Subsurface Utility Engineering (SUE) Project Manager

UES, Inc.; Cincinnati (OH); Hybrid; USD 110,000 - 140,000; Full time

Job summary

UES, Inc. in Cincinnati, OH seeks a Subsurface Utility Engineering (SUE) Project Manager to lead and grow SUE capabilities across the Midwest East Area.

You will deliver subsurface utility investigations, mentor field staff, manage projects and client relationships, and expand the regional practice. The role blends field execution with technical interpretation and business development, requiring travel, leadership, and the ability to coordinate with engineering, environmental, geotechnical, and

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree or higher in geology, geophysics, or a related field.
• 1–2 years of private utility locating experience with radio detection, GPR, or similar geophysical tools.
• Experience with CAD, GIS, and mapping software.
• Field work in geology, geophysics, or civil/environmental services.

Responsibilities

• Lead Subsurface Utility Engineering (SUE) projects across the Midwest region.
• Perform hands-on field investigations and supervise field staff.
• Provide technical leadership on geophysical methodologies and client strategies.
• Develop and manage project scopes, budgets, and client relationships.
• Mentor staff and establish field procedures, QA/QC, and safety standards.

Skills

SUE knowledge

Project management

Field leadership

Geophysics tools

Education

Bachelor's degree in Geology/Geophysics or similar

Tools

CAD

GIS

Job description

Overview

At UES, we’re a team of more than 4,000 engineers, scientists, geologists, inspectors, technicians, and drillers united by a shared purpose—to make a meaningful impact in the communities we serve. As a national leader in geotechnical engineering, environmental consulting, and materials testing and inspection, we collaborate on transformative projects across transportation, energy, water, healthcare, and more. Learn more about the benefits of joining Team UES and our core values at careers.teamues.com.

Position Overview

The Subsurface Utility Engineering (SUE) Project Manager will lead and grow SUE capabilities across the Midwest East Area. This is a hands‑on technical and operational leadership role responsible for delivering subsurface utility investigations, developing and mentoring field staff, managing projects and client relationships, and expanding UES's presence in these service lines.

The ideal candidate is an experienced SUE professional who enjoys being both a technical practitioner and a business builder. This individual will initially spend substantial time in the field working alongside the team, providing technical leadership and training, while progressively building the people, processes, client relationships, and project pipeline necessary to support a growing regional practice. This role requires someone who can move comfortably between field execution, technical interpretation, project management, staff development, client consultation, and business development. The successful candidate will serve as a regional technical resource and help position UES for continued growth in utility locating, concrete scanning, SUE, and related subsurface investigation services.

Responsibilities

• Lead and support Subsurface Utility Engineering (SUE) projects throughout the Midwest region.
• Perform and oversee hands‑on field investigations, particularly during the initial development and growth of the regional program.
• Lead and perform private utility locating, concrete scanning, and other subsurface investigations.
• Provide technical expertise regarding the capabilities and limitations of various geophysical methodologies and advise clients on appropriate investigation strategies.
• Support SUE activities and utility investigations, including applicable Quality Level A–D services based on project scope and team capabilities.
• Oversee the collection, processing, interpretation, and quality review of geophysical and utility investigation data.
• Prepare and review technical reports, maps, figures, field documentation, and client deliverables.
• Lead day‑to‑day field operations, including staff scheduling, resource planning, equipment coordination, project execution, and field support.
• Train, mentor, and develop SUE staff, strengthening the technical capabilities of the regional team.
• Establish consistent field procedures, technical standards, QA/QC practices, and documentation expectations.
• Coordinate with UES engineering, environmental, geotechnical, construction materials, surveying, and other technical teams to identify opportunities for geophysics and SUE services.
• Manage assigned projects from initial client contact through scope development, field execution, reporting, invoicing, and closeout.
• Develop project scopes, estimates, proposals, pricing, schedules, and budgets.
• Monitor project performance to ensure work is completed safely, accurately, on schedule, within scope, and in accordance with client expectations.
• Develop and maintain relationships with clients, contractors, municipalities, engineers, and other industry partners.
• Actively identify opportunities for additional work with existing and prospective clients.
• Participate in presentations, networking, lead generation, proposal development, and other business development activities.
• Serve as a technical resource during client discussions and help communicate the value, applications, and limitations of UES SUE capabilities.
• Support the continued growth and development of the regional SUE practice, including evaluating equipment, staffing, training, and future service needs.
• Travel throughout the Midwest region and nationally as needed to support projects, clients, staff training, and business development.
• Ensure work is performed in accordance with UES safety procedures, applicable regulations, industry standards, and project requirements.
• Other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Geology, Geophysics or similar degree
• At least 1-2 years of private utility locating utilizing radio detection, Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR), and other geophysical tools.
• Experience with utilizing CAD, GIS, and other mapping software
• Prior experience in geology field work, geophysics, or civil engineering with knowledge in construction, geotechnical and/or environmental services.
• Valid driver’s license with acceptable driving record
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office and industry-specific platforms (e.g., project management, data reporting systems).
• Strong organizational, communication, and analytical skills
• Willingness to travel to job sites and work in diverse environmental conditions
• Demonstrated ability to lead teams, manage multiple priorities, and interface with clients and regulatory bodies effectively

Preferred Qualifications

• 3+ years of relevant professional experience in engineering consulting, environmental consulting, geotechnical services, infrastructure, construction, field investigation, monitoring, or a related technical environment.
• Utility locating or subsurface utility investigations
• Concrete scanning
• Geophysical investigations or geophysical field methods
• Seismic testing, investigations, data collection, processing, or interpretation
• Vibration monitoring and/or construction vibration monitoring
• Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR)
• Electrical resistivity or electrical imaging methods
• Electromagnetic methods
• Specialized field instrumentation and monitoring systems
• Sensor installation, monitoring, and data acquisition
• Technical data processing, visualization, or interpretation
• Geologic or subsurface characterization
• Environmental or geotechnical field investigations
• Infrastructure, transportation, construction, or engineering consulting projects
• Client-facing consulting experience
• Proposal preparation, scope development, or project budgeting
• Experience coordinating or mentoring field personnel

Travel Requirements

This position requires occasional travel, approximately 70% of the time, to support business objectives and client engagements. Travel may be both scheduled and on short notice, depending on project needs. Destinations typically include job sites, field locations, or regional offices, where work may be conducted in outdoor or operational environments. Adherence to all company safety protocols and use of PPE is required during travel and on‑site work.

Physical Demands & Work Environment

• This position operates in a hybrid work environment, requiring flexibility to work effectively from both a professional office and work site setting.
• On‑Site Office Requirements:
  • Work is performed at a desk for extended periods using a computer, phone, and standard office equipment in a climate‑controlled office environment.
  • Regular in‑person communication with team members, clients, and stakeholders is required.
  • Physical demands may include sitting for long durations, occasional standing, walking, bending, and lifting of materials up to 15 pounds.
• Field Environment:
  • Work at outdoor sites including wetlands, forests, grasslands, construction zones, and undeveloped land.
  • Travel on foot across uneven, rugged, or obstructed terrain, sometimes in areas inaccessible by vehicle.
  • Exposure to varying weather conditions including heat, cold, humidity, rain, or sun.
  • Possible presence of insects, animals, or natural and man‑made hazards in field environments.
• Physical Requirements:
  • Ability to lift and carry between 35–75 lbs. of equipment or samples over distances up to 75 feet.
  • Ability to stand, walk, drive, and operate lab and field equipment for extended periods.
  • Ability to bend, twist, reach, stoop, kneel, climb, and balance as needed during both lab and fieldwork.
  • Ability to communicate effectively in both verbal and written formats in varied environments, often while wearing PPE.
  • Ability to use sensory capabilities to see (including close and distant vision, color perception, depth perception, and focus) and smell for observation and safety purposes

EEO Statement

UES is an Equal Opportunity Employer and is proud to recruit the most qualified candidates. Please see our full EEO Statement at the bottom of the page here