Sue Technician

Actalent; Austin (TX); On-site; USD 32,000 - 52,000; Full time

Job summary

Actalent in Austin, TX is seeking a lead for a two-person utility locating and vacuum excavation crew. You will conduct underground utility investigations and designations using SUE equipment, ensuring safe, accurate project execution. This contract-to-hire role requires 5+ years of SUE experience, proficiency with GPR, EM locators, and vacuum excavation, and the ability to read plans and coordinate with clients and municipalities. Expect travel and overtime as needed.

Qualifications

• SUE locating experience required (5+ years).
• Ability to read construction plans and utility records.
• Familiarity with APWA color codes and ASCE 38-22.
• Valid driver's license and ability to travel.

Responsibilities

• Lead daily field activities and crew operations.
• Locate, identify, and designate underground utilities.
• Operate GPR, EM locators, and vacuum excavation equipment.
• Document utility locations, depths, and findings.
• Coordinate with clients, PMs, owners, and municipalities.
• Perform manhole entry and traffic control safely.
• Travel and overtime as project demands require.

Skills

SUE locating

Communication

Reading plans

Problem solving

Organizational skills

Travel readiness

Education

High school diploma

Tools

GPR

EM locators

Vacuum excavation equipment

Job description

Overview

Lead a two-person utility locating and vacuum excavation crew, performing underground utility investigations and designations using SUE equipment while ensuring safe, accurate project execution.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead daily field activities and crew operations.


• Locate, identify, and designate underground utilities.


• Operate and maintain GPR, EM locators, and vacuum excavation equipment.


• Interpret utility plans, maps, and engineering drawings.


• Document utility locations, depths, and field findings.


• Coordinate with clients, project managers, utility owners, and municipalities.


• Perform manhole entry and traffic control activities safely.


• Operate company vehicles and maintain project-site safety standards.


• Travel and work overtime as project demands require.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent.


• 5+ years of SUE utility locating/designating experience.


• Experience with GPR, EM locators, and vacuum excavation equipment.


• Knowledge of APWA color codes and ASCE 38-22 standards.


• Ability to read construction plans and utility records.


• Strong communication, problem-solving, and organizational skills.


• Valid driver's license and ability to travel.

Preferred

• Training or education in surveying, construction, engineering, or related fields.


• Ability to work outdoors, on uneven terrain, and lift up to 50 lbs.

Work Environment

Outdoor construction and field environments with varying weather conditions. Position may require overtime, weekend work, and travel. PPE and adherence to safety procedures are required.

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Austin, TX.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $23.00 - $38.00/hr.

Individual compensation offered for this position within this range will depend on many factors, including qualifications, skills, relevant experience, job knowledge, geographic location, internal equity, and other pertinent job-related factors.

Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your job classification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may be subject to specific elections, plan, or program terms. If eligible, the benefits available for this temporary role may include the following: Medical, dental & vision Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital 401(k) Retirement Plan Pre-tax and Roth post-tax contributions available Life Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and dependents) Short and long-term disability Health Spending Account (HSA) Transportation benefits Employee Assistance Program Time Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation or Sick Leave)

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Austin, TX.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Oct 26, 2026.

Workplace Type

This is a fully onsite position in Austin,TX.

About Actalent

Actalent is a global leader in engineering and sciences services and talent solutions. We help visionary companies advance their engineering and science initiatives through access to specialized experts who drive scale, innovation and speed to market. With a network of almost 20,000 consultants and 5,000 clients across the U.S., Canada, Asia and Europe, Actalent serves many of the Fortune 500. We are proud to be an Engineering News-Record (ENR) Top 500 Design Firm for our engineering design services and a ClearlyRated Best of Staffing® winner for both client and talent service.

The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications without regard to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protected by law.

If you would like to request a reasonable accommodation, such as the modification or adjustment of the job application process or interviewing process due to a disability, please email [e-mail] for other accommodation options.

San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance: Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, for all positions located in the city and county of San Francisco, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.

Massachusetts Lie Detector: It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.

Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI): We may use Artificial Intelligence (AI) to support parts of our hiring process, including sourcing, screening, and evaluating candidates. AI helps assess applications and qualifications, but final decisions are made by our hiring team. By applying, you acknowledge and agree that your application may be reviewed using AI tools.