SUE Crew Chief

The GEL Group, Inc.; Garner (NC); On-site; USD 70,000 - 100,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Dental insurance

Vision insurance

Life insurance

Disability insurance

401k with match

Paid time off

Holidays

Job summary

The GEL Group, Inc. in Garner, NC seeks an experienced Utility Location Crew Chief to lead field operations in utility designation, mapping, and vacuum excavation. You will work with SUE teams to deliver accurate utility data while prioritizing safety, quality, and client satisfaction.

The role requires 5+ years in utility locating and 3+ years in SUE, with strong leadership and communication skills. Proficiency with RD/Metrotech equipment, GPR, vacuum excavation, and reading plans is essential.

Qualifications

• Minimum 5 years of utility locating experience.
• Minimum 3 years of Subsurface Utility Engineering (SUE) experience.
• Strong leadership, organizational, communication, and customer-service skills.
• Practical knowledge of SUE process and Quality Levels D through A.
• Experience with Radiodetection RD, Metrotech Vivax, or similar locating equipment.
• Experience with Ground Penetrating Radar systems and vacuum excavation equipment.
• Able to read utility records, plans, and construction drawings.
• Must possess a valid driver's license and maintain a clean MVR.

Responsibilities

• Lead and direct daily SUE field operations and coordinate utility designation and mapping activities.
• Operate electromagnetic locating equipment and GPR systems.
• Perform Quality Level D through A investigations using SUE principles and equipment.
• Perform and oversee utility investigations using vacuum excavation equipment.
• Read and interpret utility records, plans, and drawings.
• Train and mentor SUE technicians and field personnel.
• Ensure safety and quality standards are followed.
• Maintain field equipment, vehicles, reports, and documentation.

Skills

Leadership

Communication

Customer service

Problem solving

MS Office

Education

High School Diploma

Tools

Radiodetection RD

Metrotech Vivax

Ground Penetrating Radar

Vacuum excavation equipment

AutoCAD Civil 3D

MicroStation

Job description

Utility Location Crew Chief

The GEL Group, Inc. Garner, North Carolina, United States

About this position

About The GEL Group, Inc.

The GEL Group, Inc. is a family of companies built around a shared commitment to protecting our environment and natural resources. For more than four decades, we have partnered with clients across the United States and around the world to provide trusted environmental and engineering services, surveying, analytical testing, remediation support, PFAS testing, and subsurface technologies.

What sets GEL apart is the combination of advanced technology, experienced professionals, and a deep commitment to delivering defensible data on time. Across GEL Laboratories, LLC; GEL Engineering, LLC; GEL Solutions, LLC; and Cape Fear Analytical, LLC, our teams bring specialized expertise and a common purpose to every project.

At the heart of our work is GEL’s Core Purpose: To improve the quality of life for this and future generations by helping people protect and be good stewards of our environment and natural resources. That purpose guides how we serve our clients, support our communities, and approach every challenge with integrity, precision, and care. At GEL, we are proud of our legacy, but even more focused on the impact we can make moving forward.

About the Role

GEL Solutions, an affiliate of The GEL Group, Inc., is a professional services firm specializing in Surveying, Subsurface Utility Engineering (SUE), Laser Scanning, and Geospatial Solutions. We provide innovative solutions to public and private-sector clients throughout the United States. We are seeking an experienced and motivated Utility Location Crew Chief to join our Raleigh, NC team as part of the SUE Group.

The Utility Location Crew Chief is responsible for leading field operations associated with utility locating, underground utility designation, vacuum excavation, and utility mapping projects. The successful candidate will work independently and as part of a team to deliver accurate utility information while maintaining a strong focus on safety, quality, productivity, and customer service.

What You'll Do

• Lead and direct daily SUE field operations and coordinate utility designation and mapping activities.
• Operate electromagnetic utility locating equipment and Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR) systems.
• Perform Quality Level D through Quality Level A utility investigations using appropriate SUE principles, procedures, and equipment.
• Perform and oversee utility investigations using vacuum excavation equipment.
• Read and interpret utility records, as-built plans, construction drawings, and field conditions.
• Train and mentor SUE technicians and other field personnel.
• Ensure company safety procedures, client requirements, and applicable quality-control practices are followed.
• Perform quality-control reviews of field data and utility mapping deliverables.
• Communicate effectively with project managers, survey crews, utility owners, contractors, and clients.
• Maintain field equipment, company vehicles, daily reports, field notes, and electronic documentation.
• Support survey and geospatial operations as project needs require.
• Demonstrate and supporting GEL’s core values

Qualifications

• Minimum 5 years of utility locating experience.
• Minimum 3 years of Subsurface Utility Engineering (SUE) experience.
• Strong leadership, organizational, communication, and customer-service skills.
• High School Diploma required
• Practical knowledge of the SUE process and Quality Levels D through A.
• Practical experience with Radiodetection- RD , Metrotech Vivax, or similar electromagnetic locating equipment.
• Practical experience with Ground Penetrating Radar systems.
• Experience using vacuum excavation equipment for utility investigations.
• Ability to read and interpret utility records, plans, and construction drawings.
• Ability to work independently, remain self-motivated, and maintain field productivity.
• Skilled with Microsoft Office 365 applications including: Word, Outlook, Excel, and PowerPoint
• Must possess a valid driver's license and have a clean Motor Vehicle Record

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with ImpulseRadar GPR systems.
• Experience operating Vacmaster 4000 vacuum excavation equipment.
• Surveying experience.
• Experience working on NCDOT, SCDOT, municipal, or transportation-related projects.
• Experience supervising and developing SUE field personnel.
• Familiarity with AutoCAD Civil 3D, MicroStation, or utility mapping software.

What We Offer

• A commitment to safety and corporate values that promote respect, integrity, and innovation.
• Competitive compensation.
• Medical, dental, and vision insurance coverage.
• Life Insurance Plans, including Accidental and Critical Illness plans.
• Company-paid short and long-term disability insurance.
• 401k plan with employer matching.
• Paid Time Off and holidays.

Working Environment & Physical Demands

The SUE Crew Chief will work approximately 90% of the time in the field, performing outdoor work in varying weather conditions. This includes:

• Ability to navigate rough terrain, vegetation, active construction sites, and roadway corridors.
• 50 lbs. lifting requirement; ability to transport equipment across rugged terrain
• Willingness to travel overnight as project needs require.
• Ability to travel out of town up to 50% of the time, depending on project assignments.