SUE Field Technician III

SAM; Ann Arbor (MI); On-site; USD 60,000 - 85,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

401(k) with company match

Paid time off

Professional development programs

Job summary

SAM is seeking a SUE Field Technician III to join our nationwide geospatial team in Michigan. You will lead field operations for utility designation, QL-B and QL-A mapping, and vacuum excavation on infrastructure projects, ensuring safety and quality standards.

As part of a field crew, you will travel to project sites, coordinate with clients and utility owners, document data, and support office teams with deliverables and reports. A valid driver’s license and ASCE 38 knowledge are essential.

Qualifications

• High School Diploma
• Ability to travel for extended periods
• Thorough understanding of ASCE 38 guidelines and associated quality levels
• (4-5) years of SUE field experience preferred
• Experience leading SUE QL-A & QL-B field crews
• Valid driver’s license and ability to meet MVR standards
• Experience as project-level field supervisor on SUE QL-A & QL-B projects preferred
• Survey experience preferred
• Military experience is a plus

Responsibilities

• Perform utility designation in rural and urban environments using geophysical locating equipment
• Conduct 2D/3D QL-B mapping and QL-A tests
• Utilize total station and RTK GPR for data collection
• Lead vacuum excavation crews and verify utilities
• Document field data and maintain vault diagrams and data reports
• Manage QL-B mapping projects with small field crews
• Coordinate with clients, utility owners and third-party providers
• Support field deliverables and data transfer to office teams

Skills

Travel for extended periods

ASCE 38 knowledge

SUE field experience

Lead on SUE QL-A & QL-B

Driver's license

Survey experience

Military experience (a plus)

Education

High School Diploma

Job description

Who We Are

Founded in 1994, Surveying And Mapping, LLC (SAM) is a nationwide leader in geospatial and construction-phase solutions. With more than 50 offices and 1,600 professionals, we deliver the scale, technology, and expertise needed to support projects of any size. SAM streamlines project delivery through a single, coordinated team, offering in-house capabilities across land surveying, aerial mapping, subsurface utility engineering (SUE), utility coordination (UC), GIS, BIM, and construction engineering inspection (CEI).

By combining advanced technology, digital workflows, and decades of experience, we provide accurate, actionable data that helps clients move critical infrastructure projects forward with confidence. At SAM, you’ll be part of a team that values innovation, growth, and the opportunity to make a tangible impact on the built environment.

Your Impact at SAM

The SUE Field Technician III performs advanced Subsurface Utility Engineering (SUE) field operations to support utility designation, mapping, and data collection for infrastructure projects. This role leads field activities related to utility locating, geophysical investigations, and vacuum excavation while ensuring accurate documentation and adherence to company safety and quality standards.

Working both independently and alongside project teams, the SUE Field Technician III supports Quality Level B (QL-B) and Quality Level A (QL-A) investigations while coordinating with clients, utility owners, and third-party service providers to ensure efficient and safe project execution.

Key Responsibilities

Utility Designation & Data Collection

• Perform utility designation in both rural and urban environments using geophysical locating equipment
• Select and apply appropriate surface geophysical equipment and accessories to accurately designate complex public and private underground utility systems
• Conduct 2D Quality Level B (QL-B) and 3D Quality Level B (QL-B) utility mapping investigations
• Utilize total station survey equipment to collect horizontal data for QL-B mapping projects and QL-A test holes
• Operate RTK GPR survey equipment to collect horizontal and vertical data for 3D utility mapping projects
• Utilize automatic or digital levels to collect vertical elevation data for structures associated with gravity flow utility systems

Vacuum Excavation & Utility Verification

• Lead crews operating vacuum excavation equipment to expose underground utilities
• Perform excavation and backfill of test holes for QL-A utility verification under complex or deep utility conditions
• Ensure safe operation of vacuum excavation equipment and associated field tools

Project Documentation & Reporting

• Collect and document field data to support project deliverables
• Complete vault diagram forms and structures data reports for applicable mapping projects
• Maintain accurate field notes, sketches, and documentation in accordance with company standards
• Support the preparation of field deliverables and coordinate data transfer to office teams

Field Leadership & Coordination

• Manage individual QL-B mapping projects typically consisting of up to two independent field crews
• Serve as field lead for complex SUE investigations and vacuum excavation operations
• Coordinate with clients, utility owners, property owners, and project stakeholders in the field
• Work with traffic control providers, off-duty officers, saw-cutting vendors, and other third-party services as required

What You Bring to SAM

• High School Diploma
• Ability to travel for extended periods of time
• Thorough understanding of ASCE 38 guidelines and associated quality levels
• (4-5) years of SUE field experience preferred
• Experience working as a “lead” on SUE QL-A & QL-B field crew required
• Valid driver’s license and ability to meet company MVR standards.
• Experience working as a project level field supervisor on SUE QL-A & QL-B projects preferred
• Survey experience preferred
• Military experience is a plus

Our Perks

• Health and Wellness Benefits: BlueCross BlueShield health insurance coverage begins the month after your hire date, with dental plans available and free vision coverage for employees, company-paid premiums for Long-term disability/Life Insurance (with HSA + FSA plans), SAM Cares program focused on holistic well-being
• Financial Benefits: Employee Referral Rewards Program of $1K, $2,500 or $5K, Fidelity retirement plans with a 5% company match, tuition reimbursement, optional cellphone stipend
• Work-Life Balance: Paid time off including vacation/sick/holidays, parental leave to support families
• Professional Development: Customized career development plan for licensing and certifications, Project Manager Business Academy, CAD Training Program, Individual Development Plans/Career Check-Ins, SAM WINS - our initiative for women-focused leadership and development, Milestone Anniversary Recognition, SAMbassador mentorship program
• Perks and Discounts: Access to “Perks at Work” for discounts on wellness + travel + leisure and everyday purchases, company-sponsored events, free office snacks
• Culture and Awards/Achievements: SAM Named 2026 Top Workplace USA for the fourth Year; 2026 SAM Ranks No. 92 on ENR Top 500 Design Firms