SUE Field Lead

Woolpert, Inc.; Virginia Beach (VA); On-site; USD 39,000 - 58,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Freedom to Work program

Principal program: ownership potential

Flexible paid time off

Career development opportunities

Health, dental, vision insurance

Retirement plan and fitness stipend

Pet insurance and identity protection

Technology stipend

Job summary

Woolpert, Inc. in Virginia Beach, VA is seeking a SUE Field Lead to supervise a team of utility locators and technicians. You will map underground utilities using EM locating and GPR, ensuring precise depth and type identifications for construction and maintenance projects.

The role emphasizes training, safety, and collaboration with project managers, contractors, and clients. A strong emphasis on accuracy, field documentation, and adherence to standards is required.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED required with OSHA certifications.
• Experience operating EM locating and GPR equipment.
• Strong leadership and communication skills; ability to train others.

Responsibilities

• Manage and supervise a team of Utility Locators/Designators and SUE Technicians.
• Use EM locating equipment and GPR to detect and map underground utilities.
• Ensure accurate field markings, documentation, and deliverables.
• Provide guidance, training, and mentorship on equipment and methods.
• Maintain training materials and records; supervise equipment maintenance.
• Communicate findings with project managers and clients; monitor quality.

Skills

Team leadership

SUE field operations

Electro Magnetic Locating

Ground-penetrating radar

Communication skills

Travel readiness

Education

High school diploma or GED

OSHA certifications

Tools

EM Locating Equipment

GPR equipment

Job description

We seek to move the world forward through innovative thinking.

Woolpert is an award-winning, global leader in architecture, engineering, and geospatial services. We blend design excellence with cutting-edge technology to deliver exceptional client value. Our team is passionate about their work and committed to building the next generation of industry leaders, and as a certified Great Place to Work, Woolpert embraces progress and innovation to create limitless opportunities for career growth.

Position Overview

Woolpert is hiring a Sue Field Leadto join our dynamic Survey & Geomatics Team in Virginia Beach, VA. SUE Field Supervisors are responsible for overseeing and leading a team of Utility Locators/Designators and SUE Technicians in conducting on-site investigations to map and mark underground utilities. The role focuses on ensuring accurate and efficient utility detection to support construction, maintenance, troubleshooting, and mapping projects.

We are unable to provide visa sponsorship for this position. Applicants must already possess work authorization in the country the job is located.

What You Will Do:

• Manage and supervise a team of Utility Locators/Designators and SUE Technicians, including assigning work, managing crew schedules, and monitoring performance.
• Utilize electromagnetic locating equipment, ground-penetrating radar (GPR), and other industry-standard equipment to detect, identify, and accurately map underground utilities.
• Interpret and analyze locating data to determine utility location, depth, and type, ensuring accurate field markings, documentation, and deliverables.
• Provide technical guidance, support, training, and mentorship to SUE Technicians on equipment operation, utility locating methods, safety procedures, and industry best practices.
• Develop and maintain training guidelines, materials, and records to support employee development and advancement.
• Conduct routine maintenance, calibration, troubleshooting, and performance checks of locating equipment to ensure accuracy, reliability, and proper operation.
• Ensure adherence to company safety protocols, industry standards, and project quality requirements.
• Monitor work quality, provide performance feedback, and identify opportunities for continuous improvement.
• Maintain accurate and detailed records of utility locations, field activities, equipment maintenance, training, and project performance.
• Monitor project schedules, timelines, and budget constraints to support efficient and successful project completion.
• Collaborate with project managers, contractors, utility companies, clients, and other stakeholders to communicate findings, coordinate field activities, and provide project updates.
• Support project teams by communicating utility locating results, identifying potential conflicts or discrepancies, and assisting with resolution as needed.
• Ensure all utility locating activities and documentation are completed accurately, safely, and in accordance with applicable standards and project requirements.

What You Will Bring:

• Must have a high school diploma or G.E.D. and applicable OSHA certifications.
• Must be proficient with multiple forms of Electro Magnetic Locating Equipment and GroundPenetrating Radar (GPR) Equipment.
• Six (6) years of related work experience preferred.
• Strong problem-solving skills and attention to detail.
• Must be mentally and physically capable of performing all essential duties required of the position.
• Must have average communication skills, both verbal and written and be able to effectively present information in one-on-one and small group situations.
• Must be able to travel frequently and extensively, overnight and/or out of town.
• Must be able to work overtime as required.
• Good physical condition and the ability to work outdoors in various weather conditions.
• Must have valid driver's license and pass a pre-employment Motor Vehicle Record (MVR) check.
• Must maintain satisfactory driving record, as required by our insurance company.
• Must successfully pass pre-employment background and drug screening. Periodic drug testing may be required per company policy.

Physical Qualifications:

• Must be able to stand for extended periods of time.
• Must be able to frequently stoop, kneel, crouch and crawl.
• Good physical condition and the ability to work outdoors in various weather conditions.
• Must be able to frequently reach with hands and arms, bend and climb and/or balance.
• Ability to use tools, and equipment. For instance, Shovel, Tape measure, cloth / steel tape, machete, hammer.
• Must be able to frequently lift and/or move 40 pounds and occasionally lift and/or move up to 100 pounds.
• CPU literate: Basic computer skills, including familiarity with data transfer, Microsoft Suite, Email and basic software used in surveying.
• Must have vision abilities of close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception and ability to adjust focus.

Working Conditions:

• Work is performed primarily in outdoor environments, often in remote and rugged locations.
• Exposure to various weather conditions, including heat, cold, rain, and wind.
• Physical demands include standing for extended periods, walking on uneven terrain, and carrying equipment.
• Use of personal protective equipment (PPE) as required.

Travel & Schedule:

• This position requires up to 80% travel primarily supporting projects throughout the state of Virginia with occasional travel throughout the East Coast and Midwest.
• The role follows a 10 days on / 4 days off schedule.

Benefits You Will Love

Certified as a Great Place to Work, Woolpert is one of the fastest-growing architecture, engineering, and geospatial companies in the world. With over 75 offices and countless projects around the globe, you'll work on meaningful assignments that improve quality of life around the world. In addition to offering competitive pay, we provide employees with a robust set of unique benefits, including:

• Freedom to Work program: Set your own schedule and location (as appropriate).
• Principal program: Earn the opportunity to become an owner of the firm.
• Flexible paid time off/vacation: Take time off when it makes sense for you and your team.
• Career development: Explore a wide range of learning and growth opportunities within and across industries.
• Health, life, vision, and dental insurance: Cover all your medical bases.
• Paid sick time, retirement plan, fitness reimbursement, pet insurance, identity protection, technology stipend, employee assistance program, and more!#LI-KA1

Base pay offered may vary depending on job-related knowledge, skills, and experience.

Pay Range

$27.78 — $41.63 USD

Find out more about what Woolpert has to offer here: http://woolpert.com/about-us/

Woolpert is an equal-opportunity employer. Woolpert is committed to the full inclusion of all individuals. We recruit, train, compensate, and promote regardless of race, religion, color, national origin, sex, disability, age, veteran status, and other protected status as required by applicable law. You may view more about EEO on our website: Equal-Employment-Opportunity-The-Law.pdf and EEO is the Law Poster Supplement.

Applicants who require an accommodation throughout the application and interview process should request this in advance by contacting your Recruiter