SUE Field Technician III
US-MI-Ann Arbor
Job ID: 26-7563
Type: Regular Full-Time
# of Openings: 1
Category: Subsurface Utility Engineering (SUE)
Ann Arbor
Overview
Founded in 1994, Surveying And Mapping, LLC (SAM) is a nationwide leader in geospatial and construction-phase solutions. With more than 50 offices and 1,600 professionals, we deliver the scale, technology, and expertise needed to support projects of any size. SAM streamlines project delivery through a single, coordinated team, offering in-house capabilities across land surveying, aerial mapping, subsurface utility engineering (SUE), utility coordination (UC), GIS, BIM, and construction engineering inspection (CEI).
By combining advanced technology, digital workflows, and decades of experience, we provide accurate, actionable data that helps clients move critical infrastructure projects forward with confidence. At SAM, you’ll be part of a team that values innovation, growth, and the opportunity to make a tangible impact on the built environment.
Responsibilities
The SUE Field Technician III performs advanced Subsurface Utility Engineering (SUE) field operations to support utility designation, mapping, and data collection for infrastructure projects. This role leads field activities related to utility locating, geophysical investigations, and vacuum excavation while ensuring accurate documentation and adherence to company safety and quality standards.
Working both independently and alongside project teams, the SUE Field Technician III supports Quality Level B (QL-B) and Quality Level A (QL-A) investigations while coordinating with clients, utility owners, and third-party service providers to ensure efficient and safe project execution.
Key ResponsibilitiesUtility Designation & Data Collection
Perform utility designation in both rural and urban environments using geophysical locating equipment
Select and apply appropriate surface geophysical equipment and accessories to accurately designate complex public and private underground utility systems
Conduct 2D Quality Level B (QL-B) and 3D Quality Level B (QL-B) utility mapping investigations
Utilize total station survey equipment to collect horizontal data for QL-B mapping projects and QL-A test holes
Operate RTK GPR survey equipment to collect horizontal and vertical data for 3D utility mapping projects
Utilize automatic or digital levels to collect vertical elevation data for structures associated with gravity flow utility systems
Vacuum Excavation & Utility Verification
Lead crews operating vacuum excavation equipment to expose underground utilities
Perform excavation and backfill of test holes for QL-A utility verification under complex or deep utility conditions
Ensure safe operation of vacuum excavation equipment and associated field tools
Project Documentation & Reporting
Collect and document field data to support project deliverables
Complete vault diagram forms and structures data reports for applicable mapping projects
Maintain accurate field notes, sketches, and documentation in accordance with company standards
Support the preparation of field deliverables and coordinate data transfer to office teams
Field Leadership & Coordination
Manage individual QL-B mapping projects typically consisting of up to two independent field crews
Serve as field lead for complex SUE investigations and vacuum excavation operations
Coordinate with clients, utility owners, property owners, and project stakeholders in the field
Work with traffic control providers, off-duty officers, saw-cutting vendors, and other third-party services as required
Qualifications
- High School Diploma
- Ability to travel for extended periods of time
- Thorough understanding of ASCE 38 guidelines and associated quality levels
- (4-5) years of SUE field experience preferred
- Experience working as a “lead” on SUE QL-A & QL-B field crew required
- Experience working as a project level field supervisor on SUE QL-A & QL-B projects preferred
- Survey experience preferred
- Military experience is a plus
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