SUE Technician

Job Title: SUE Technician

Job Description

The SUE Technician supports subsurface utility engineering projects by safely operating specialized survey and SUE field equipment to locate and document underground utilities across a variety of project sites. This role works closely with a SUE Analyst and may lead a small field crew or work independently, often in challenging outdoor conditions. The position offers strong growth opportunities, professional development, and the chance to contribute as an employee-owner in a supportive, process-driven environment.

Responsibilities

• Assist the SUE Analyst with the daily operation of a SUE field crew, ensuring safe and efficient completion of field tasks.
• Operate subsurface utility engineering (SUE) field equipment, including ground penetrating radar, electromagnetic designating equipment, sewer cameras, probe rods, jackhammers, chop saws, pneumatic tampers, vacuum excavation equipment, and other geophysical tools.
• Use survey equipment such as total stations, GPS, SUE locating equipment, and hydrographic equipment to accurately collect field data.
• Locate, identify, and document a wide variety of utilities, including gas lines, cable lines, septic tank pipes, underground storage tanks, storm drains, and telecommunication lines.
• Work independently on project sites, managing daily tasks, prioritizing work, and making sound field decisions with minimal supervision.
• Lead a small crew of one when necessary, providing direction, maintaining safety, and ensuring quality standards in field operations.
• Perform field work on diverse sites such as airports, railroads, construction sites, and industrial facilities, adhering to all site-specific safety protocols.
• Walk and work outdoors for extended periods through varied terrain, including urban, suburban, and rural locations, as well as hills, swamps, and high-traffic areas.
• Maintain a high level of precision and attention to detail in all measurements, markings, and documentation of underground utilities.
• Apply analytical and problem-solving skills to interpret field conditions, troubleshoot equipment issues, and resolve utility locating challenges.
• Follow established processes and safety procedures to protect team members, the public, and existing infrastructure.
• Travel throughout South Carolina and Georgia as needed to support project work, including occasional overnight stays.
• Lift, carry, and operate field equipment weighing up to 50 pounds as required by project activities.
• Communicate effectively with project teams regarding field progress, findings, and any issues encountered.
• Uphold professional, honest, and trustworthy conduct while representing the organization on project sites.

Essential Skills

• Minimum of 2 years of experience as a SUE Technician.
• Proficiency with survey equipment, including total stations, GPS, SUE locating equipment, and hydrographic equipment.
• Hands-on experience with subsurface utility engineering (SUE) field equipment such as ground penetrating radar and electromagnetic designating equipment.
• Ability to locate and work with a variety of utilities, including gas lines, cable lines, septic tank pipes, underground storage tanks, storm drains, and telecommunication lines.
• Capability to work independently on project sites and to lead a small crew when required.
• Strong technical aptitude and process-oriented work style.
• Excellent problem-solving and analytical skills.
• Ability to walk and work outdoors for long periods in varied and adverse conditions.
• Ability to lift up to 50 pounds and safely carry and operate field equipment.
• Willingness and ability to travel up to 50% within South Carolina and Georgia, including occasional overnight travel.
• Self-motivation and an entrepreneurial spirit, with the ability to work unsupervised when necessary.
• Demonstrated traits such as reliability, honesty, trustworthiness, adaptability, attention to detail, and precision.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Experience working on airports, railroads, construction sites, and industrial sites is a plus.
• Comfort working in high-traffic areas, as well as urban, suburban, and rural environments.
• Methodical and consistent approach to fieldwork and documentation.
• Strong interpersonal skills to collaborate effectively with field and office teams.
• Interest in professional growth through mentoring, training, and online learning opportunities.
• Ability to manage time effectively to support an average 50-hour workweek, including some overtime.

Work Environment

This is a field-focused role with hours generally from 7:00 AM to 5:00 PM, working 8-10 hour days and averaging around 50 hours per week, with some overtime as needed. The position is based out of an office in the Charleston, South Carolina area, with regular travel throughout South Carolina and up to 50% travel in South Carolina and Georgia, including occasional overnight stays. Work takes place primarily outdoors in all weather conditions, including heat and cold, and across varied terrain such as urban streets, suburban neighborhoods, rural areas, hills, swamps, and high-traffic zones. Project sites may include airports, railroads, construction sites, and industrial facilities, requiring strict adherence to safety procedures and site rules. The role involves frequent walking, standing, bending, and lifting up to 50 pounds while operating survey and SUE equipment. The organization provides a company truck, gas card, and credit card for hotels and other approved travel-related expenses. The culture emphasizes employee ownership through an Employee Stock Ownership Plan, competitive pay, paid holidays, and various forms of leave, along with strong support for growth through mentoring, training, tuition reimbursement, early-career programs, and online courses. Multiple office locations provide opportunities to work close to home or travel for a change of scenery.

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Charleston, SC.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $19.00 - $26.00/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)

Workplace Type

This is a fully onsite position in Charleston,SC.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on May 29, 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 30,000 consultants and more than 4,500 clients across the U.S., Canada, Asia and Europe, Actalent serves many of the Fortune 500.

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 actalentaccommodation@actalentservices.com 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.