center

Carlson

Job description

LaBella is currently seeking qualified candidates for a Senior SUE Technician opening in our Rochester, Buffalo, Syracuse, or Ithaca, NY offices. LaBella fosters a collaborative, team-oriented environment while delivering exceptional service to our clients.

As a Senior SUE Technician, you will play a key role in leading field operations and supporting the successful delivery of Subsurface Utility Engineering (SUE) projects. This position requires extensive experience performing Quality Level B (QL-B) utility designation and mentoring field staff to ensure safe, accurate, and efficient utility investigations. You will work closely with project managers, surveyors, engineers, and technicians to provide high-quality utility mapping and deliverables on a variety of transportation, municipal, and private development projects.

Duties:

• Lead daily field operations for SUE projects, ensuring safe, accurate, and efficient utility designation activities.
• Perform advanced utility locating using electromagnetic induction and Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR) equipment to identify and designate subsurface utilities.
• Interpret utility records, as-built drawings, design plans, and field conditions to accurately identify underground infrastructure.
• Mentor and provide technical guidance to junior SUE technicians and assist with field training.
• Coordinate daily activities with project managers, surveyors, engineers, and clients.
• Participate in project planning, scheduling, and coordination meetings.
• Prepare accurate daily field reports, utility sketches, and electronic documentation.
• Perform quality assurance and quality control (QA/QC) reviews of field data and final SUE deliverables.
• Assist with utility records research and project documentation.
• Maintain and troubleshoot SUE equipment and technology to ensure reliable field performance.
• Support business development by identifying opportunities for SUE services on multidisciplinary projects.
• Maintain organized project records and assist with data archiving.
• Safely operate company vehicles and equipment.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

Salary Range: $30.00 - $40.00 per hour

The specific salary offered may be influenced by a variety of factors including but not limited to the candidate's relevant experience, education, and work location.

• Bachelor's degree in Land Surveying, Engineering, Geology, Construction Management, or a related technical discipline preferred.
• 2–5 years of progressively responsible experience performing Subsurface Utility Engineering (SUE) Quality Level B (QL-B) utility designation services.
• Demonstrated proficiency using electromagnetic utility locating equipment and Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR).
• Strong understanding of utility records research, utility coordination, and SUE best practices.
• Experience leading field crews or mentoring junior technicians is preferred.
• Ability to read and interpret utility plans, engineering drawings, and survey information.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Experience with DOT, municipal, public utility, or transportation projects is preferred.
• Working knowledge of AutoCAD Civil 3D, Trimble Business Center, Carlson, or similar software is a plus.
• OSHA safety certifications are a plus.
• Valid driver's license with a clean driving record.
• Ability to lift up to 50 pounds and perform the physical demands of field work.
• Willingness to travel and work overtime as project needs require.

Body, mind, and wallet—LaBella’s benefits support a holistic approach to your health and wellness, creating the foundation for physical, mental, and financial well‑being. Our benefit offerings cover the must‑haves (healthcare and retirement), the just‑in‑cases (insurances and employee assistance programs), and the cherry‑on‑tops (fitness reimbursements, year‑end incentive pay, and tuition assistance). Visit our website for more details on benefits listed below.

• Flexible Work Schedule
• Health/Dental Insurance
• 401k Plan with Employer Match
• Paid Parental Leave
• Short & Long Term Disability
• Profit Sharing
• Paid Time Off
• Leadership Development Program
• Fitness Reimbursement
• Tuition Reimbursement
• Referral Bonus Program
• Wellness Program
• Team Building Events
• Community Service Events

LaBella is committed to facilitating a culture where diversity, equity, and inclusion are respected, valued, and celebrated by implementing thoughtful, practical, and innovative strategies that support our employees and serve the communities in which we reside. All applicants will be considered for employment without regard to race, color, religion, age, national origin, ancestry, ethnicity, gender (including pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding or other related medical conditions), gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, marital status, veteran status, disability, genetic information, citizenship status, characteristic or membership in any other group protected by federal, state or local laws.