SUE Field Technician III

Who We Are

For over thirty years, SAM has built a reputation as a trusted, knowledgeable, and innovative partner. Our licensed professionals transform petabytes of complex spatial data into intelligent insights in a holistic Managed Geospatial Services™ (MGS™) framework. As North America's premiere MGS™ company, SAM provides practical, precise, and high-fidelity solutions designed to enhance decision-making, mitigate risks, achieve strategic objectives, and drive costs out of our client's business. Our vision is to advance spatial data acquisition, improve analysis capabilities, and develop predictive analytics to redefine and transform how infrastructure assets are developed and managed throughout their lifecycles.

Your Impact at SAM

We are looking for an experienced technician to join our Subsurface Utility Engineering (SUE) team. In this role, you will lead field efforts in identifying, mapping, and documenting underground utilities in both rural and urban environments using advanced geophysical and survey equipment. You’ll oversee small project teams, manage client communication in the field, and play a critical role in ensuring safe and accurate data collection to support infrastructure development.

• Designate all types of utilities in both rural and urban environments using advanced geophysical equipment, while maintaining accurate field documentation and performing survey tasks and vacuum excavation to safely expose underground utilities

• Maintain all required safety certifications and actively promote safe field practices in compliance with company and regulatory standards

• Independently manage 2D QL-B (2DB) and 3D QL-B (3DB) utility mapping projects, typically overseeing up to two crews, ensuring high-quality data collection, project efficiency, and on-time delivery

• Select and operate advanced surface geophysical equipment and accessories to accurately locate and map complex underground utility networks, including both public and private systems for 2DB and 3DB deliverables

• Collect detailed vault data and complete vault diagram forms for 3DB projects, ensuring clarity, completeness, and compliance with client requirements and industry standards

• Lead vacuum excavation operations in the field, including challenging scenarios such as deep utility locates or adverse site conditions, ensuring safety and data accuracy

• Utilize total station survey equipment to collect precise horizontal positioning data for 2DB mapping and QL-A test hole documentation

• Operate RTK-enabled Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR) systems to collect both horizontal and vertical utility data for complex 3DB mapping projects

• Use digital or automatic leveling equipment to gather vertical elevation data of gravity-based utility structures (e.g., manholes, inlets, etc.)

• Collect structural utility data and complete Structures Data Reports, providing accurate documentation to support utility engineering and infrastructure planning

• Coordinate directly with clients, utility owners, and property owners on site, serving as the face of the company in the field and ensuring smooth communication and collaboration

• Organize and coordinate third-party field services such as traffic control, off-duty police officers, saw cutting, and other support vendors to maintain project timelines and safety

• Interpret and apply plan sets, design drawings, profiles, and utility records with advanced understanding to support accurate field operations and mapping efforts

What You Bring to SAM

• 4–5 years of field experience in Subsurface Utility Engineering (SUE)

• High school diploma or equivalent required; additional technical training preferred

• Ability to travel up to 30% of the time
• Thorough understanding of ASCE 38 guidelines and associated quality levels

• Demonstrated experience leading SUE QL-A and QL-B field crews; prior experience in a project-level field supervisor role strongly preferred

• Land surveying experience preferred

• Military background or experience is a plus

Our Perks

• 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, Access to Ramsey Smart Dollar to support financial goals and retire with confidence, Fidelity retirement plans with a 5% company match, tuition reimbursement, optional cellphone stipend
• Work-Life Balance: Flexible hybrid work schedules for office positions, 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

EEO

SAM is an EOE/Affirmative Action Employer M/F/D/V.  SAM also participates in the federal E-Verify Program.