Field Technician, SUE

Cobb, Fendley & Associates, Inc.•San Antonio, TX

10d•Onsite

About The Position

CobbFendley is seeking an experienced SUE Field Technician for its San Antonio office. The Field Technician supports successful field operations and project completion by performing subsurface utility engineering (SUE) locating and related field work. This role performs routine assignments with limited supervision, coordinates with project staff, safely operates equipment, and may serve as project lead on small SUE projects. The position may also involve cross-training in telecommunications, surveying, or other SUE field services. Work is primarily outdoors: approximately 80% of duties are performed outdoors and 20% in indoor office or warehouse spaces. The position requires in-person work and is not eligible for remote work. Local, regional, and interstate travel is required, including occasional overnight stays. Work may occur in varying weather, terrain, construction sites, traffic work zones, confined spaces, and high-traffic areas. The full-time schedule is generally 40 hours per week; hours may fluctuate based on department needs and may include overtime. Standard operating hours are Monday through Friday, 7:30 AM to 4:30 PM CST, though project workload may affect field staff schedules. CobbFendley describes itself as a multi-discipline engineering and surveying firm committed to innovative solutions and community improvement. It offers new-hire onboarding, development opportunities, and a compensation and benefits package. The company also highlights community engagement through STEM education, hunger relief, and sustainable solutions.

Requirements

High school diploma, GED, or demonstrated equivalent combination of education, training, and experience.
At least 3 years of field experience.
Knowledge of field operations, methods, procedures, safety requirements, and environmental considerations associated with civil infrastructure work in outdoor settings.
Ability to use industry-standard tools, equipment, and computer software to perform field tasks, document work, and communicate effectively.
Ability to safely operate required equipment and travel locally, regionally, and interstate, including occasional overnight stays.
Ability to work in varying weather, terrain, and environmental conditions.
Ability to remain alert and responsive while working in lane-closure zones adjacent to high-traffic and dynamic areas.
Ability to lift, carry, and balance equipment and supplies weighing up to 50 pounds.
Ability to walk long distances of 3 or more miles and climb on uneven surfaces.
Ability to perform the stated physical activities, including reaching, bending, stooping, carrying, lifting, pushing, pulling, and handling.
Ability to work in outdoor conditions that may include uneven surfaces, confined spaces, extreme heat or freezing temperatures, high noise, allergens, wildlife hazards, construction sites, and traffic work zones.
Regular use of personal protective equipment and pneumatic, hand, and power tools.

Responsibilities

Perform routine field assignments with limited supervision and expand technical knowledge and field capabilities.
Coordinate with project staff and survey personnel as directed.
Safely operate equipment and vehicles, including potentially large vehicles with attached trailers; perform routine vehicle maintenance as needed.
Travel locally and out of state, including overnight stays.
Comply with safety procedures and project plans, including SDS, EAP, PSP, and JSA requirements; follow QA/QC processes under supervision.
Identify and evaluate worksite hazards, select and use personal protective equipment, and follow Traffic Control Plans and applicable codes, regulations, and standards.
Assist with air and hydro vacuum excavation to expose underground utilities safely and efficiently.
Use basic utility locating methods to identify underground infrastructure, including telecommunications, electric, gas, water, sanitary sewer, and storm sewer utilities.
Read and interpret DOT, municipal, and other technical plans and prints to determine underground utility type and size.
Operate or assist with vacuum truck equipment during excavation and utility locating activities.
Locate, designate, and mark underground utilities across quality levels within prescribed quality and accuracy limits.
Perform Level A (QL-A) SUE locating using nondestructive techniques, including potholing, soil excavation, high-pressure air or hydro wands, concrete saws, core drills, and vacuum hose systems, to determine utility position, size, and type.
Perform Level B (QL-B) SUE designating with electromagnetic pipe and cable locators; perform GPR scanning when included in the project scope and document estimated electronic depth readings.
Document site conditions and SUE information with photographs or video, and perform sewer video inspections when necessary.
May perform Level C (QL-C) SUE by documenting visible utility features and appurtenances.
May perform Level D (QL-D) SUE by reviewing utility records and coordinating with utility representatives to obtain existing utility information.
Record and sketch underground utility field data using CobbFendley’s ArcGIS Online SUE Collector/GIS mapping software.
Serve as project lead on small SUE projects and troubleshoot some utility issues involving geophysical equipment.
Conduct utility feature inventories and collect attribute information, including ownership, material, size, direction, and estimated depth.
Conduct passive and inductive sweeps to identify unknown or unmarked utilities within project limits.
Prepare and maintain field sketches, photographs, and supporting documentation for utility investigations and project deliverables.

Benefits

401(k) matching and profit-sharing contributions
Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP)
Health, vision, and dental insurance
Short-term and long-term disability insurance
Employer-funded and voluntary life insurance
Tuition reimbursement
Continuing education programs
Fully paid parental leave for FMLA-eligible employees: eight weeks for maternity and two weeks for paternity or adoption cases
Extended office closure from December 25 through January 1
New-hire onboarding and integration program
In-house training and professional and personal development opportunities