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Subsurface Utility Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

IMEG

SUE Field Technician

Manassas, VA · On-site

$19.75 - $27/hr

The Subsurface Utility Engineering (SUE) Field Technician is an entry level position for subsurface utility locating. The Technician will be exposed to the daily operations of all SUE crew activities ...

Accumark

SUE Technician

Sterling, VA · On-site

$20.25 - $27.50/hr

Accumark, a division of National Underground Group, was founded in 1994 and provides subsurface utility designation, mapping and locating services to city and county utility owners, federal agencies ...

Blew & Associates, P.A.

SUE Technician - VA

Arlington, VA

$23 - $31.25/hr

A. as a Subsurface Utility Engineering (SUE) Technician and become a vital part of our field operations team! As a SUE Technician, you'll work on projects that involve detecting and mapping ...

MasTec Utility Services

Utility Locator

Richmond, VA · On-site

$15.75 - $19.75/hr

Job Summary The Utility Locator identifies, locates, and marks the location of subsurface utilities to minimize accidental damage or disruption of service due to construction excavation activities.

MasTec Utility Services

Utility Locator

Richmond, VA

$15.75 - $19.75/hr

Job Summary The Utility Locator identifies, locates, and marks the location of subsurface utilities to minimize accidental damage or disruption of service due to construction excavation activities.

MasTec Utility Services

Utility Locator

Richmond, VA

$15.75 - $19.75/hr

Job Summary The Utility Locator identifies, locates, and marks the location of subsurface utilities to minimize accidental damage or disruption of service due to construction excavation activities.

MasTec Utility Services

Utility Locator

Richmond, VA

$15.75 - $19.75/hr

Job Summary The Utility Locator identifies, locates, and marks the location of subsurface utilities to minimize accidental damage or disruption of service due to construction excavation activities.

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How much do subsurface utility jobs pay per hour?

As of May 29, 2026, the average hourly pay for subsurface utility in Virginia is $16.01, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.28 and $17.16 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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

To excel as a Subsurface Utility Engineer, a solid background in civil engineering, utility mapping, and geospatial analysis is essential, often supported by a relevant engineering degree and professional licensure (such as PE or EIT). Familiarity with tools like Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR), AutoCAD, GIS software, and SUE (Subsurface Utility Engineering) standards is typically required. Strong analytical thinking, attention to detail, and effective communication skills help professionals collaborate with project teams and convey complex findings. These competencies are vital to ensure accurate utility location, reduce project risks, and maintain public safety during construction activities.

What are some common challenges faced by professionals in Subsurface Utility roles, and how can they be addressed?

Professionals in Subsurface Utility roles often encounter challenges such as accurately locating underground utilities, interpreting complex site plans, and coordinating with multiple stakeholders to avoid service disruptions. These challenges can be addressed through rigorous training in utility detection technologies, effective communication with project teams, and adherence to safety and regulatory standards. Staying updated with the latest industry practices and leveraging advanced geophysical tools also helps mitigate risks and improve the accuracy of utility mapping.

What are subsurface utility engineers?

Subsurface utility engineers are professionals who specialize in identifying, mapping, and managing underground utilities such as water pipes, gas lines, electrical cables, and telecommunications infrastructure. They use advanced technologies like ground-penetrating radar, electromagnetic equipment, and surveying methods to locate utilities that are not visible on the surface. Their work is critical in construction and infrastructure projects to prevent accidental damage, ensure public safety, and comply with legal requirements. Subsurface utility engineers often collaborate with civil engineers, construction teams, and local authorities to provide accurate utility data before excavation or development work begins.

What is the difference between Subsurface Utility vs Geotechnical Engineer?

AspectSubsurface UtilityGeotechnical Engineer
CredentialsUtility locating certifications, survey trainingEngineering degree, geotechnical certifications
Work EnvironmentField surveys, utility mapping sitesSite investigations, soil testing labs
Industry UsageConstruction, infrastructure projectsFoundation design, earthworks

Subsurface Utility professionals focus on locating and mapping underground utilities, while Geotechnical Engineers analyze soil and rock properties for construction stability. Both roles are essential in construction projects but differ in their specific focus and expertise areas.

What are popular job titles related to Subsurface Utility jobs in Virginia? For Subsurface Utility jobs in Virginia, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Subsurface Utility jobs in Virginia look for? The top searched job categories for Subsurface Utility jobs in Virginia are:
Subsurface Utility jobs near you
Infographic showing various Subsurface Utility job openings in Virginia as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $33,296 per year, or $16 per hour.
Subsurface Utility Engineering Party Chief

Subsurface Utility Engineering Party Chief

Johnson Mirmiran and Thompson, Inc.

Virginia Beach, VA • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 24 days ago

Job description

Job Description
Johnson, Mirmiran & Thompson is a dynamic, 100% employee-owned consulting firm with more than 2,800 professionals, providing a full range of multidisciplinary engineering, architecture, information technology, and related services to public agencies and private clients throughout the United States. JMT is currently ranked #45 on Engineering News-Record's list of the Top 500 Design Firms.
Position Summary: JMT is currently looking for an experienced SUE Party Chief to join the Underground Utilities, Land Surveying, and Mapping team in Virginia Beach, Virginia!
Immigration sponsorship or support (e.g. H1B, F-1 CPT/OPT/STEM OPT) is not available for this position, except for qualified candidates eligible for the TN visa classification.
Essential Functions and Responsibilities
  • Participates in pre-survey planning meetings with project managers, engineers, and contractor representatives
  • Assigns and monitors work, and provides input for evaluation of members of field SUE crew
  • Instructs and trains SUE crew members in utility mapping methods, use of equipment, and field safety procedures
  • Completes daily report cards and field note sketches
  • Provides time estimates for specific tasks
  • Performs complex surveying calculations using calculator, computer, and coordinate geometry software such as AutoCAD
  • Travel required

Nonessential Functions and Responsibilities
  • Perform other related duties as assigned

Required Skills
  • Must successfully complete and pass JMT's Motor Vehicle screening
  • Valid Driver's License Required
  • Able to pass Background Check
  • Ability to lead project assignments
  • Team Attitude / Mindset
  • Must be able to fully comprehend and interpret roadway and utility construction plans, and utility record drawings
  • Use of multiple types of utility designating equipment
  • Good organizational, written, and verbal communications skills.
  • Knowledge of Vacuum Excavation and Ground Penetrating Radar equipment/procedures
  • Able to work outdoors in all weather conditions
  • Able to bend, kneel, lift and carry up to 50lbs as needed
  • Able to work 7:00 am - 4:00 pm Monday - Friday (Minimum)
  • Ability to travel required

Required Experience
  • High school diploma or equivalent
  • Minimum of five (5) years of experience in the successful application of multiple types of utility designating and locating equipment, with demonstrated ability to lead project assignments and supervise multiple crews
  • Land Surveying experience a plus

Working Conditions
Work is performed in the field 90% of the time. Ability to extensively perform bending, kneeling, standing, shoveling, and lifting and carrying objects weighing up to 50 lbs as needed. Work may be conducted outside in heat/cold, wet/humid, and dry/arid conditions.
Work is performed within a general office environment 10% of the time. Office work is generally sedentary in nature, but may require occasional standing and walking. Lighting and temperature are adequate and there are no hazardous or unpleasant conditions caused by noise, dust, etc. within the office environment.
Benefits
JMT offers outstanding opportunities for career and professional growth. We are 100% employee-owned (ESOP) and offer outstanding health care coverage and other benefits, including:
  • Affordable Medical, Dental & Vision Insurance
  • Company paid Life and Disability Insurance
  • Paid Time Off
  • Paid Holidays
  • Paid Caregiver Leave Program
  • 401K Retirement Plan (Traditional and Roth options)
  • Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP)
  • Career Development Programs
  • And more...
  • Benefits JMT

Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, protected veteran status or any other characteristic protected by state or federal law.
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