SUE Field Technician III

SAM, LLC • Ann Arbor, MI

13d

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
• (4-5) years of SUE field experience preferred
• Experience working as a “lead” on SUE QL-A & QL-B field crew required

Nice To Haves

• 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

• Health and Wellness Benefits: BlueCross BlueShield health insurance coverage begins the month after your hire date, Free Vision + Dental plans for employees, company-paid premiums for Long-term disability/Life Insurance (with HSA + FSA plans), SAM Cares program focused on holistic well-being
• Financial Benefits: Employee Referral Rewards Program of $1K, $2,500 or $5K, Fidelity retirement plans with a 5% company match, tuition reimbursement, optional cellphone stipend
• Work-Life Balance: Paid time off including vacation/sick/holidays, parental leave to support families
• Professional Development: 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
• Perks and Discounts: Access to “Perks at Work” for discounts on wellness + travel + leisure and everyday purchases, company-sponsored events, free office snacks
• Culture and Awards/Achievements: SAM Named 2023 Top Workplace USA for Second Consecutive Year; 2023 SAM Ranks No. 88 on ENR Top 500 Design Firms

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Education Level: High school or GED