Survey Technician

Job Title: SUE Technician / Survey Instrument Person

Job Description

The SUE Technician / Survey Instrument Person performs a wide range of land surveying and subsurface utility engineering assignments in support of transportation and site development projects. This role assists and, when needed, acts on behalf of the Survey Party Chief to conduct land surveys of roads, bridges, and building sites. The position focuses on establishing and re-establishing construction lines, easements, and property boundaries, as well as performing detailed construction stakeout and location surveys using modern survey equipment.

Responsibilities

• Assist the Survey Party Chief with land surveys for roads, bridges, and building sites, following project specifications and industry standards.
• Establish and re-establish lines for construction stakeout surveys, easements, and property lines to support infrastructure and land development projects.
• Recover existing property corners and set traverse control points for boundary surveys with a high degree of accuracy.
• Set, mark, and verify stakes for construction stakeout projects to ensure correct placement of project features in the field.
• Direct the survey party in the absence of the Survey Party Chief and act as the lead in the field when assigned.
• Set up, operate, and properly adjust survey equipment, including data collectors, levels, GPS units, and related instruments.
• Perform all aspects of stakeout and location surveys using applicable survey equipment and survey computer programs.
• Apply basic surveying principles and computations to solve field and office survey problems accurately.
• Conduct research and evaluate survey data, including reviewing legal descriptions, maps, engineering plans, and field notes.
• Understand and interpret legal descriptions, engineering plans, maps, and field data to support accurate boundary and construction surveys.
• Follow relevant job-site and traffic control safety rules to maintain a safe working environment for the survey crew and the public.
• Communicate effectively, both orally and in writing, with team members to coordinate daily activities and resolve field issues.
• Follow directions from supervisors and collaborate as a team member to complete assignments efficiently.
• Travel extensively to project sites, including frequent trips to Cherry Point, NC, and other locations throughout Virginia and surrounding states.
• Work overtime as needed to meet project deadlines and accommodate field schedules.

Essential Skills

• At least 3 years of experience performing SUE (Subsurface Utility Engineering) technician work.
• Hands-on experience with land surveying and subsurface utility engineering, including utility locating and use of vacuum or vac truck methods.
• Proficiency in setting up, operating, and correctly adjusting survey equipment such as data collectors, levels, and GPS units.
• Basic math competency and ability to perform accurate arithmetic computations using a basic calculator.
• Ability to learn and use survey computer programs and perform survey computations relevant to the work.
• Knowledge of state law related to the establishment of property lines and boundary surveys.
• Ability to conduct research and evaluate survey data from multiple sources.
• Ability to understand and interpret legal descriptions, engineering plans, maps, and field data.
• Ability to apply basic surveying principles to solve field and office problems.
• Ability to follow directions and work effectively as part of a survey team.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills for field coordination and documentation.
• Ability and willingness to handle heavy travel requirements.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Experience with land survey projects involving roads, bridges, and building sites.
• Experience in topographic surveys and land development projects.
• Familiarity with relevant job-site and traffic control safety practices.
• Comfort working with GPS-based survey systems and related technology.
• Ability to maintain clear, legible field notes and records.
• Strong attention to detail and commitment to accuracy in field measurements and computations.

Work Environment

This role is field-focused and requires extensive travel throughout Virginia and surrounding states, with heavy travel during the week to Cherry Point, NC. Lodging is provided for travel assignments, and per diem is available in accordance with company policies. The position may require frequent overtime to meet project schedules. Work takes place primarily outdoors on active construction sites, roadways, and undeveloped land, often in varying weather conditions and around traffic and heavy equipment. Safety protocols and traffic control rules must be followed at all times. The organization offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes free vision, dental, and life insurance, 80% coverage of health care insurance, a $900 contribution to a Health Savings Account (HSA), and a 4% 401(k) match. Attire should be appropriate for fieldwork, including durable clothing and footwear suitable for outdoor construction and survey environments, along with any required safety gear.

This is a Permanent position based out of Ellicott City, MD.

The pay range for this position is $55000.00 - $70000.00/yr.

-Free Vision, dental, and life insurance -80% of health care insurance covered -$900 contribution to HSA -4% 401k match

This is a fully onsite position in Ellicott City,MD.

This position is anticipated to close on May 1, 2026.

Diversity, Equity & Inclusion

At Actalent, diversity and inclusion are a bridge towards the equity and success of our people. DE&I is embedded into our culture through:

• Hiring diverse talent
• Maintaining an inclusive environment through persistent self-reflection
• Building a culture of care, engagement, and recognition with clear outcomes
• Ensuring growth opportunities for our people

Actalent is an equal opportunity employer.

About Actalent

Actalent is a global leader in engineering and sciences services. For more than 40 years, we’ve helped visionary companies advance their goals. Headquartered in the United States, our teams span 150 offices across North America, EMEA, and APAC—with four delivery centers in India led by 1,000 extraordinary employees who connect their passion with purpose every day.

Our Bangalore, Hyderabad, Pune, and Chennai delivery centers are hubs of engineering expertise, with core capabilities in mechanical and electrical engineering, systems and software, and manufacturing engineering. Our teams deliver work across multiple industries including transportation, consumer and industrial products, and life sciences. We serve more than 4,500 clients, including many Fortune 500 brands. Learn more about how we can work together at actalentservices.com.

Salary : $55,000 - $70,000