Subsurface Utility Engineering (SUE) Project Manager
About the role
The Subsurface Utility Engineering Project Manager is responsible for managing SUE projects from proposal through delivery while ensuring technical accuracy, safety compliance, and client satisfaction. This role combines project management, technical leadership, team oversight, and relationship-building across utility, energy, development, and transportation markets.
Responsibilities / Day-to-Day
- Manage SUE projects in accordance with contract requirements, schedules, budgets, and professional standards
- Lead and mentor project teams of 1–5 staff, including field and technical personnel
- Serve as a technical resource for subsurface utility designating and investigation activities
- Carefully coordinate and oversee field operations including utility locating, test holes, and data collection
- Maintain and grow client relationships within utility, energy, development, and transportation markets
- Prepare technical reports, exhibits, and deliverables consistent with ASCE 38-21 standards
- Ensure compliance with RETTEW’s safety culture and field safety requirements
- Support business development efforts and participate in professional organizations
Qualifications
- 5–10+ years of hands-on utility locating and SUE experience
- Demonstrated experience managing projects with budgets up to $250K
- Working knowledge of ASCE 38-21 and SUE Quality Levels D through A
- Proficiency in subsurface utility designating methods including:
- Electromagnetics (EM)
- Metal detection
- Duct rodding
- Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR)
- Experience locating water, sewer, gas, electric, fiber, telecom, storm, and sanitary utilities
- Experience managing air or hydro excavation (test hole) activities
- Strong verbal and written communication skills
- Ability to work independently and manage multiple priorities
- Commitment to safety, quality, and client service
Preferred
- Congrete scanning GPR and rebar mapping experience
- Experience with CCTV pipe inspection (storm/sanitary)
- Exposure to or interest in advanced geophysical methods (seismic, gravity, borehole, EM)
- GPS/GNSS surveying experience
- Surveying background with PA, MD, OH, or WV PLS licensure
- Multi-disciplinary project management experience
- Active participation in professional organizations
Safety & Compliance Requirements
This position is designated as safety-sensitive and requires successful completion of all pre-employment screenings as a condition of employment. Responsibilities include operating company-owned vehicles and performing field-based work in active construction and utility environments. Continued compliance with RETTEW’s safety policies is required throughout employment.
What We Offer
RETTEW offers a competitive salary aligned with experience, participation in the company’s Employee Stock Ownership Plan, and a comprehensive benefits package that includes medical, dental, vision, retirement savings, and paid time off. Employees benefit from a strong safety culture, clear career advancement pathways, and a collaborative, technically engaged work environment.
Equal Opportunity Employer
RETTEW is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, sexual orientation, or gender identity), national origin, age, disability, veteran status, genetic information, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law.
Application Instructions
If you are an individual with a disability and require a reasonable accommodation to complete any part of the application process, please contact us at jperalta@rettew.com to request assistance.