Subsurface Utility Engineer (SUE Technician)

GeoSearch; Mississippi; On-site; USD 38,000 - 58,000; Full time

Job summary

GeoSearch is seeking a dependable SUE Technician to designate and locate underground utilities across the region. The role involves operating a vacuum excavation truck, creating field sketches, and documenting daily activities in outdoor settings.

Ideal candidates have 2–4 years in utility locating/designating, familiarity with SUE concepts, basic traffic awareness, and a willingness to learn. CDL is a plus; pre-employment screening may apply.

Qualifications

• 2–4 years of utility locating or designating experience with locating devices.

Responsibilities

• Operate a vacuum excavation truck and related equipment safely.
• Designate and locate underground utilities using locating devices.
• Create clear field sketches and record measurements accurately.
• Perform basic field calculations and document daily activities.
• Conduct records research to support locating/designating efforts.
• Follow safety protocols around traffic and active job sites.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Skills

Underground utilities

Field documentation

Leadership mentoring

Equipment maintenance

Mechanical aptitude

Education

High School Diploma or GED

CDL preferred

DOT Medical Card required

NULCA or related cert a plus

Tools

GPR

CADD

Vacuum excavation truck

Job description

Our client is seeking a dependable, safety-minded SUE Technician to join our team. In this role, you will designate and locate underground utilities, operate vacuum excavation equipment, and support Subsurface Utility Engineering (SUE) projects across the region. This is a field-based position ideal for someone with a utility locating or designating background who takes pride in accurate, well-documented work and enjoys working outdoors.

Duties & Responsibilities

• Operate and maintain a vacuum excavation truck and related equipment safely and efficiently.
• Designate and locate a variety of underground utilities using multiple types of pipe and cable locating devices.
• Create clear, legible field sketches and take accurate field measurements.
• Perform basic field calculations and document daily activities.
• Conduct records research to support locating and designating efforts.
• Follow all safety protocols when working in and around traffic and active job sites.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Experience

• 2–4 years of utility locating or designating experience using various pipe and cable locating devices (similar to a utility locator or utility designator role).
• Experience with Subsurface Utility Engineering (SUE) is preferred.
• Working knowledge of basic traffic control and awareness of the hazards associated with working in and around traffic.
• Experience with Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR), surveying, CADD, and/or vacuum excavation trucks is a plus.

Skills

• Basic knowledge of various underground utilities and the ability to identify surface features associated with them.
• Ability to follow instructions and a willingness to be trained and mentored, paired with a positive, can-do attitude.
• Leadership and mentoring skills.
• Ability to perform basic equipment maintenance tasks is a plus.
• Mechanical aptitude is desired.

Education & Licenses

• High School Diploma or GED is required.
• A valid driver’s license, with the ability to obtain a Department of Transportation (DOT) Medical Card for Commercial Motor Vehicle operation, is required.
• A current Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) is a plus.
• NULCA or other relevant certification is a plus.

Minimum Qualifications

• High School Diploma or GED.
• Minimum of 2–4 years of relevant experience.
• Pre-employment drug screening is a condition of employment.
• Background and motor vehicle checks may be required based on the position.