Utility Locator II (SUE Technician)

McKim & Creed, Inc.; Stafford (TX); On-site; USD 42,000 - 66,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

ESOP for all employees

Competitive pay

Paid holidays and leave

Job summary

McKim & Creed, Inc. is seeking a Utility Locator/SUE Technician with 3–5 years of experience to join our field crew in Texas. The role emphasizes locating underground utilities using maps and records, and employing SUE equipment while maintaining safety.

Candidates must interpret utility layouts, work long hours outdoors in diverse terrains, and travel as needed. Strong communication and reliability are essential to support project teams and ensure accurate locates.

Qualifications

• Minimum 3–5 years of experience as a utility locator or SUE technician with proficiency in total stations and GPS.
• Ability to interpret maps and records of underground utilities.
• Willingness to walk long distances outdoors in varied terrains and extreme weather.

Responsibilities

• Locate underground utility lines using maps, records, and field resources.
• Operate SUE field equipment per safety protocols and industry standards.
• Maintain accurate records of utility locations and updates.
• Conduct inspections to identify hazards and ensure safety.
• Support maintenance of vehicles, equipment, and worksites.

Skills

Communication skills

Interpersonal skills

Adaptability

Ability to lift 50 pounds

Ability to travel daily

Education

High School/GED or equivalent

Tools

Total stations & GPS

SUE locating equipment

Vacuum excavation equipment

Job description

OVERVIEW

Requiring 3-5 years of experience as a Utility Locator or a SUE (Subsurface Utility Engineering), a Utility Locator II assists in the coordination of a field crew ensuring quality of work and safety. Must be able to interpret maps; knowledge of underground utility systems is a must. a lot of walking outside year-round through all kinds of terrain and in extreme heat and cold.

DURING YOUR WORK DAY, YOU WILL:

• Use maps, records, and other resources to accurately locate underground utility lines.
• Use Subsurface Utility Engineering (SUE) field equipment: ground penetrating radar, electromagnetic designating equipment, sewer camera, probe rod, jackhammer, pneumatic tampers, vacuum excavation equipment, and other geophysical means using all safety protocols, industry standards and guidelines.
• Maintain accurate records of utility locations and updates.
• Conduct regular inspections and assessments to identify potential hazards or issues.
• Assist with maintenance of vehicles, equipment, and work sites.
• Adhere to all company policies and procedures.
• May perform other duties as assigned.

WHAT YOU'LL NEED:

• High School/GED or equivalent preferred.
• Minimum 3 to 5 years of proven experience as a utility locator or SUE Technician showing proficiency with total stations and GPS, SUE locating equipment and vacuum excavation equipment
• Proven experience as a utility locator or a similar role.
• Strong knowledge of underground utility systems and the ability to interpret maps and records.
• Familiarity with utility locating equipment, such as electromagnetic locators and ground-penetrating radar.
• Walking 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).
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
• Occasional overnight travel will be required.
• Work 50hours during busy periods.
• Ability to lift 50 pounds, carry, and operate equipment as needed on the project.
• Ability to travel daily.
• Excellent attention to detail and the ability to work in fast-paced environments.
• Can work unsupervised when required.
• Current Commercial Driver's License is a plus.
• Background & motor vehicle checks, and pre-employment drug screening are conditions of employment.

WHAT WILL MAKE YOU STAND OUT:

• Self-motivated with an entrepreneurial spirit.
• Excellent problem-solving skills.
• Familiarity with 811 ticket managing.
• 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:

• 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, professional development programs, online courses & more
• Work that makes a difference: See the direct impact your work has on communities we serve, which is most likely a community you live in.
• 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.

#LI-DNI

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.