Subsurface Utility Locator (SUE)

Patriot Surveying & Infrastructure; Mooresville (NC); On-site; USD 55,000 - 90,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Daily CONUS per diem

Health benefits

Wellness program

Career growth opportunities

Job summary

Patriot Surveying & Infrastructure is seeking a self-driven SUE Technician (Level B) to support nationwide infrastructure projects.

You will independently perform non-destructive utility location using GPR systems and EM locators while coordinating with Survey Field Crews to ensure accurate data collection and proactive site troubleshooting.

Qualifications

• High School Diploma or equivalent with related field experience.
• Ability to travel extensively for nationwide assignments.
• SUE Level B experience or Utility Locator Certification desirable.

Responsibilities

• Perform non-destructive utility location (Level B) using GPR and EM locators.
• Mark, document, and sketch horizontal position and depth of utilities on plans.
• Coordinate work with Survey Field Crews, clients and project managers for precise mapping.
• Set up traffic control and deliver safety briefings before field work.
• Maintain and calibrate geophysical locating equipment and company vehicles; complete daily reporting.

Skills

GPR operation

Geophysical locating

Field safety

Communication

Team coordination

Education

High School Diploma or equivalent

Tools

GPR systems

EM locators

Job description

We are seeking a self-driven, detail-oriented Subsurface Utility Engineering (SUE Level B) Technician to support large-scale infrastructure projects across the United States. In this essential field role, you will independently perform non-destructive subsurface utility location and serve as a critical frontline operator, managing daily field logistics with minimal direct supervision. You will effectively operate Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR) systems and radio-frequency electromagnetic pipe and cable locators, while collaborating closely with Survey Field Crews to ensure high-quality data collection and proactive site troubleshooting.

Office Locations & Travel Flexibility

We are actively recruiting talent across our established office network, which includes:

• Mooresville, NC (Corporate Headquarters)
• Harrison, OH
• Oak Island, NC
• Traverse City, MI
• 100% Travel Roles (CONUS Per Diem): In addition to office-based and hybrid roles near our primary locations, we warmly welcome candidates with high travel availability to support major nationwide field projects. All 100% travel assignments include daily per diem allowances at standard CONUS (Continental U.S.) rates to support our personnel during active project deployments.

Essential Responsibilities (Field Execution & Utility Locating)

As a SUE Technician, you will work independently to execute non-destructive utility location (Level B) using geophysical equipment, including GPR systems and electromagnetic (EM) pipe and cable locators. You will accurately mark, document, and sketch the horizontal position and depth of underground utilities (water, gas, electric, communication lines) onto project plans or field sketches. Proactive communication is essential, as you will coordinate work efforts with Survey Field Crews, clients, and project managers to ensure precise mapping.

Your daily operational duties include conducting site reconnaissance, setting up traffic control, and delivering safety briefings prior to commencing field work. You will maintain, calibrate, and properly care for all assigned geophysical locating equipment and company vehicles; complete daily project documentation and reporting; and strictly follow all company QA/QC procedures and safety standards on-site.

Qualifications & Requirements

Candidates must bring a proven track record of working independently in a remote or field-based environment, backed by strong written and verbal communication skills to coordinate with cross-functional teams and deliver safety briefings. A High School Diploma or equivalent, with related experience in utility locating or SUE fieldwork, is required. In contrast, prior SUE Level B experience or a recognized Utility Locator Certification is highly desirable. Candidates must possess a valid driver’s license, a clean Motor Vehicle Record (MVR), and successfully pass a pre-employment drug screening and standard 7-year background check. Candidates must also demonstrate the ability and willingness to travel extensively for nationwide infrastructure assignments.

Physical Demands & Work Environment

This field position requires frequent standing, walking, and hiking over rough, steep, or uneven terrain for extended periods. Candidates must have the physical ability to frequently lift, carry, and maneuver equipment weighing up to 50 pounds, including GPR carts, batteries, and traffic control devices. Field operations require working outdoors for full shifts across all weather conditions, along with frequent bending, kneeling, and stooping to set up equipment and paint utility markings on the ground. Strong hand-eye coordination and manual dexterity are required for operating precision geophysical instruments.

Why Join the Patriot Team?

At PSI, we recognize that our field personnel drive our project success. For this 100% travel role, our 7-day per diem model, using standard CONUS rates, ensures our field technicians are among the best supported in the industry. We offer a competitive compensation structure paired with comprehensive health, financial, and overall wellness benefits. We actively foster a supportive culture that values clear communication, technical excellence, and frontline safety, providing genuine opportunities for professional growth and strategic leadership as our nationwide firm continues to expand.