Utility Locate Technician (SUE)

Barge Design Solutions, Inc.; Kingsport (TN); On-site; USD 54,000 - 78,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Employee-owned

Job summary

Barge Design Solutions, Inc. in Kingsport, TN is seeking an experienced Utility Locate Technician (SUE) to support our Geomatics team.

You will identify, locate, and document underground utilities using EM locators, GPR, and related equipment alongside seasoned surveying professionals. This hands-on role emphasizes field investigations, utility research, and accurate data collection to enable safe project planning and design, with a strong focus on safety, quality, and timely delivery.

Qualifications

• High school diploma required with 5–10 years locating underground utilities.
• 5–10 years of experience locating underground utilities.
• Experience operating EM locators and cart-mounted GPR.
• Valid driver’s license with clean driving record.
• Ability to work flexible schedules based on project needs.

Responsibilities

• Locate underground utilities using EM locators, GPR, and related equipment.
• Operate surveying instruments, including electronic total stations and data collectors.
• Collect, document, and process utility location information (GPS, GPR field data).
• Review utility maps, plans, deeds, easements, and right‑of‑way documents.
• Collaborate with surveyors, engineers, and field personnel to provide reliable subsurface information.
• Maintain field records, observations, and project documentation.
• Follow safety procedures and maintain equipment to standards.
• Perform additional duties to support project objectives.

Skills

GPR

EM locating

Data collection

GPS

Field teamwork

Education

High school diploma

Tools

EM locators

Cart-mounted GPR

Total stations

Data collectors

Job description

Barge Design Solutions is seeking an experienced Utility Locate Technician (SUE) to join our growing Geomatics team. In this hands‑on role, you'll play an important part in supporting engineering, surveying, and infrastructure projects by identifying, locating, and documenting underground utilities. The ideal candidate brings strong technical expertise in underground utility locating, electromagnetic (EM) detection, and ground penetrating radar (GPR) technology. Working alongside experienced surveying professionals, you'll combine field investigations, utility research, and advanced locating equipment to deliver accurate subsurface utility information that supports safe and efficient project planning and design.

Responsibilities

• Locate Underground Utilities: Identify, trace, and mark subsurface utilities using electromagnetic (EM) pipe locators, ground penetrating radar (GPR), and other specialized equipment.
• Operate Technical Equipment: Set up, calibrate, inspect, and operate surveying and utility locating instruments, including electronic total stations, data collectors, EM locators, and cart‑mounted GPR systems.
• Collect & Process Field Data: Gather, document, and process utility location information, including GPS and GPR field data and electronic or manual field records.
• Research Utility Records: Review utility maps, engineering plans, deeds, easements, right‑of‑way documents, and other available records to support accurate utility identification.
• Support Project Teams: Collaborate with surveyors, engineers, and field personnel to provide reliable subsurface utility information for project planning and design.
• Maintain Accurate Documentation: Organize and maintain field records, utility observations, and supporting project documentation.
• Promote Safety & Quality: Follow established safety procedures, maintain equipment, and complete assignments in accordance with project schedules, budgets, and quality standards.
• Perform additional duties as assigned to support project and team objectives.

Education & Experience Qualifications:

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• 5-10 years of experience locating and identifying underground utilities.
• 5-10 years of hands‑on experience operating electromagnetic (EM) pipe locators and cart‑mounted ground penetrating radar (GPR) equipment.
• Valid driver's license and acceptable driving record.
• Ability to work flexible schedules based on project and field requirements.

Technical Skills & Competencies

• Strong electrical knowledge and understanding of underground utility systems.
• Proficiency in operating EM locating equipment and GPR technology.
• Ability to read and interpret utility maps, engineering drawings, survey documents, and technical records.
• Experience collecting, recording, and processing accurate field data.
• Strong attention to detail, problem‑solving abilities, and commitment to quality.
• Ability to work effectively with field crews, surveyors, and multidisciplinary project teams.
• Commitment to workplace safety, professional accountability, and timely project delivery.

Why join us?

Barge Design Solutions,Inc.,is an engineering and architecture firm with diverse in‑house multidisciplinarypractice areas. The employee‑owned company is more than 650+ people strong andserves clients nationwide from multiple U.S. locations. Barge is ranked on Engineering News‑Record (ENR)’s Top 500 Design Firms and Architectural Record’s Top 300 Architecture Firms and is a certified GreatPlace To Work®.

Our primary purpose for being in business is ultimately to create a better life by unleashing the potential of our people, clients and communities. This purpose is supported by our company’s core values because at the end of the day, Barge CARES:

• Collaborate - Help and expect help. Teamwork is essential in what we do.
  
• Authentic - Honesty, integrity and trust are at the heart of everything we do. We are who we say we are.
  
• Responsible - We are accountable for our work, our attitude, and our actions. We make Barge better.
• Excellence - We go all in and expect more of ourselves than others expect of us.
• Service - We are humble. We use our gifts in service of others.
  

We believe that if we are living out our purpose for being in business and integrating our values into everything we do, we will ultimately achieve our vision to be the firm best known for being selected when it matters most.

Equal Opportunity Employer

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran status or on the basis of disability.

Equal Opportunity Employer/Veterans/Disabled