SUE Field Technician III

SAM, LLC•Ann Arbor, MI

13d•Onsite

About The Position

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.

Requirements

High School Diploma
Ability to travel for extended periods of time
Thorough understanding of ASCE 38 guidelines and associated quality levels
Experience working as a “lead” on SUE QL-A & QL-B field crew required
Valid driver’s license and ability to meet company MVR standards.

Nice To Haves

4-5 years of SUE field experience preferred
Experience working as a project level field supervisor on SUE QL-A & QL-B projects preferred
Survey experience preferred
Military experience is a plus

Responsibilities

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
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
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
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

Benefits

BlueCross BlueShield health insurance coverage begins the month after your hire date
dental plans available
free vision coverage for employees
company-paid premiums for Long-term disability/Life Insurance
HSA + FSA plans
SAM Cares program focused on holistic well-being
Employee Referral Rewards Program of $1K, $2,500 or $5K
Fidelity retirement plans with a 5% company match
tuition reimbursement
optional cellphone stipend
Paid time off including vacation/sick/holidays
parental leave to support families
Customized career development plan for licensing and certifications
Project Manager Business Academy
CAD Training Program
Individual Development Plans/Career Check-Ins
SAM WINS - our initiative for women-focused leadership and development
Milestone Anniversary Recognition
SAMbassador mentorship program
Access to “Perks at Work” for discounts on wellness + travel + leisure and everyday purchases
company-sponsored events
free office snacks