Subsurface Utilities Field Technician III

WGI•Downers Grove, IL

About The Position

WGI is seeking a Subsurface Utility Engineering (SUE) Field Technician III with at least four years of experience to join its Geospatial Division in Chicago, Illinois. The role involves leading field crews and carrying out underground utility exploration, utility designation, test hole investigations, and survey support. Work may involve spending most of the day on SUE activities, with survey tasks performed as needed to collect field data. Candidates must be safety-conscious, able to operate and maneuver truck equipment and field tools, follow company procedures, and multitask to maintain workflow. Travel is required at times, primarily within the office's geographic region and to other states as needed, for trips of up to two weeks at a time. The technician directs field investigations and excavation work, communicates with clients and project teams, supports quality control, and trains junior technicians. The position uses utility locating equipment, ground-penetrating radar, vacuum excavation trucks, and survey equipment. Survey experience is preferred but not required; training in applicable survey procedures and equipment maintenance will be provided. WGI describes its work environment as collaborative and team-driven and offers career-growth opportunities. Applicants must be authorized to work in the United States on a full-time basis; WGI cannot sponsor or take over employment visas. The job posting's physical-demands section also describes office-based work involving prolonged sitting and computer, telephone, and virtual communication tasks.

Requirements

High school diploma or GED.
At least four years of experience in Subsurface Utility Engineering (SUE), including utility designation and test hole investigations.
Thorough understanding of ASCE SUE quality levels and their application.
Supervisory or field crew leadership experience.
Ability to work independently and lead crews effectively.
Valid driver’s license and a driving record that meets company requirements.
Ability to pass a DOT physical and obtain a DOT Medical Card within 60 days.
Ability to obtain an Illinois “C” class driver’s license within 90 days.
Ability to pass a drug screening.
Ability to lift and carry up to 50 pounds and operate heavy tools, including jackhammers and tampers.
Ability to work outdoors in varying weather conditions and walk for extended periods over uneven terrain.
Availability to travel for up to two weeks at a time.
Strong technical and mechanical aptitude, including an understanding of utility locating principles and signal behavior.
Proficiency with computers, field data collection tools, and applicable software.
Strong problem-solving, spatial reasoning, basic math, reading comprehension, and written communication skills.
Authorization to work in the U.S. on a full-time basis; employment visa sponsorship or transfer is not available.

Nice To Haves

Survey experience; training will be provided in applicable survey procedures and equipment maintenance.
PowerSafe training.
E-RailSafe training.
Other region-specific credentials.
OSHA 10-hour certification.
OSHA 30-hour certification.
DOT Driver's Qualification.
Coalition for Construction Safety certification.
First Aid/CPR Certification.

Responsibilities

Lead one or more SUE field crews to complete projects safely, on schedule, and within the scope established by the Project Manager, Project Engineer, or Surveyor.
Direct field investigations, utility designation, and vacuum excavation activities.
Conduct tailgate safety meetings and develop site-specific Job Hazard Analyses (JHAs).
Implement approved Maintenance of Traffic (MOT) plans and required site signage.
Communicate with clients, utility representatives, and project team members.
Coordinate field activities with SUE, Survey, and CADD staff.
Perform field QA/QC of utility designations, test holes, and supporting documentation.
Train and mentor junior technicians in utility designation, vacuum excavation, equipment operation, and safe work practices.
Read and interpret roadway plans, utility records, as-built drawings, and utility company markups.
Locate and designate underground utilities, including telecommunications, cable television, gas, electric, water, and traffic signal facilities.
Operate pipe and cable locators, induction equipment, and ground-penetrating radar; apply advanced locating techniques and troubleshoot challenging or conflicting utility signals.
Inspect and maintain locating equipment, troubleshoot operational issues, and perform basic repairs.
Follow established safety procedures when operating electronic and mechanical equipment.
Operate utility designation vehicles and vacuum excavation trucks and use air lances to expose utilities.
Safely operate concrete saws, jackhammers, tampers, and other excavation tools.
Backfill and compact test holes and restore asphalt and concrete surfaces.
Perform daily vehicle and equipment inspections and troubleshoot vacuum excavation equipment, including minor repairs.
Keep assigned vehicles and equipment clean, organized, secured, and properly maintained.
Prepare accurate field notes, sketches, test hole records, pole data, and photographs.
Operate total stations, GPS/GNSS equipment, and associated data collectors following training.
Follow WGI procedures for checking into established survey control and collecting SUE designations, test holes, and surface utility features.
Apply standard feature codes when collecting point and line data.
Coordinate with survey staff to confirm utility markings and test holes have been surveyed and documented.
Assist the Project Manager with project coordination and other assigned tasks.
Download and submit field data, photographs, and notes to the office daily.
Promptly communicate field findings, access limitations, utility discrepancies, and outstanding work.