Sue Technician

Actalent; Houston (TX); On-site; USD 32,000 - 47,000; Full time

Job summary

Actalent is seeking an experienced SUE Technician in Houston, TX, to support subsurface utility engineering investigations. You will operate GPR and electromagnetic locators, mark utilities, and document findings for design and construction teams. This onsite role requires travel to project sites and occasional overtime.

The position emphasizes safety, QA/QC, and effective communication with project stakeholders. A high school diploma and relevant field training are essential.

Qualifications

• Minimum 3+ years of SUE locating/designating experience.
• Knowledge of APWA color codes and ASCE 38-22 standards.
• Ability to read and interpret construction plans and utility records.
• Strong problem-solving and attention to detail.
• Valid driver's license and ability to travel to project sites.

Responsibilities

• Coordinate daily field activities for a two-person SUE crew.
• Perform utility locating and designation investigations per project requirements.
• Operate, calibrate, and maintain GPR, locators, and vacuum systems.
• Read utility plans and maps to plan field investigations.
• Document field findings with sketches, maps, and reports.
• Communicate findings to project managers, clients, and stakeholders.
• Perform manhole entry activities following safety procedures.
• Set up traffic control in accordance with plans and safety rules.
• Travel to project sites as needed and work overtime when required.

Skills

SUE experience

GPR operation

Locating equipment

Reading plans/drawings

ASCE 38-22 knowledge

APWA color codes

Problem solving

Attention to detail

Communication

Driver's license

Travel flexibility

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Surveying/engineering/construction training

Tools

Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR)

Electromagnetic locators

Duct rodders

Vacuum excavation systems

CAD software

Job description

Job Title: SUE TechnicianJob Description

The SUE Technician works as part of a two-person utility designating and vacuum excavation crew, performing subsurface utility engineering investigations to accurately locate, verify, and document underground utilities. This role operates specialized SUE equipment, interprets utility records and engineering drawings, and communicates findings to project stakeholders to support safe, efficient design and construction activities.

Responsibilities

• Coordinate daily field activities for a two-person utility designating and vacuum excavation crew to ensure work is completed safely, efficiently, and accurately.
• Perform utility locating and designating investigations to identify, verify, and mark underground utilities in accordance with project requirements and industry standards.
• Operate, maintain, and calibrate SUE equipment, including Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR), electromagnetic locators, duct rodders, vacuum excavation equipment, and related technologies.
• Read and interpret utility plans, engineering drawings, maps, and existing utility records to plan and support field investigations.
• Document field findings through accurate sketches, maps, reports, and other records detailing utility locations, depths, and types.
• Communicate clearly with project managers, clients, utility owners, municipalities, and other stakeholders regarding field activities, findings, and project progress.
• Perform manhole entry activities using approved equipment, safety devices, and procedures, following all applicable safety standards.
• Set up and maintain traffic control devices in accordance with approved plans and established safety requirements to protect crews and the public.
• Operate company field equipment and vehicles safely while maintaining a professional presence on project sites.
• Follow all safety policies, personal protective equipment (PPE) requirements, and applicable industry best practices at all times.
• Perform fieldwork in varying weather and site conditions, including active construction environments, with occasional overtime, after-hours work, weekend work, and travel as project needs require.
• Participate in ongoing training to remain current on evolving SUE technologies, field methods, standards, and best practices.
• Evaluate field conditions and make sound, practical decisions in the field to ensure accurate utility identification and safe operations.
• Support project-driven utility inventories by following established QA/QC procedures and proven processes to ensure accuracy and consistency in deliverables.

Essential Skills

• Minimum of 3+ years of experience performing SUE utility locating and designating work.
• Strong understanding of subsurface utility engineering (SUE) principles, underground utility types, geophysical methods, and utility designation practices.
• Hands-on proficiency operating Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR), electromagnetic locating equipment, vacuum excavation systems, duct rodders, and other utility detection technologies.
• Ability to read and interpret construction plans, engineering drawings, maps, and utility records to support field investigations.
• Knowledge of APWA utility color codes and applicable SUE standards, including ASCE 38-22.
• Strong problem-solving skills with the ability to evaluate field conditions and make sound decisions in the field.
• High level of attention to detail with a focus on accurate utility identification, marking, and field documentation.
• Effective written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to collaborate with crews, project managers, clients, utility owners, municipalities, and other stakeholders.
• Valid drivers license and ability to travel to project sites as needed.
• Flexibility to work overtime, weekends, or adjusted schedules based on project requirements.
• Ability to work outdoors in varying weather conditions and active construction environments.
• Ability to walk and stand for extended periods, including on uneven terrain.
• Ability to lift and carry up to 50 pounds.
• Ability to safely access and navigate construction sites, utility areas, and other field environments.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent required.
• Additional education or training in surveying, engineering, construction, or a related field is preferred.
• Experience with surveying practices and related field methods is beneficial.
• Familiarity with CAD software for preparing or reviewing utility sketches and maps is an advantage.
• Knowledge of industry organizations and standards such as NULCA and UESI is preferred.
• Experience working with vac trucks and utility locating equipment in a SUE environment.
• Background in utility coordination or subsurface utility engineering projects is a plus.
• Comfort working within established QA/QC procedures and project-driven utility inventory processes.

Work Environment

This role is based out of an office located in the Energy Corridor area of Houston. Team members commute to the office, where parking is provided, and then ride from the office to project sites. Work is primarily field-based, taking place outdoors in varying weather conditions and active construction environments, with regular exposure to uneven terrain, traffic control setups, and utility infrastructure. The position involves operating specialized subsurface utility engineering equipment, including GPR, electromagnetic locators, duct rodders, and vacuum excavation systems, while adhering to strict safety and PPE requirements. Work schedules may include occasional overtime, after-hours assignments, weekend work, and travel to different project locations, offering a dynamic environment with cross-trained personnel and established processes that support accurate, efficient utility coordination.

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract position based out of Houston, TX.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $22.93 - $34.39/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 position based out of Houston, TX.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Nov 14, 2026.

Workplace Type

This is a fully onsite position in Houston,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.