Welcome to United Utility Services, a dynamic player in the electric utility industry. As a trailblazer, we provide comprehensive and innovative offerings that bolster power infrastructure investments across the U.S. We proudly serve as the parent company to industry-leading utility service contractors specializing in transmission, substation, distribution, and grid hardening projects. Our Core Values are clear and simple: Safety, Quality, Integrity, and Professionalism. At United Utility Services, we craft power delivery solutions – built safe, engineered smart, and driven by what customers demand – fueling communities with reliable energy. We are the best‑in‑class, trusted partner delivering customer‑centric Power Delivery Construction and Engineering solutions.
The salary for this position is $20-$31 per hour. Final compensation will be determined based on experience, qualifications, and overall fit for the role.
Location: The Woodlands, TX, New Orleans, LA, Palm Beach Gardens, FL, Nashville, TN
Benefits include medical, dental, and vision insurance; Health Savings Account (HSA) and Flexible Spending Account (FSA) options where applicable; 401(k) with company match; paid time off; company‑paid holidays; and short and long‑term disability.
Internal Employee Notice:
This opportunity is being communicated internally in accordance with the Company’s Recruiting Transparency and Opportunity Notice process. Current employees are encouraged to apply through our careers page at https://unitedutility.com/careers
About the Role
The Survey Technician III is an advanced field position responsible for performing complex ground-based utility inspections, conductor observations, and data collection operations with minimal supervision. This role requires strong T&D knowledge, technical field proficiency , and the ability to navigate challenging field conditions independently. The Survey Technician III actively supports quality assurance and quality control expectations in the field, provides technical guidance to less experienced technicians, and contributes to the overall efficiency and accuracy of field operations.
Key Responsibilities
- Field Inspections and Data Collection:
- Perform comprehensive ground-based pole inspections independently, capturing complete and accurate pole data including framing, attachments, hardware, and related utility asset information.
- Conduct conductor and wire observations from the ground, applying strong T&D knowledge to identify relevant conditions, anomalies, and documentation requirements.
- Perform hammer sounding and sound testing on wood poles with consistent technique and thorough documentation.
- Capture required field photography to company and client standards, consistently producing complete and high‑quality documentation across varying field conditions.
- Operate handheld and ground‑based LiDAR equipment proficiently, applying working knowledge of data collection parameters, equipment handling, and quality expectations.
- Manage field conditions that require situational judgment, adapting inspection approach as needed based on site complexity, access constraints, or changing conditions.
Quality Assurance and Quality Control
- Review collected field data for completeness, accuracy, and clarity, catching and resolving issues before they affect downstream deliverables.
- Apply QA/QC practices consistently throughout the workday, supporting the crew's overall data quality output.
- Identify recurring data quality patterns or field workflow inefficiencies and communicate findings to the Field Survey Supervisor.
- Assist in verifying that less experienced technicians are capturing data and photography in accordance with project standards.
Team Support and Guidance
- Provide field guidance and technical mentoring to Survey Technician I and II team members, helping them develop field skills and apply company and client standards correctly.
- Serve as a technical resource for field questions related to T&D infrastructure, data collection procedures, and equipment operation.
- Support overall crew productivity by maintaining a consistent pace and setting a reliable example for data quality and professional conduct.
Field Data Management
- Organize, label, transfer, and upload field data in accordance with project protocols, ensuring completeness and proper documentation at the end of each workday.
- Confirm data uploads and flag any delivery issues to the Field Survey Supervisor promptly.
UAS and Crew Support
- Provide experienced field logistics support to UAS crews when assigned, including equipment handling, battery management, and functioning as a visual observer.
- Assist with daily crew logistics , site setup, and breakdown as needed.
Safety and Field Conduct
- Maintain full compliance with all safety protocols when working around utility infrastructure, active roadways, traffic, and the public.
- Demonstrate consistent situational awareness in complex or high‑traffic field environments.
- Participate in and contribute to pre‑job briefings, raising safety concerns proactively.
- Maintain a clean driving record and operate vehicles in accordance with company policy.
- Travel frequently as required by project needs, including overnight stays.
Additional Responsibilities
- Perform all duties as directed by the Field Survey Supervisor, contributing broadly to project success and departmental goals.
Key Qualifications
- High School Diploma or GED required .
- Minimum 3 years of field survey, utility inspection, or directly related field experience.
- Demonstrated experience working within T&D utility environments, including familiarity with distribution poles, conductors, framing, and associated equipment.
- Strong proficiency with field data collection applications, tablets, and laptops.
- Proficient in field photography techniques and consistently meeting detailed photo standards across diverse field conditions.
- Working proficiency with handheld and ground‑based LiDAR equipment.
- Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite and standard project documentation tools.
- Valid driver's license with a clean driving record required .
- Ability to travel frequently with overnight stays as required by project assignments.
- Strong communication skills and the ability to identify and elevate field issues clearly.
- Committed to field safety, quality, and professional conduct at all times .
Key Nice‑to‑Haves
- Associate degree or technical training in a related field.
- Experience supporting or conducting quality control activities in a field data collection environment.
- Solid working knowledge of hammer sounding procedures and conductor observation techniques.
- Ability to identify and resolve data quality issues in the field without supervisor prompting.
- Self‑directed and capable of completing complex field assignments with minimal supervision.
- Technically strong with a consistent record of accurate , complete data collection.
- Willingness and ability to guide less experienced technicians in a constructive and professional manner.
W ORK ENVIRONMENT:
Survey Technicians perform the majority of their work outdoors in active field environments. Employees are regularly required to walk extended distances on varied, uneven or unstable terrain and stand for prolonged periods throughout the workday. Work is performed in all weather conditions including heat, cold, rain, wind, and direct sun exposure. Employees regularly work in proximity to utility infrastructure, active roadways, vehicular traffic, and the general public, requiring constant situational awareness and strict adherence to safety protocols at all times. Travel is frequent and typically includes extended overnight stays away from home base.
PHYSICAL DEMANDS:
- Extended walking on varied, uneven, rough, or unstable terrain throughout the workday
- Standing for prolonged periods during field inspections
- Carrying and transporting field equipment including cameras, tablets, handheld LiDAR devices, and related gear
- Bending, stooping, and crouching to perform ground‑level inspections and hammer sounding on utility poles
- Visual acuity to observe and document pole hardware, conductors, framing, and field conditions at varying distances
- Ability to work in all weather conditions including heat, cold, rain, and direct sunlight for extended periods
- Capacity to maintain focus and attention to detail over long field shifts in variable and demanding conditions
- Ability to safely operate a motor vehicle for extended periods, including to and from remote field sites
Application Deadline:
This posting will remain open for a minimum of five (5) calendar days. The Company reserves the right to extend or close the posting based on business needs and applicable policy requirements.
Important Information:
Applicants may be asked: “Are you currently employed by the Company?”
For standard external opportunities, this question is used for applicant classification, reporting, and workforce analytics purposes only.
We do not accept unsolicited resumes or candidate submissions from third‑party recruiters or staffing firms. Resumes submitted without a signed, written agreement with the Company and outside the approved HR/Recruiter process will not be reviewed or considered, and the Company will not be responsible for any associated fees.
Equal Opportunity Employer, including disabled and veterans.