Subsurface Specialist (Offering up to $3500 Sign-On Bonus)

Penhall Company and Penhall Technologies; Columbia (SC); On-site; USD 65,000 - 95,000; Full time

Job summary

Penhall Company is seeking a Subsurface Analyst to join our team of field specialists. You will perform non-destructive testing using GPR and EM locators to identify subsurface utilities and structural embeds, supporting safe excavation and construction.

You will document findings, prepare reports and sketches, and communicate with clients about capabilities and limitations. Travel to commercial and infrastructure sites and maintain strict safety and quality standards.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent required.
• Technical training in Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR), Non-Destructive Testing (NDT), or construction scanning preferred.
• Prior experience with GPR, X-ray scanning, utility locating, or concrete scanning services is a plus.
• OSHA 10-hour or OSHA 30-hour certification preferred (may be obtained after hire).

Responsibilities

• Perform investigative scanning activities on commercial, industrial, and infrastructure job sites.
• Collect and analyze field data to designate structural embeds including rebar, conduits, post-tension cables, and other structural elements.
• Locate underground utilities such as sewer, water, communications, gas, and electrical lines.
• Travel as required for training and service support.
• Accurately mark scanned areas in accordance with Penhall’s Standard Marking Protocol.
• Complete comprehensive field documentation including reports, sketches, and photographic records.
• Partner with site personnel to review and confirm project scope prior to beginning work.
• Communicate clearly with clients regarding technology capabilities, limitations, and recommended solutions.
• Explain investigation results, safety considerations, and recommended next steps to customers.
• Conduct pre-job and post-job inspections of equipment and report any malfunctions.
• Maintain a clean, safe, and organized work environment at all times.
• Attend required safety meetings, job briefings, and training sessions.
• Check in daily with scheduling personnel or supervisors to confirm assignments.
• Transport and properly secure all tools and equipment necessary for field operations.
• Assist with the training and development of new analysts when required.
• Perform additional duties as assigned by management.

Skills

Field data interpretation

Problem solving

Customer service

Detailed documentation

Handheld equipment operation

Construction site safety

Independent work

Mobile apps usage

Safety practices knowledge

Education

High school diploma

GPR/NDT technical training

OSHA 10/30 certification preferred

Tools

GPR

X-ray scanning

Utility locating

Concrete scanning

Job description

The Subsurface Analyst will join a highly trained team of field specialists responsible for identifying and designating critical subsurface utilities and structural embeds within concrete structures. This role supports safe excavation and construction activities by providing accurate, non-destructive investigations of underground infrastructure.

This position operates within the discipline of non-destructive testing (NDT) and utilizes advanced technologies including Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR), electromagnetic (EM) pipe locators, and other specialized scanning tools. In addition to performing field investigations, the Subsurface Analyst will capture and document findings to create a digital representation of previously unknown subsurface infrastructure.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Perform investigative scanning activities on commercial, industrial, and infrastructure job sites.
• Collect and analyze field data to designate structural embeds including rebar, conduits, post-tension cables, and other structural elements.
• Locate underground utilities such as sewer, water, communications, gas, and electrical lines.
• Travel as required for training and service support.
• Accurately mark scanned areas in accordance with Penhall’s Standard Marking Protocol.
• Complete comprehensive field documentation including reports, sketches, and photographic records.
• Partner with site personnel to review and confirm project scope prior to beginning work.
• Communicate clearly with clients regarding technology capabilities, limitations, and recommended solutions.
• Explain investigation results, safety considerations, and recommended next steps to customers.
• Conduct pre-job and post-job inspections of equipment and report any malfunctions.
• Maintain a clean, safe, and organized work environment at all times.
• Attend required safety meetings, job briefings, and training sessions.
• Check in daily with scheduling personnel or supervisors to confirm assignments.
• Transport and properly secure all tools and equipment necessary for field operations.
• Assist with the training and development of new analysts when required.
• Perform additional duties as assigned by management.

Required Skills and Abilities:

• Ability to accurately interpret field equipment data and scanning results
• Strong problem-solving skills and situational awareness
• Excellent customer service and professional communication skills
• Detail-oriented with the ability to maintain accurate field documentation
• Comfortable operating handheld equipment and accessing elevated areas using ladders when necessary
• Ability to navigate active construction environments safely
• Capable of working independently as well as within small teams
• Familiarity with mobile applications and digital documentation tools
• Understanding of safety practices within construction or industrial environments

Essential Core Competencies:

• Business Development: Demonstrates a growth-oriented mindset and actively builds positive client relationships that support future project opportunities.
• Technical Accuracy: Maintains a strong focus on delivering precise and reliable subsurface investigation results.
• Customer Focus: Interacts with clients in a professional, courteous, and solutions-oriented manner.
• Accountability: Consistently follows company procedures and completes assignments reliably and responsibly.
• Continuous Improvement: Provides feedback and insights to improve field processes and operational efficiency.
• Safety Awareness: Proactively identifies hazards and strictly adheres to all safety policies and procedures.
• Adaptability: Adjusts effectively to varying job environments and client requirements.
• Time Management: Efficiently manages time and priorities to meet scheduling expectations.
• Team Collaboration: Works cooperatively with team members and contributes to a positive and supportive work culture.
• Communication: Clearly communicates relevant job information to both internal teams and external clients.

The role plays a critical part in delivering accurate and timely investigative results that support safe excavation and concrete construction operations. All field work must be performed in accordance with company safety standards, established protocols, and client expectations.

Education and Experience:

• High school diploma or equivalent required
• Technical training in Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR), Non-Destructive Testing (NDT), or construction scanning preferred
• Prior experience with GPR, X-ray scanning, utility locating, or concrete scanning services is a plus
• OSHA 10-hour or OSHA 30-hour certification preferred (may be obtained after hire)

Physical and Additional Requirements:

• Ability to lift and carry up to 50 pounds
• Frequent standing, walking, bending, and kneeling on job sites
• Comfortable working in active construction environments both indoors and outdoors
• Ability to travel and drive to various job locations while transporting required equipment

Penhall Company is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment because of race, color, sex, age, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, compensation inquiries, discussions or disclosures, gender identity and/or expression, status as a veteran, and basis of disability or any other federal, state or local protected class. (41 CFR §§ 60-1.4(a), 60-300.5(a) and 60-741.5(a))

This job description is intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by employees in this position. It is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties, responsibilities, or qualifications required. Penhall Company reserves the right to modify, add, or remove duties, and to assign other responsibilities as necessary.