Sue Technician

Germantown, Maryland, US $62k – $114k Posted 3 days ago

Actalent is hiring an entry-level Subsurface Utility Engineering (SUE) Technician. This contract role is based in Germantown. The posted salary range is $62k to $114k. Full responsibilities, qualifications, and details are provided below.

Job Title:

Subsurface Utility Engineering (SUE) Technician

The SUE Technician provides precise underground utility designation using electromagnetic equipment and other geophysical methods to support safe and efficient excavation activities. The position allows work on a variety of K–12, light commercial, and industrial projects within a collaborative team environment.

• Perform underground utility flagging and designation with proficiency using electromagnetic equipment and other geophysical technologies.
• Designate all types of underground utility lines, including conductive and non-conductive materials such as water, sewer, gas, electric, fiber optic, and PVC.
• Mark identified utilities accurately with flags and/or paint to clearly indicate utility locations.
• Produce clear sketches and documentation of utility designation results for future use by project teams and clients.
• Learn and apply methods to establish survey control for utility designation projects as needed.
• Perform utility designation location tasks using conventional survey equipment, including robotic total stations and RTK GPS technology when required.
• Oversee and perform routine maintenance and basic troubleshooting of survey equipment, tools, and related supplies.
• Maintain the assigned vehicle in a clean, safe, and operational condition, including basic inspections and reporting of maintenance needs.
• Collaborate effectively within a team environment to complete field assignments safely, on time, and to quality standards.
• Work independently on field tasks when required, exercising sound judgment and adherence to safety and quality procedures.
• Apply a clear understanding of ASCE 38-02 standards, quality levels, and their applications to SUE work.
• Use AutoCAD to support the preparation or review of utility sketches and related project documentation as needed.
• Assist or transition to survey team responsibilities during periods when SUE work is reduced, supporting land surveying tasks and related field activities.
• Comply with all safety protocols, project procedures, and security requirements associated with holding or obtaining a federal security clearance.
• Travel to various project sites as needed to support SUE and survey operations.

• At least 3 years of experience working in the Subsurface Utility Engineering field as a technician.
• High school diploma or GED.
• Approximately five years of combined SUE designation and field survey experience is ideal.
• Proficiency in subsurface utility engineering and utility locating methods.
• Hands‑on experience using electromagnetic equipment for underground utility designation.
• Experience with ground‑penetrating radar and vacuum excavation (vac truck) for utility investigations.
• Ability to recognize and interpret duct banks and related underground utility structures.
• Clear understanding of ASCE 38-02 standards, quality levels, and their practical applications in the field.
• Knowledge of land surveying practices and field survey operations.
• Experience with robotic total stations, data collectors, and GPS/RTK GPS technology is preferred.
• Basic knowledge of AutoCAD; does not need to be at expert level.
• Ability to work effectively in a team environment and independently when required.
• Valid Maryland driver’s license with a good driving record.
• Ability to obtain and maintain a federal security clearance.
• Willingness and ability to travel on occasion to project sites.
• Prior experience working on K–12, light commercial, or industrial projects is beneficial.
• General labor experience in field‑based construction, engineering, or survey environments is an advantage.
• Experience in engineering or exposure to engineering‑related field work is helpful.
• AutoCAD experience beyond basic use is considered a plus.
• Experience operating or supporting vacuum excavation (vac truck)…