SUE Technician III (Utility Locator)

McKim & Creed, Inc.; Raleigh (NC); On-site; USD 55,000 - 75,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

ESOP (Employee Stock Ownership Plan)

Competitive pay

Multiple office locations

Growth opportunities & training

Tuition reimbursement & development

Meaningful work in communities

Collaborative team

Job summary

McKim & Creed, Inc. seeks a SUE Technician III to lead field crews in Utility Location and Subsurface Utility Engineering. You will collect data, locate features, and deliver records to the office while ensuring accuracy and regulatory compliance.

The role requires 5–10 years in utility locating, proficiency with SUE equipment, and strong map interpretation. Expect travel and occasional overnight stays; excellent attention to detail and a problem-solving mindset are essential.

Qualifications

• 5–10 years of progressive experience as a utility locator or SUE Technician
• Proficiency with SUE locating equipment, total stations and GPS
• Strong knowledge of underground utility systems and radar; ability to interpret maps and records
• Ability to walk outdoors long distances in varied terrains and adverse conditions
• Detail oriented, process driven, reliable, analytical and structured
• Willingness to travel daily and overnight as needed
• Background checks and pre-employment drug screening are required

Responsibilities

• Operate and manage a SUE field crew with focus on quality, safety, schedules and budget
• Train crew members on equipment like GPR, EM designation tools, sewer camera and vacuum excavation
• Collaborate with construction crews to ensure safe excavation and utility installation
• Maintain accurate records of utility locations and data updates
• Organize field work and direct crew members while collecting and delivering field data
• Adhere to company policies and procedures, and complete travel as needed

Skills

Problem solving

Analytical thinking

Detail oriented

Structured work style

Education

High School/GED or equivalent

Tools

Ground Penetrating Radar

EM designation equipment

Sewer camera

Probe rod

Jackhammer

Chop saw

Pneumatic tampers

Vacuum excavation

Job description

OVERVIEW: A SUE Technician III is responsible for the operation and management of a Utility Location and Subsurface Utility Engineering “SUE” field crew. Must accurately and efficiently collect field data, locate features, and deliver data to the office, while maintaining accurate records of work and expenses. Problem solver, helpful, analytical, detail oriented, likes structure are beneficial traits for the position.

DURING YOUR WORK DAY, YOU WILL:

• Be responsible for the operation and managing of a Utility Location and Subsurface Utility Engineering “SUE” field crew. Major objectives are the quality (accuracy, thoroughness, clarity, meets regulatory requirements, public relations) of work, safety, meeting schedules, within budgets, and responsive service to clients.
• Train crew members on the use of various Subsurface Utility Engineering field equipment: ground penetrating radar, electromagnetic designating equipment, sewer camera, probe rod, jackhammer, chop saw, pneumatic tampers, vacuum excavation equipment, and other geophysical means using all safety protocols, industry standards and guidelines.
• Collaborate with construction crews and contractors to ensure the safe excavation and installation of utilities.
• Maintain accurate records of utility locations and updates.
• Conduct regular inspections and assessments to identify potential hazards or issues.
• Organize field work and direct crew members, while accurately and efficiently collecting field data, locating features, and deliver data to the office, while maintaining accurate records of work and expense.
• Adhere to all company policies and procedures.
• Some overnight travel will be required.
• May perform other duties as assigned.

WHAT YOU’LL NEED:

• High School/GED or equivalent preferred.
• Minimum 5 to 10 years of progressive experience as a utility locator or SUE Technician; proficiency with SUE locating equipment, proficiency with total stations and GPS, SUE locating equipment and vacuum excavation equipment.
• Strong knowledge of underground utility systems and radar; the ability to interpret maps and records.
• Ability to walk outdoors for long periods of time through all kinds of terrain, including urban, suburban, and rural locations, and working under adverse conditions (heat, cold, hills, swamps, wildlife & insects, high traffic areas).
• Proficient technical skills; behavioral traits of process oriented, steady, helpful, honest, trustworthy, adaptable, analytical, problem solver, likes to work alone when required, methodical, consistent, detail oriented, precise, hates mistakes, likes structure.
• Work 50 hours during busy periods. Ability to travel daily, including overnight stays when required.
• Ability to lift 50 pounds, carry, and operate equipment as needed on the project.
• Excellent attention to detail and the ability to work in fast-paced environments.
• Background & motor vehicle checks, and pre-employment drug screening are conditions of employment.

WHAT WILL MAKE YOU STAND OUT:

• Current Commercial Driver’s License is a plus.
• Self-motivated with an entrepreneurial spirit.
• Excellent problem-solving skills.
• Motivated to learn and develop your career path.
• Aligned to McKim & Creed’s core values and culture.
• Sound functional/technical skills in the role.

WHAT WE OFFER: Ranked as one of the Best Firms to Work For , you will be joining a company that puts its employees first. Here are a few compelling reasons to join the McKim & Creed team:

• Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP): ALL employees are owners & benefit from profits earned
• Competitive pay: PLUS paid holidays, bereavement, parental, medical, and military leave
• Multiple office locations to work from: Stick close to home or travel for a change of scenery
• Growth opportunities & training: Grow confidently in your career with our mentoring & training programs
• Professional development: Tuition reimbursement, early career professional program, online courses & more
• Work that makes a difference: See the direct impact you work has communities we serve, which is most like a community you live
• Collaborative, supportive team: People to help you solve problems, cheer successes & encourage you along the way

This is an exciting opportunity to join our team. If you want to work at a company that will help improve the future of the communities where we live, work and play, McKim & Creed is where you want to be.

McKim & Creed is an Equal Opportunity and Affimative Action Employer, and VEVRAA Federal Contractor and will consider all qualified applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, protected veteran status or disability status and maintains a Drug Free Workplace.

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Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities
This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws.For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.