Utility Locator

Utility Locator / SUE Technician

This role focuses on subsurface utility engineering and underground utility exploration, using advanced locating technology and excavation methods to identify and verify the position and depth of buried utilities. The Utility Locator / SUE Technician performs hands-on field work, including operating specialized equipment and digging test holes, to support safe construction and survey activities. This position offers strong job stability, overtime opportunities, and a clear career path in a growing, family-oriented company that values employees and emphasizes survey and SUE professionalism.

Responsibilities

• Perform underground utility exploration to identify, trace, and verify the location and depth of buried utilities.
• Use underground utility locating equipment, including ground-penetrating radar (GPR), to detect subsurface utilities accurately.
• Excavate and dig test holes to expose utilities and measure their depth, ensuring precise field data collection.
• Operate vacuum truck (Vac Truck) equipment safely and efficiently for subsurface utility engineering and excavation work.
• Use tools such as jackhammers, pogo-tampers, concrete saws, compressor blowers, vacuum hoses, and air lances during field operations.
• Perform heavy physical labor on a daily basis, including digging, lifting, and working with construction and survey equipment.
• Conduct daily basic maintenance and safety checks on all assigned tools, vehicles, and equipment to ensure proper operation.
• Work as part of a 23 person field crew, coordinating tasks and communicating effectively to complete projects on schedule.
• Follow all safety procedures and guidelines while working around active utilities, construction sites, and roadways.
• Travel out of town as needed for projects, including overnight stays during the week, and represent the company professionally at all times.
• Report to the office each morning, load and prepare crew trucks, and travel to job sites to complete assigned work.
• Document field findings clearly and accurately to support survey and subsurface utility engineering deliverables.

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 extensive digging, lifting, and use of power tools and equipment.
• Comfort working outside in extreme heat and varying weather conditions for extended periods.
• Experience in general labor, construction, or survey-related field work.
• Familiarity with excavation and subsurface utility engineering practices.
• Ability to operate or learn to operate vacuum truck (Vac Truck) equipment.
• Ability to use underground utility locating equipment and ground-penetrating radar (GPR), or willingness to learn.
• Valid drivers license with the ability to meet motor vehicle record (MVR) requirements.
• Willingness and availability to travel out of town, up to about one week every other month (Monday through Friday).
• Strong teamwork, communication, and reliability when working in small field crews.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Experience operating a vacuum truck is a strong plus.
• Prior experience with ground-penetrating radar (GPR) or other utility locating technologies is beneficial.
• Background in survey, subsurface utility engineering (SUE), or related fields is advantageous.
• Interest in developing a long-term career in survey and SUE with opportunities for growth.
• Ability to adapt to changing field conditions and project locations.
• Motivation to learn cutting-edge technology and field methods.
• Commitment to safety and quality in all field operations.

Work Environment

This position operates in an outdoor, field-based environment, primarily across Florida, often in extreme heat and varying weather conditions. Technicians work in 23 person crews based out of a local office, reporting at approximately 6:00 a.m., loading into crew trucks, and traveling to job sites. Typical workdays run until around 4:005:00 p.m., with 510 hours of overtime per week, paid at 1.5x, and plenty of breaks provided. The role involves regular use of cutting-edge technology such as underground utility locating equipment and ground-penetrating radar (GPR), as well as Vac Trucks, jackhammers, pogo-tampers, concrete saws, compressor blowers, vacuum hoses, and air lances. Work includes subsurface utility engineering, excavation, and general construction labor tasks. Travel is required for out-of-town projects, with potential overnight stays Monday through Thursday and return on Friday; lodging and per diem are provided, and projects may extend up to a few hours from the home office. The company culture emphasizes job stability, a significant backlog of work, performance-based raises, and a family-oriented environment where employees are valued as individuals rather than numbers, with a comprehensive benefits package once permanent and ongoing growth through new offices opening across Florida.

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.

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 Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Nov 9, 2026.

Workplace Type

This is a fully onsite position in Tampa, FL.

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 View email address on click.appcast.io 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.