Utility Locate Technician (SUE)

Barge Design Solutions; Kingsport (TN); On-site; USD 65,000 - 85,000; Full time

Job summary

Barge Design Solutions in Kingsport, TN seeks an experienced Utility Locate Technician (SUE) to join our Geomatics team. You will identify, locate, and document underground utilities using EM locators, GPR, and related equipment, supporting engineering and surveying projects.

This hands-on role combines fieldwork with records research, requires strong attention to detail, safety discipline, and collaboration with field crews and engineers to deliver accurate subsurface information for planning

Qualifications

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

Responsibilities

• Identify, trace, and mark subsurface utilities using EM locators, GPR, and related equipment.
• Set up, calibrate, inspect, and operate surveying and utility locating instruments.
• Collect, document, and process field data including GPS and GPR records.
• Review utility maps, plans, deeds, and easements to support accurate identification.
• Collaborate with surveyors, engineers, and field personnel to provide reliable subsurface information.
• Maintain field records and documentation with accuracy.
• Follow safety procedures and project schedules while maintaining equipment.
• Perform additional duties as assigned to support team objectives.

Skills

EM locating equipment

GPR technology

Utility map interpretation

Field data collection

Electrical knowledge

Attention to detail

Team collaboration

Safety compliance

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Tools

EM pipe locators

Cart-mounted GPR

Electronic total stations

Data collectors

Job description

What We're Looking For

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. If you enjoy fieldwork, solving technical challenges, and contributing to projects that shape our communities, we encourage you to apply.

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.A
• bility to read and interpret utility maps, engineering drawings, survey documents, and technical records.
• Experience collecting, recording, and processing accurate field data.Str
• ong attention to detail, problem-solving abilities, and commitment to quality.Abi
• lity 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 multidisciplinary practice areas. The employee-owned company is more than 650+ people strong and serves 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 Great Place 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

Agency Submissions

No unsolicited agency submissions. Barge Design Solutions does not accept unsolicited resumes from recruiters or staffing agencies. Any unsolicited resume becomes the property of Barge Design Solutions, and no fee will be paid for resulting hires. Only agencies with a signed agreement are authorized to submit candidates.