SUE Party Chief I

WithersRavenel; Wilmington (DE); On-site; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

WithersRavenel is seeking an experienced SUE Party Chief to lead a field crew in Wilmington, NC. You will oversee Subsurface Utility Engineering investigations using EM and GPR equipment, coordinate field operations, ensure safety and quality, and mentor crew members.

The ideal candidate has 3+ years locating underground utilities with SUE tools, 1+ year leadership experience, and strong client-facing skills.

Qualifications

• 3+ years locating underground utilities with SUE equipment (GPR/EM).
• 1+ years leading an SUE crew.
• Experience with Vacuum Excavation is preferred.
• Experience using Total Stations and GPS equipment.
• Strong knowledge of utility infrastructures.
• Excellent communication and organization for client interactions.
• Valid driver’s license and ability to travel 25% overnight.
• Proven problem-solving and decision-making abilities.
• Strong technical skills and sense of direction.

Responsibilities

• Lead SUE crew to perform Sub-Surface Utility Engineering services for internal and external clients.
• Coordinate with project team members, client representatives, and regulatory reviewers.
• Operate equipment safely and ensure crew follows proper protocols.
• Maintain high-quality work to meet regulatory requirements.
• Accurately collect field data and locate features.
• Manage multiple projects and meet deadlines.
• Uphold core values of integrity, respect, quality, and collaboration.

Skills

SUE crew leadership

Team coordination

Client communication

Decision making

Travel readiness

Safety compliance

Problem solving

Direction sense

Client relationships

Strong work ethic

Tools

GPR equipment

EM equipment

Total Stations

GPS equipment

Vacuum Excavation

Job description

Job Type

Full-time

Description

We are seeking an experienced SUE Party Chief to join our team in Wilmington, NC. In this role, you will lead a field crew in performing Subsurface Utility Engineering (SUE) investigations using Electromagnetic (EM) and Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR) equipment. You will be responsible for coordinating field operations, ensuring quality and safety standards are met, and providing training and guidance to crew members. The ideal candidate brings strong technical knowledge of subsurface utilities, sound decision-making skills, and a commitment to fostering a collaborative and productive team environment.

Duties And Responsibilities

• Lead SUE crew to perform Sub-Surface Utility Engineering services for both internal and external clients
• Communicate with project team members, client representatives, review agencies, and others as appropriate to the project.
• Responsible for operating equipment, ensuring crew members follow the proper protocols while operating equipment, and maintaining a safe work environment
• Maintain the overall quality of work with accuracy and thoroughness to meet regulatory requirements of the Company and Client
• Accurately and efficiently collecting field data and locating features
• Manage time effectively, organize, and work on multiple projects simultaneously in order to meet project deadlines and client needs
• Adhere to our core values of integrity, respect, quality, community, collaboration, and sustainability

Requirements

• 3+ years of experience locating underground utilities using SUE equipment (GPR and EM)
• 1+ years of experience leading an SUE crew.
• Prior work experience with Vacuum Excavation
• Experience using Total Stations and GPS equipment
• Strong working knowledge of utility infrastructures
• Strong client focused relationship skills including communication and organization
• Valid driver's license
• Proven problem-solving skills and the ability to make accurate and informed decisions
• Flexibility to travel and stay overnight for certain out of town work. Candidates must be available for 25% overnight travel.
• Possess strong technical skills and a good sense of direction

Working Conditions

The work is performed outdoors in such areas as landfills, construction sites, in swamps, residential neighborhoods, roadway work zones and wooded areas.

Physical Requirements

To perform the essential functions of the job, incumbents may be required to perform moderately strenuous tasks, such as lifting and carrying instruments weighing up to 50 pounds over rough terrain. Incumbents may also be required to clear vegetation, dig holes, and drive stakes with hand tools.

WithersRavenel is an Equal Opportunity Employer and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, political affiliation, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, age, military service, or other non-merit factors protected by federal, state, or local laws. At WithersRavenel, we strive to build and nurture a culture where diversity, inclusivity, and belonging are a normal part of doing business, not an initiative. We know through experience that different ideas, perspectives, and backgrounds create a stronger and more creative work environment that delivers better results. By hiring highly talented people who align with our Core Values, we continue to enrich and broaden our community, as well as the employee and client experience. This purposeful approach to diversity and inclusion leads to greater commitment, collaboration, and effectiveness in our culture, work, and lives.