SUE Technician 3 @ Actalent

Job Title: SUE TechnicianJob DescriptionJoin our dynamic team as a Subsurface Utility Engineering (SUE) Technician, where you will be a crucial part of a two-person utility designating and vacuum excavation crew. You will coordinate daily field activities, ensuring that all work is completed safely and accurately.

Responsibilities

• Perform utility locating and designating investigations to identify, verify, and mark underground utilities.
• Operate, maintain, and calibrate SUE equipment, including Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR), electromagnetic locators, duct rodders, vacuum excavation equipment, and related technologies.
• Read and interpret utility plans, engineering drawings, maps, and existing utility records to support field investigations.
• Document field findings through accurate sketches, maps, reports, and other records detailing utility locations, depths, and types.
• Communicate with project managers, clients, utility owners, municipalities, and other stakeholders regarding field activities, findings, and project progress.
• Perform manhole entry activities using approved equipment, safety devices, and procedures.
• Set up and maintain traffic control devices in accordance with approved plans and established safety requirements.
• Operate company vehicles and field equipment safely while maintaining a professional presence on project sites.
• Follow all company safety policies, PPE requirements, and applicable industry best practices.
• Perform fieldwork in varying weather and site conditions, with occasional overtime, after-hours work, weekend work, and travel as project needs require.
• Participate in ongoing training and remain current on evolving SUE technologies, field methods, and industry standards.

Essential Skills

• 3+ years of experience in SUR utility locating and designing.
• Strong understanding of SUE principles, utility types, geophysical methods, and utility designation practices.
• Proficiency in operating GPR, electromagnetic locating equipment, vacuum excavation systems, and other utility detection technologies.
• Ability to read and interpret construction plans, engineering drawings, maps, and utility records.
• Strong problem-solving skills with the ability to evaluate field conditions and make sound decisions.
• Effective written and verbal communication skills.
• Valid driver's license and ability to travel to project sites as needed.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent required; additional education or training in surveying, engineering, construction, or a related field is preferred.
• 5+ years of experience performing SUE utility locating and designating work.
• Knowledge of APWA utility color codes and applicable SUE standards, including ASCE 38-22.
• Strong attention to detail with a focus on accurate utility identification and field documentation.
• Flexibility to work overtime, weekends, or adjusted schedules based on project requirements.

Work EnvironmentThis role involves working outdoors in varying weather and active construction environments. You should be comfortable walking and standing for extended periods, including on uneven terrain, and be able to lift and carry up to 50 pounds. The ability to safely access and navigate construction sites and utility areas is essential.

Job Type & LocationThis is a Contract position based out of Houston, TX.

Pay and BenefitsThe pay range for this position is $26.74 - $40.11/hr. Individual compensation offered for this position within this range will depend on many factors, including qualifications, skills, relevant experience, job knowledge, geographic location, internal equity, and other pertinent job-related factors. 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)

Application DeadlineThis position is anticipated to close on Nov 20, 2026.

Workplace TypeThis is a fully onsite position in Houston,TX.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.