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Director Subsurface Utility Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

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Director Subsurface Utility Engineer information

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$73K

$194.7K

$254K

How much do director subsurface utility engineer jobs pay per year?

As of May 31, 2026, the average yearly pay for director subsurface utility engineer in the United States is $194,709.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $141,500.00 and $253,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Director Subsurface Utility Engineer, and why are they important?

To excel as a Director Subsurface Utility Engineer, you need a deep understanding of civil engineering, utility mapping, and project management, typically supported by a PE license and a degree in civil or related engineering. Familiarity with utility locating technologies, CAD/GIS software, and industry standards such as ASCE 38-22 is essential. Strong leadership, strategic thinking, and effective communication skills set top candidates apart in managing teams and client relationships. These competencies ensure accurate utility detection, risk mitigation, and the successful delivery of complex infrastructure projects.

What are some common challenges faced by a Director Subsurface Utility Engineer, and how can they be addressed?

Directors in Subsurface Utility Engineering often encounter challenges related to coordinating across multidisciplinary teams, managing project risk due to unknown or outdated utility data, and ensuring compliance with varying local and federal regulations. To address these issues, strong communication and leadership skills are essential for aligning stakeholders and ensuring accurate data collection. Implementing advanced geospatial technologies and maintaining strong relationships with utility owners can also help mitigate risks and streamline project delivery.

What is a Director Subsurface Utility Engineer?

A Director Subsurface Utility Engineer is a senior professional responsible for overseeing the detection, mapping, and management of underground utilities such as water, gas, electricity, and telecommunication lines. They lead teams that use specialized technologies to locate and document subsurface assets, ensuring construction and infrastructure projects avoid damaging these utilities. In addition to technical expertise, they typically manage budgets, client relationships, and regulatory compliance. This role requires a combination of engineering knowledge, leadership skills, and experience with utility coordination and safety standards.

What is the difference between Director Subsurface Utility Engineer vs Subsurface Utility Engineer?

AspectDirector Subsurface Utility EngineerSubsurface Utility Engineer
CredentialsTypically requires a bachelor's degree in engineering or related field, with extensive experienceRequires a degree in engineering, surveying, or related field, often with certifications
Work EnvironmentLeads teams, manages projects, and oversees utility coordination in large infrastructure projectsPerforms utility location, data collection, and analysis on-site or in office settings
Industry UsageUsed in large-scale infrastructure, transportation, and utility projectsCommonly involved in utility detection, mapping, and coordination tasks

The main difference is that the Director Subsurface Utility Engineer holds a leadership role overseeing projects and teams, while the Subsurface Utility Engineer focuses on technical utility detection and data collection. The director manages broader project strategies, whereas the utility engineer executes specific field and analysis tasks.

More about Director Subsurface Utility Engineer jobs
What cities are hiring for Director Subsurface Utility Engineer jobs? Cities with the most Director Subsurface Utility Engineer job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Subsurface Utility Engineer jobs? The most popular types of Subsurface Utility Engineer jobs are:
What states have the most Director Subsurface Utility Engineer jobs? States with the most job openings for Director Subsurface Utility Engineer jobs include:
Infographic showing various Director Subsurface Utility Engineer job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 97% Full Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 95% Physical, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $194,709 per year, or $93.6 per hour.
Team Leader/Director, Subsurface Utility Engineering (SUE) and Utility Coordination (UC)

Team Leader/Director, Subsurface Utility Engineering (SUE) and Utility Coordination (UC)

Halff Associates, Inc.

Houston, TX • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 12 days ago


Job description

Team Leader/Director, Subsurface Utility Engineering (SUE) & Utility Coordination (UC), Houston, TX
Halff has an immediate opening for a Team Leader or Director of Subsurface Utility Engineering (SUE) & Utility Coordination (UC) for our Houston, Texas office. This is a leadership position and will collaborate with SUE/UC Team Leaders out of our Texas (TX) offices. We are seeking a seasoned Team Leader or Director to lead and grow our existing SUE/UC practice, providing direction and support to multiple teams across one or more offices. This role is a key leadership position, bridging operations, technical excellence, and business growth while ensuring high-quality survey delivery and strong client relationships. This opportunity offers an excellent career development opportunity for someone looking to grow with Halff, with potential for not only business and personal growth, but ownership in the firm.
What you will do:
  • Lead and support multiple SUE/UC teams through Team Leaders and Senior Team Leaders, providing guidance, mentorship and support.
  • Balance operational leadership with strategic growth, sales, and client development.
  • Foster a collaborative and innovative work environment that promotes teamwork and professional growth.
  • Oversee financial performance, staffing, scheduling, quality control, and workshare across SUE teams.
  • Provide technical leadership in SUE/UC, ensuring adherence to QA/QC standards and best practices.
  • Drive regional and local growth initiatives within SUE/UC, engineering, and related services.
  • Serve as a trusted advisor to clients on complex and high-profile SUE projects.
  • Mentor and develop senior SUE/UC staff, supporting performance, career growth, and retention.
  • Set performance goals, conduct regular performance evaluations, and identify areas for improvement.
  • Oversee the planning, design, and implementation of SUE/UC projects, ensuring timely and cost-effective completion.
  • Collaborate closely with operations managers, practice leaders, and HR on staffing, hiring, and resource planning.
  • Coordinate with clients, stakeholders, and project teams to understand project requirements and deliverables.
  • Utilize a deep understanding of SUE/UC principles and best practices, to guide project teams effectively.
  • Monitor project progress, address any issues or obstacles, and provide strategic solutions to ensure successful project execution.
  • Review and approve designs, calculations, and drawings to ensure compliance with industry standards and client specifications.
  • Stay updated on the latest advancements in technologies and methodologies within the discipline and apply them to enhance project outcomes.
  • Establish and maintain strong relationships with clients to understand their needs, address concerns, and identify new business opportunities.
  • Collaborate with business development teams to prepare proposals, presentations, and bids for potential projects.

What you will need:
  • Bachelor's or master's degree in civil engineering or ABET accredited equivalent engineering degree.
  • Minimum 10 years of progressive Subsurface Utility Engineering (SUE)/Utility Coordination (UC) experience, with at least 3 years of experience in a leadership role.
  • Professional Engineer (PE) License in Texas.
  • Understanding of SUE/UC standards, equipment and processes.
  • Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
  • Strong written and verbal communication skills.
  • Possess a meticulous attention to detail and strong ability to promote accuracy.
  • Previous experience in coordinating project deliverables, managing project budgets and schedule, and identifying resolution of issues.

The Halff SUE/Utility Coordination Advantage
  • Cross-trained personnel make Halff a one-stop shop for client's SUE/utility coordination needs.
  • 20+ years of experience with more than 10 million lf of utilities located and more than 10,000 test holes performed.
  • Our team has proven processes and QA/QC procedures that provide accuracy and economy in project-driven utility inventories.

Learn more about Halff's SUE/Utility Coordination Solutions services, check out some of our projects, and meet our team
Halff's SUE/Utility Coordination Services:
  • 2D and 3D SUE Quality Levels A-D
  • Alignment and ROW Staking
  • Peer Reviews
  • Permitting Assistance
  • Reimbursement Negotiations
  • Surveying
  • Utility Adjustment Monitoring and Verification
  • Utility Coordination
  • Utility Engineering
  • Utility Relocation Design

Company Overview:
Halff is a full-service infrastructure consulting firm planned, designed, engineered, constructed - and purposed - for people. Since 1950, we've been creating smart solutions that improve lives and communities by turning ideas into reality.
Halff was founded on a core tenet: Focus on people, treat them well, and success will follow. It's no wonder, then, that our employees and the culture they create result in our firm consistently being named a Top Workplace in America.
Our industry-leading professionals collaborate to meet tough challenges in creative ways. You can view Halff's full complement of services here
Halff has over 30 offices in Texas, Oklahoma, Louisiana, Florida, Arkansas, Arizona, and Georgia. For a full list of our locations, click here
We offer excellent benefits, including but not limited to:
  • Medical, dental, prescription and life insurance
  • Long-term and short-term disability insurance
  • Paid time off (PTO) and 8 company paid holidays (and Veteran's Day for our veterans)
  • Traditional and Roth 401(k) plans
  • Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP)
  • Health Savings Account (HSA)
  • 529 College Savings Plan
  • Flexible spending accounts (FSA)
  • Employee Assistance Plan
  • Click here for a more comprehensive list of Halff's benefits

Salary is competitive and commensurate with experience.
All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, national origin, disability, veteran status, or other legally protected status.
Halff is a drug-free workplace. This offer of employment is contingent upon the receipt of a clear drug screen and background check prior to your first day of employment. This position may be subject to random drug testing pursuant to federal regulations.
#ExpProf #LI-SV1
Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities
This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.