SUE Field Technician III

Construction Association of Michigan; Ann Arbor, Northern (MI, KY); Hybrid; USD 55,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

Surveying And Mapping, LLC (SAM) seeks a SUE Field Technician III to perform advanced subsurface utility engineering field operations in the Ann Arbor area. You will lead utility designation, mapping, and data collection for infrastructure projects, working with project teams to ensure safety and accuracy.

The role covers QL‑B and QL‑A investigations, vacuum excavation coordination, field documentation, and client coordination with utility owners and third-party vendors.

Qualifications

• High School Diploma is required.
• 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 preferred.

Responsibilities

• Perform utility designation in rural and urban environments using geophysical locating equipment.
• Conduct 2D/3D QL-B investigations and mapping.
• Collect horizontal data with total station and RTK GPR for mapping.
• Lead vacuum excavation operations and test hole verification.
• Maintain field notes, vault diagrams, and data reports per standards.
• Coordinate with clients, utility owners, and third-party providers.

Skills

Travel readiness

Lead field crew

SUE field operations

Survey experience

Safety awareness

Education

High School Diploma

Job description

Surveying And Mapping, LLC

SUE Field Technician III

US-MI-Ann Arbor

Job ID: 26-8023

# of Openings: 1

Category: Subsurface Utility Engineering (SUE)

Ann Arbor

Overview

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.

Responsibilities

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

• 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

Qualifications

• 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

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