Utility Locator

Job Description

Job Description

Job Title: Utility Locator / Subsurface Utility Engineering (SUE) Technician
Job Description

This role focuses on underground utility exploration as part of subsurface utility engineering (SUE) projects. You will use advanced underground utility locating equipment and ground-penetrating radar to identify and mark utilities, then dig test holes to measure their depth and verify locations. The position combines hands-on field work, heavy physical labor, and the use of cutting-edge technology to support safe excavation and construction activities.

Responsibilities

• Perform underground utility exploration using utility locating equipment and ground-penetrating radar to identify and mark subsurface utilities.
• Dig test holes to expose underground utilities and accurately measure their depth and position.
• Operate Vac Truck equipment to safely excavate around utilities and remove soil and debris.
• Use tools such as jackhammers, pogo-tampers, concrete saws, compressor blowers, vacuum hoses, and air lances during excavation and utility verification work.
• Carry out daily basic maintenance and care of all assigned equipment to ensure proper and safe operation.
• Work as part of a 2–3 person crew to complete field assignments efficiently and safely.
• Perform general labor and construction-related tasks associated with subsurface utility engineering and excavation projects.
• Follow all safety procedures and guidelines while working around underground utilities and operating heavy equipment.
• Travel to out-of-town project sites as needed, including overnight stays during the workweek.
• Report to the office early each morning, ride in the crew truck to job sites, and complete full-day field assignments with required overtime.

• At least 1 year of experience working outside in a labor or construction position is highly preferred.
• Ability to perform heavy physical labor, including extensive digging and handling of heavy tools and equipment.
• Experience in general labor, construction, or excavation environments.
• Ability to work outdoors in extreme heat and challenging weather conditions.
• Familiarity with utility locating equipment and subsurface utility engineering practices.
• Valid driver’s license and ability to pass a motor vehicle record (MVR) check.
• Willingness and availability to travel out of town, typically every other month for up to a week at a time (Monday–Friday).
• Ability to work daily overtime, typically 5–10 hours per week, as required by project needs.
• Strong teamwork skills to work effectively in small field crews.

• Experience operating a vacuum truck is a plus.
• Exposure to survey work or subsurface utility engineering (SUE) is beneficial.
• Experience using ground-penetrating radar (GPR) for utility locating is an advantage.
• Interest in learning cutting-edge utility locating technologies and field techniques.
• Motivation to build a long-term career in surveying, SUE, and utility locating.
• Ability to follow detailed instructions and adhere to safety and operational procedures.
• Reliability in reporting on time for early-morning starts and completing full workdays.

This is a field-based role working in small 2–3 person crews. You will spend the majority of your time outdoors in the Florida climate, including extreme heat and varying weather conditions. The typical schedule involves reporting to the office at 6:00 a.m., riding in a crew truck to the job site, and working on site until approximately 4:00–5:00 p.m., with overtime required and paid at an enhanced rate. Plenty of breaks are provided throughout the day. The work involves regular travel to project sites within a broad region, with out-of-town assignments that may require overnight stays Monday through Thursday and returning Friday; lodging and per diem are provided for these trips. You will use a range of field technologies and equipment, including utility locating instruments, ground-penetrating radar, Vac Trucks, jackhammers, pogo-tampers, concrete saws, compressor blowers, vacuum hoses, and air lances. The company offers job stability with a strong backlog of work, access to cutting-edge technology, and a family-oriented culture where employees are valued as individuals. Once in a permanent role, you can expect a competitive benefits package including healthcare and paid time off, performance-based raises, and clear opportunities for career growth, especially for entry-level individuals seeking to develop in surveying and subsurface utility engineering.

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Tampa, FL.

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)

This is a fully onsite position in Tampa,FL.

This position is anticipated to close on Jul 20, 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 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 ziprecruiter.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.