Subsurface Utilities Field Technician III

Overview

We are seeking aSUE - Field Technician III with 4+ years of experience to join our growing Geospatial Division in Chicago, IL. This is an excellent opportunity to join a company with outstanding benefits and have future career growth.

This position requires candidates to be physically able to operate and maneuver truck equipment and the various tools utilized for underground utility exploration, utility designation and survey locations. Must be extremely safety conscious and possess a strong work ethic. Candidate must be able to follow company procedures and policy when performing both Subsurface Utilities Engineering (SUE) and survey duties. Day to day operations may require that most of the day be spent performing SUE activities while performing as needed survey activities collecting the SUE field data. The ability to multitask is an important aspect of this position in order to maintain workflow. Position will require travel at times, primarily within the office Geographic Region Location, and other states as needed.

At WGI, you will find talented, passionate associates providing exceptional service in collaborative, team-driven environments, all while having fun and enjoying the work they do. We work to stay ahead of the curve by investing in the latest tools and technology. As one of the nation’s top consulting firms, we consistently strive to promote efficiency, cultivate a culture our associates can proudly embrace, and empower our associates to advance their career growth at WGI, and beyond.

WGI is always looking for remarkable individuals to join our team and help us grow in our vision. If you think you are an innovative, self-motivated team-player, and want to shape your community, join our WGI team today!

WGI offers a complete Benefits package including: Medical, Dental, Vision, LTD & STD, Life Insurance, 401k with match, PTO, Holidays, HSA with company contribution, Pet insurance, and Employee assistance program.

Responsibilities

Crew Leadership and Supervision

• Lead one or more SUE field crews to complete projects safely, on schedule, and within the scope established by the Project Manager, Project Engineer, or Surveyor.
• Direct field investigations, utility designation, and vacuum excavation activities.
• Conduct tailgate safety meetings and develop site-specific Job Hazard Analyses (JHAs).
• Implement approved Maintenance of Traffic (MOT) plans and required site signage.
• Communicate with clients, utility representatives, and project team members.
• Coordinate field activities with SUE, Survey, and CADD staff.
• Perform field QA/QC of utility designations, test holes, and supporting documentation.
• Train and mentor junior technicians in utility designation, vacuum excavation, equipment operation, and safe work practices.

Utility Designation and Field Investigations

• Read and interpret roadway plans, utility records, as-built drawings, and utility company markups.
• Locate and designate underground utilities, including complex telecommunications, cable television, gas, electric, water, and traffic signal facilities.
• Proficiently operate single and multifrequency pipe and cable locators, induction equipment(Vivax vLoc3, Radiodetection 8100/8200, Pipehorn, Vivax Metrotech 810), and ground-penetrating radar (GPR).
• Apply advanced locating techniques and troubleshoot challenging or conflicting utility signals.
• Inspect and maintain locating equipment, troubleshoot operational issues, and perform basic repairs.
• Follow established safety procedures when operating electronic and mechanical equipment.

Vacuum Excavation and Equipment Operation

• Operate utility designation vehicles and vacuum excavation trucks.
• Use air lances to expose utilities in varying soil conditions and at different depths.
• Safely operate concrete saws, jackhammers, tampers, and other excavation tools.
• Properly backfill and compact test holes and restore asphalt and concrete surfaces.
• Perform daily vehicle and equipment inspections, including checks of fluid levels, filters, hoses, and pneumatic and hand tools.
• Troubleshoot vacuum excavation equipment and perform minor repairs.
• Keep assigned vehicles and equipment clean, organized, secured, and properly maintained.

Field Documentation and Survey Support

• Prepare accurate, legible field notes, sketches, test hole records, pole data, and photographs.
• Operate total stations, GPS/GNSS equipment, and associated data collectors following training.
• Follow WGI procedures for checking into established survey control and collecting SUE designations, test holes, and surface utility features.
• Apply standard feature codes when collecting point and line data.
• Coordinate with survey staff to confirm that utility markings and test holes have been surveyed and documented.

Survey experience is preferred but not required. Training will be provided in applicable survey procedures and equipment maintenance.

Office and Project Support

• Assist the Project Manager with project coordination and other assigned tasks.
• Download and submit field data, photographs, and notes to the office daily.
• Communicate field findings, access limitations, utility discrepancies, and outstanding work promptly to support accurate deliverables and minimize rework.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED.
• At least f our years of experience in Subsurface Utility Engineering (SUE), including utility designation and test hole investigations.
• Thorough understanding of ASCE SUE quality levels and their application.
• Supervisory or field crew leadership experience.
• Ability to work independently and lead crews effectively.
• Valid driver’s license and a driving record that meets company requirements.
• Ability to pass a DOT physical and obtain a DOT Medical Card within 60 days.
• Ability to obtain an Illinois “C” class drivers License within 90 days.
• Ability to pass a drug screening.
• Ability to lift and carry up to 50 pounds and operate heavy tools, including jackhammers and tampers.
• Ability to work outdoors in varying weather conditions and walk for extended periods over uneven terrain.
• Availability to travel for up to two weeks at a time.
• Strong technical and mechanical aptitude, including an understanding of utility locating principles and signal behavior.
• Proficiency with computers, field data collection tools, and applicable software.
• Strong problem-solving, spatial reasoning, basic math, reading comprehension, and written communication skills.

Training (in addition to standard employee training):

• PowerSafe preferred
• E-RailSafe preferred
• Other region-specific credentials preferred

Certifications:

• OSHA 10-hour preferred
• OSHA 30-hour preferred
• DOT Driver's Qualification preferred
• Coalition for Construction Safety certification preferred
• First Aid/CPR Certification preferred

Applicants must be currently authorized to work in the U.S. on a full-time basis. We are unable to sponsor or take over the sponsorship of employment visas

Physical Demands

The physical demands are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. Work is performed in an office setting. Hand-eye coordination is necessary to operate a computer, keyboard and mouse. Use of a telephone headset will allow for virtual communication with team members through Zoom and/or Microsoft Teams. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is often required to sit for prolonged periods, use hands/fingers to handle, feel or operate objects, tools or controls and reach with hands and arms, speak and hear. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus.

If you have what it takes to join our growing organization and want to be part of a dedicated team, please apply today. In return, WGI provides a competitive salary and an outstanding work environment. WGI is an Equal Opportunity Employer/Veterans/Disabled.

WGI does not accept any unsolicited resumes. Should any 3rd party agency or recruiters forward or submit any resume(s) to a WGI employee without a pre-existing contractual agreement, the submitted resume(s) will be deemed the property of WGI, and no placement fee will be provided.

All agencies and vendors are required to have a signed WGI vendor agreement from the WGI Chief HR Officer permitting them to work directly through our Talent Acquisition team. Obtaining this signed vendor agreement is the only way you will receive payment. Verbal or written commitments from any other member of our staff will not be binding.

All third-party recruiting/supplemental staffing agencies are expected to familiarize themselves and abide by this policy.