Job Title: Utility Locator / SUE TechnicianJob Description
This role focuses on subsurface utility engineering and underground utility exploration using advanced locating technologies and excavation methods. You will identify, locate, and expose underground utilities by operating specialized equipment and performing physically demanding field work. This position offers strong job stability, consistent overtime opportunities, and a clear career path in a growing, family-oriented survey and SUE organization.
Responsibilities
Perform underground utility exploration and subsurface utility engineering activities in the field.
Use underground utility locating equipment, including ground-penetrating radar (GPR), to identify and mark the position of buried utilities.
Excavate and dig test holes to expose utilities and accurately measure their depth and location.
Operate vacuum truck (Vac Truck) equipment safely and efficiently for non-destructive excavation.
Use tools such as jackhammers, pogo-tampers, concrete saws, compressor blowers, vacuum hoses, and air lances during daily operations.
Carry out heavy physical labor, including digging, lifting, and working on construction and survey-related tasks in outdoor environments.
Perform daily basic maintenance and safety checks on all assigned tools, vehicles, and equipment.
Work as part of a 2-3 person crew, coordinating tasks and communicating effectively with team members and supervisors.
Follow all safety procedures and field protocols while working around active utilities and in construction environments.
Travel to out-of-town job sites as needed, including overnight stays during the workweek.
Report to the office at the designated start time, ride with the crew to job sites, and complete full workdays that may include overtime.
Document work performed as directed and support accurate survey and SUE records for each project.
Essential Skills
At least 1 year of experience working outdoors in a labor or construction position is highly preferred.
Ability to perform heavy physical labor, including digging and operating hand and power tools for extended periods.
Ability to work outside in extreme heat and varying weather conditions.
Experience in general labor, construction, or survey-related work environments.
Basic mechanical aptitude to perform daily basic maintenance on equipment and tools.
Willingness and availability to travel out of town, typically every other month for up to a week (Monday-Friday).
Valid driver's license and ability to pass a motor vehicle record (MVR) check.
Ability to follow safety procedures and work effectively as part of a small field crew.
Reliability in reporting to the office early in the morning and working full days with required overtime.
Additional Skills & Qualifications
Experience operating a vacuum truck (Vac Truck) is a plus.
Exposure to or experience with subsurface utility engineering (SUE) is beneficial.
Familiarity with utility locating equipment and techniques, including ground-penetrating radar (GPR).
Experience with excavation and test hole digging on construction or survey projects.
Interest in building a long-term career in survey and SUE services.
Comfort working with cutting-edge technology and learning new field equipment.
Strong work ethic and desire to grow within a stable and expanding organization.
Work Environment
You will work as part of a 2-3 person field crew based out of a local office, focused exclusively on survey and subsurface utility engineering projects. The role is entirely outdoors and involves working in extreme Florida weather conditions, including high heat and humidity. Typical hours involve reporting to the office at 6:00 a.m., traveling with your crew in a company truck to the job site, and working until approximately 4:00-5:00 p.m. Overtime is common, averaging 5-10 hours per week, and is paid at an overtime rate. The work relies on cutting-edge technology such as ground-penetrating radar and modern utility locating equipment, along with Vac Trucks and a variety of construction tools, including jackhammers, pogo-tampers, concrete saws, compressor blowers, vacuum hoses, and air lances. The environment emphasizes safety, teamwork, and consistent field operations, with plenty of breaks provided throughout the day. Travel is a regular part of the role, with out-of-town assignments that may require overnight stays Monday through Thursday, returning on Friday; lodging and per diem are provided for these trips, which can be within a roughly two-hour radius and occasionally as far as Pensacola. The organization offers strong job stability, a significant backlog of work, performance-based raises, and a full competitive benefits package upon permanent hire, including healthcare and paid time off. The culture is family-oriented, run by experienced survey and SUE professionals, with minimal bureaucracy and a focus on treating employees as individuals rather than numbers, making it an excellent career opportunity for entry-level candidates seeking long-term growth.
Job Type & Location
This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Tampa, FL.
Pay and Benefits
The pay range for this position is $18.50 - $21.00/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 Tampa,FL.
Application Deadline
This position is anticipated to close on Jun 23, 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.
