SUE Technician III

About the Role

Join our Denver team as a hands-on field leadership role focused on Subsurface Utility Engineering (SUE). You’ll use advanced utility locating technologies—such as electromagnetic line locators, ground penetrating radar, GPS, conventional survey support, and vacuum excavation—to identify, designate, and document underground utilities before design and construction begin. This role involves solving complex field challenges, leading crews, mentoring junior technicians, and collaborating with engineers, surveyors, project managers, clients, and utility owners to reduce risk, improve safety, and support smarter design decisions for infrastructure projects across the Denver region.

Responsibilities

• Read and interpret utility records, as-built/survey drawings, and highway design plans to identify utility type, owner, size, access points, and approximate location.
• Supervise and direct placement of basic maintenance of traffic devices.
• Adhere to Health and Safety program and all applicable SOPs.
• Drive the designating vehicle and vacuum excavation truck.
• Fill out the field book legibly and record information for test holes.
• Call “One-Call” tickets and coordinate survey work in relation to SUE.
• Train junior crew members and represent Colliers Engineering & Design in the field.
• Record pole data and complete field sketches.
• Maintain equipment and vehicles.
• Use multi-frequency pipe and cable locators (RD8100) and single frequency induction devices (Metrotech 810, RD5000, Pipehorn).
• Safely utilize jackhammer on varying pavement and surface types.
• Understand proper tamping procedures and correctly patch asphalt and concrete.
• Correctly use and maintain the concrete saw.
• Utilize an air and water lance to properly expose underground utilities.
• Act as a crew leader and direct SUE tasks in the field.
• Lead tailgate safety meetings and develop site-specific Health and Safety checklists.
• Develop and implement Maintenance of Traffic signage at each site.
• Communicate with clients and utility representatives.
• Coordinate with SUE, Survey, and CADD staff for SUE-related tasks.
• Perform QA/QC on designated utilities and test holes.
• Train SUE Investigators I & II on proper designating and test hole techniques.
• Operate the GPR proficiently.
• Troubleshoot issues with designating equipment and perform basic repairs (e.g., fixing leads, programming equipment).
• Understand vac truck operation, troubleshoot, and perform minor repairs.
• Complete QL-D linework.

Requirements

• High School diploma or GED.
• 5-8+ years of experience in SUE, utility design, and test holes.
• Valid Driver’s License with MVR consistent with CED Point System.
• OSHA 10-hour certification.
• CPR Certification.
• DOT Driver’s Qualification.
• Ability to pass DOT physical with minimum one-year clearance.
• Ability to pass a Fit For Duty physical.
• Ability to pass a drug screen.
• Ability to obtain a TWIC card.
• Occasional travel required; must be able to drive for long periods of time.
• Ability to travel several times per year via train or airplane preferred.
• Must be able to travel for up to two weeks at a time.
• Ability to read, write, and understand English for job-related communications and instructions.

Pay

$31.50 to $43.00 per hour (depending on qualifications).

Benefits

• Company-paid medical, dental, and vision coverage.
• Paid pregnancy disability leave.
• Short- and long-term disability insurance.
• Life insurance.
• Company-matched 401(k)/Roth.
• Paid time off, including parental and military leave.
• Employee referral and professional license bonuses.
• Straight-time policy for exempt employees for billable hours worked beyond 40 per week.
• Reimbursement for education and access to in-house resources for hundreds of educational and self-enrichment courses.
• Mentorship program.
• Wellness program.
• Women’s Organization and ongoing philanthropic opportunities.