Job Title: Subsurface Utility Engineering (SUE) Technician
Job Description
The Subsurface Utility Engineering (SUE) Technician provides precise underground utility designation using electromagnetic equipment and other geophysical methods to support safe and efficient excavation activities. This role identifies, marks, and documents all types of underground utilities, maintains survey equipment and vehicles, and may support survey control tasks using conventional survey instruments and GPS technology. The position offers the opportunity to work on a variety of K–12, light commercial, and industrial projects within a close-knit, collaborative team.
Responsibilities
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Perform underground utility flagging and designation with proficiency using electromagnetic equipment and other geophysical technologies.
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Designate all types of underground utility lines, including conductive and non-conductive materials such as water, sewer, gas, electric, fiber optic, PVC, and other facilities that may affect site excavation.
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Mark identified utilities accurately with flags and/or paint in the field to clearly indicate utility locations.
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Produce clear sketches and documentation of utility designation results for future use by project teams and clients.
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Learn and apply methods to establish survey control for utility designation projects as needed.
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Perform utility designation location tasks using conventional survey equipment, including robotic total stations and RTK GPS technology, when required.
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Oversee and perform routine maintenance and basic troubleshooting of survey equipment, tools, and related supplies.
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Maintain the assigned vehicle in clean, safe, and operational condition, including basic inspections and reporting of maintenance needs.
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Collaborate effectively within a team environment to complete field assignments safely, on time, and to quality standards.
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Work independently on field tasks when required, exercising sound judgment and adherence to safety and quality procedures.
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Apply a clear understanding of ASCE 38-02 standards, quality levels, and their applications to SUE and utility designation work.
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Use AutoCAD to support the preparation or review of utility sketches and related project documentation as needed.
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Assist or transition to survey team responsibilities during periods when SUE work is reduced, supporting land surveying tasks and related field activities.
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Comply with all safety protocols, project procedures, and security requirements associated with holding or obtaining a federal security clearance.
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Travel to various project sites as needed to support SUE and survey operations.
Essential Skills
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At least 3 years of experience working in the Subsurface Utility Engineering (SUE) field as a technician.
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High school diploma or GED.
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Approximately five (5) years of combined SUE designation and field survey experience is ideal.
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Proficiency in subsurface utility engineering and utility locating methods.
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Hands-on experience using electromagnetic equipment for underground utility designation.
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Experience with ground-penetrating radar and vacuum excavation (vac truck) for utility investigations.
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Ability to recognize and interpret duct banks and related underground utility structures.
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Clear understanding of ASCE 38-02 standards, quality levels, and their practical applications in the field.
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Knowledge of land surveying practices and field survey operations.
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Experience with robotic total stations, data collectors, and GPS/RTK GPS technology is preferred.
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Basic knowledge of AutoCAD; does not need to be at expert level.
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Ability to work effectively in a team environment and independently when required.
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Valid Maryland driver’s license with a good driving record.
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Ability to obtain and maintain a federal security clearance.
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Willingness and ability to travel on occasion to project sites.
Additional Skills & Qualifications
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Prior experience working on K–12, light commercial, or industrial projects is beneficial.
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General labor experience in field-based construction, engineering, or survey environments is an advantage.
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Expereince in engineering or exposure to engineering-related field work is helpful.
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AutoCAD experience beyond basic use is considered a plus.
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Experience operating or supporting vacuum excavation (vac truck) operations is advantageous.
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Flexibility and interest in supporting both SUE and survey teams, including the ability to roll over to the survey team when SUE workload is lighter.
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Strong attention to detail and accuracy when marking utilities and producing sketches.
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Good communication skills for coordinating with team members and documenting field findings.
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Reliable, safety-conscious work habits suitable for field environments.
Work Environment
The role is based within a well-established, highly reputable firm that has operated for more than 50 years and employs around 250 people across three offices in the Washington, DC, Northern Virginia, and Germantown, Maryland areas. The Maryland office is the original location and supports a wide range of projects, including K–12, light commercial, and industrial developments. The team culture is close-knit and collaborative, with colleagues who support one another and participate in company outings and team-building activities. Work primarily takes place in the field at active or prospective project sites, using technologies such as electromagnetic utility locators, ground-penetrating radar, robotic total stations, data collectors, RTK GPS, and vacuum excavation equipment. The position may also involve office-based time for documentation and AutoCAD-related tasks. Occasional travel to various project locations is required, and the work environment emphasizes safety, professionalism, and teamwork.
Job Type & Location
This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Germantown, MD.
Pay and Benefits
The pay range for this position is $30.00 - $55.00/hr.
Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your job classification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may be subject to specific elections, plan, or program terms. If eligible, the benefits available for this temporary role may include the following:
- Medical, dental & vision
- Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital
- 401(k) Retirement Plan – Pre-tax and Roth post-tax contributions available
- Life Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and dependents)
- Short and long-term disability
- Health Spending Account (HSA)
- Transportation benefits
- Employee Assistance Program
- Time Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation or Sick Leave)
This is a fully onsite position in Germantown,MD.
Application Deadline
This position is anticipated to close on Jul 13, 2026.
About Actalent
Actalent is a global leader in engineering and sciences services and talent solutions. We help visionary companies advance their engineering and science initiatives through access to specialized experts who drive scale, innovation and speed to market. With a network of almost 20,000 consultants and 5,000 clients across the U.S., Canada, Asia and Europe, Actalent serves many of the Fortune 500. We are proud to be an Engineering News-Record (ENR) Top 500 Design Firm for our engineering design services and a ClearlyRated Best of Staffing® winner for both client and talent service.
The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications without regard to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protected by law.
If you would like to request a reasonable accommodation, such as the modification or adjustment of the job application process or interviewing process due to a disability, please email [email protected] for other accommodation options.
San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance: Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, for all positions located in the city and county of San Francisco, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.
Massachusetts Lie Detector: It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.
Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI): We may use Artificial Intelligence (AI) to support parts of our hiring process, including sourcing, screening, and evaluating candidates. AI helps assess applications and qualifications, but final decisions are made by our hiring team. By applying, you acknowledge and agree that your application may be reviewed using AI tools.
