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Subsurface Utility Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

SUE Technician - VA

Richmond, VA · On-site +1

$19.50 - $26.75/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 ...

SUE Technician - VA

Richmond, VA

$19.75 - $27/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 ...

SUE Technician - VA

Chesapeake, VA

$19.50 - $26.50/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 ...

SUE Technician Laborer

Sterling, VA · On-site

$18 - $22/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 ...

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Subsurface Utility information

See Virginia salary details

$9

$16

$21

How much do subsurface utility jobs pay per hour?

As of May 30, 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:
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.

$15.75 - $19.75/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement

Posted 17 days ago


Job description

Overview

Company Summary

MasTec Utility Services delivers critical infrastructure construction and engineering services for power delivery, gas, and water customers, specializing in overhead and underground electric distribution for power delivery systems, gas distribution construction for gas systems, and turnkey solutions for a variety of water, sewer, and civil infrastructure projects. Backed by the strength of decades of experience, unrivaled industry skills, and a deep commitment to core values, MUS delivers safe, innovative, and environmentally responsible services that provide extraordinary value to clients.

MasTec Utility Services is a purpose-driven company. Our core values guide our strategy, performance, and culture. We believe in maintaining an environment where team members can make an impact, grow, and thrive. A place where they find meaning and purpose in doing the important work of ensuring communities have the vital energy, light, and communications to prosper. Our culture is inclusive and welcoming. Our teams are empowered with abundant training, tools, and opportunities to follow their curiosity and ambitions. Everyone has an equal chance to advance. Everyone is supported, respected, and challenged to be their best. We’re always looking for talented and dedicated people to join us and love where they work.

MasTec Utility Services is a proud subsidiary of MasTec (NYSE: MTZ), a Fortune 500 Company ranked by Energy News-Record as one of the leading contractors in the country. MUS is part of the MasTec Power Delivery segment. We are certified as a minority-controlled company by the National Minority Suppliers Development Council (NMSDC). Our rich diversity of people and ideas makes us a stronger, more innovative organization.

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. Must be familiar with industry standards, policies, guidelines, and procedures. 


Responsibilities
  • Maintain daily contact with GAS Foremen and General Foremen.
  • Submit locate requests in a timely manner.
  • Ensure that each foreman has the appropriate locate request in their possession prior to beginning excavation.
  • Check positive response for all locate requests.
  • Provide standby information for high profile facilities to foremen as needed for each job.
  • Conduct pre-excavation inspections of all PVREA job sites to ensure the area to be located is pre-marked if not easily identifiable.
  • Conduct spot checks to verify locate marks by facility owner and contracted locators.
  • Assist facility owner and contracted locators as needed to narrow down unlocatable facilities.
  • Locate privately owned facilities and those still owned by the developer on all oh and ug job sites. 
  • Coordinate with third party contractors for the locating of privately owned sewer services.
  • Maintain copies of all locate requests indefinitely.
  • Ensure the safety of the public and other underground utility facilities. 
  • Read utility locates and coordinate the day based on the needs of current projects.
  • Responsible for locating underground utilities and verification in accordance with blueprints and designated plans. 
  • Maintain company equipment per service requirements and safety guidelines. 
  • Any other duties and responsibilities as assigned.

Qualifications

Minimum

  • High school diploma or equivalent.
  • Valid driver’s license.
  • 3 years of utility locating experience.
  • Knowledge of reading and understanding blueprints, electronic quarter section, and plat maps.
  • Experience scanning for underground utilities.
  • General knowledge of construction practices.
  • Familiarity with utility infrastructure industry standards, policies, guidelines, and procedures.
  • Computer skills. Able to use outlook, excel, word and power point.
  • Ability to work in all weather conditions.
  • Time management skills. Work is 70% field and driving, 30% office.
  • Must be able to lift up to 100 pounds with pull hooks.

Preferred

  • 4 or more years working as a utility locator.

Physical Demands and Work Environment 

This job operates in a field environment. This role routinely requires extended periods of bending, squatting, climbing, kneeling, pushing, pulling, lifting, lifting in awkward positions, standing, and twisting. Also, working in inclement weather conditions, such as extreme heat, extreme cold, rain, ice, snow, and wind.  

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of the job. This position is physically active, with lifting required. Must be able to bend and lift and carry up to 50 pounds. Clarity of vision at 20 feet or more or 20 inches or less, with the ability to judge distance and space relationships. Precise hand-eye coordination. Ability to identify and distinguish colors. 

Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive list of activities, duties, or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. The Company reserves the right to revise or change the job duties as the need arises. Management reserves the right to change the description, duties, or work schedules to accommodate individuals with disabilities.  

Benefits available include Medical, Dental, Vision, Disability and Life insurance, a 401k plan and Employee Stock Purchase plan. MasTec is a publicly traded company MTZ (NYSE).

MasTec Utility Services Company is a subsidiary of MasTec, a certified Minority-Controlled Company by the National Minority Supplier Development Council (NMSDC).

Equal Employment Opportunity: 

The Company’s policy is not to unlawfully discriminate against any applicant or employee based on race, color, national origin, ethnicity, sex, gender, sexual orientation, religion, marital status, age, disability, genetic information, veteran status, or any other basis protected by applicable law and EEOC regulations. The Company also prohibits harassment of applicants or employees based on any of these protected categories.

Qualifications:

Minimum

  • High school diploma or equivalent.
  • Valid driver’s license.
  • 3 years of utility locating experience.
  • Knowledge of reading and understanding blueprints, electronic quarter section, and plat maps.
  • Experience scanning for underground utilities.
  • General knowledge of construction practices.
  • Familiarity with utility infrastructure industry standards, policies, guidelines, and procedures.
  • Computer skills. Able to use outlook, excel, word and power point.
  • Ability to work in all weather conditions.
  • Time management skills. Work is 70% field and driving, 30% office.
  • Must be able to lift up to 100 pounds with pull hooks.

Preferred

  • 4 or more years working as a utility locator.

Physical Demands and Work Environment 

This job operates in a field environment. This role routinely requires extended periods of bending, squatting, climbing, kneeling, pushing, pulling, lifting, lifting in awkward positions, standing, and twisting. Also, working in inclement weather conditions, such as extreme heat, extreme cold, rain, ice, snow, and wind.  

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of the job. This position is physically active, with lifting required. Must be able to bend and lift and carry up to 50 pounds. Clarity of vision at 20 feet or more or 20 inches or less, with the ability to judge distance and space relationships. Precise hand-eye coordination. Ability to identify and distinguish colors. 

Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive list of activities, duties, or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. The Company reserves the right to revise or change the job duties as the need arises. Management reserves the right to change the description, duties, or work schedules to accommodate individuals with disabilities.  

Benefits available include Medical, Dental, Vision, Disability and Life insurance, a 401k plan and Employee Stock Purchase plan. MasTec is a publicly traded company MTZ (NYSE).

MasTec Utility Services Company is a subsidiary of MasTec, a certified Minority-Controlled Company by the National Minority Supplier Development Council (NMSDC).

Equal Employment Opportunity: 

The Company’s policy is not to unlawfully discriminate against any applicant or employee based on race, color, national origin, ethnicity, sex, gender, sexual orientation, religion, marital status, age, disability, genetic information, veteran status, or any other basis protected by applicable law and EEOC regulations. The Company also prohibits harassment of applicants or employees based on any of these protected categories.

Education:UNAVAILABLEEmployment Type: FULL_TIME