SUE Field Crew Chief

Utility Mapping Services (UMS) is seeking a motivated candidate to fill a position as a SUE Field Crew Chief. UMS is a small veteran owned business formed in 2002 specifically to address Subsurface Utility Engineering (S.U.E.) as a rigorous engineering discipline in accordance with ASCE 38 standards. The Field Crew Chief is a leadership role responsible for the day-to-day management and coordination of a field crew on SUE projects. The Crew Chief serves as the primary point of contact between the field team and the project manager, ensuring that work is completed safely, efficiently, and to the standards required for the project. This is a hands-on leadership position where you will be out in the field alongside your crew, setting the tone for teamwork, professionalism, and quality.

Technical expertise in utility locating or operating geophysical equipment is desired but not required for this position. We value strong leadership, clear communication, and the ability to keep a crew organized and motivated in dynamic field conditions.

As a part of the UMS team you will be participating in our commitment to the advancement of Subsurface Utility Engineering through creativity innovation and the continual pursuit of improvement. With the support of highly motivated team members, we strive to reduce the risks associated with above and below ground utility infrastructure not only for our clients, but ultimately for our most important stakeholders, the public.

Key Responsibilities:

• Lead and manage a field crew of up to five people on active project sites
• Assign daily tasks, monitor crew performance, and maintain a safe, productive work environment
• Serve as the primary liaison between the field crew and the project manager, providing regular updates on project progress, schedule, and any field-level issues
• Communicate crew needs — equipment, materials, personnel, and support — to the project manager in a timely and organized manner
• Enforce and model safe work practices in accordance with company policies, OSHA regulations, and site-specific safety plans
• Coordinate field logistics including site access, equipment staging, and daily scheduling
• Document field activities accurately through daily reports, field notes, and other project documentation
• Identify and escalate field problems, schedule conflicts, or safety concerns promptly
• Foster a positive team culture built on respect, accountability, and professional pride

Qualifications (required):

• Proven experience leading or supervising a field crew of multiple workers in a construction, utility, survey or related field (4-6 years)
• Strong interpersonal and communications skills - comfortable relaying field conditions to office-based project managers clearly and concisely
• Ability to read and interpret site maps and project plans
• Valid driver's license with a clean driving record
• Ability to work outdoors in variable weather conditions

Qualifications (not required)

• Familiarity with traffic control setup and flagging operations
• Experience in the utility, underground infrastructure, civil construction, or land survey industry
• OSHA 10 or OSHA 30 certification
• First Aid/ CPR certification
• Experience with GIS

Environmental and physical requirements include:

• Must be able to lift 75 lbs.
• Must be able to walk on varied terrain for long distances
• Must be able to work outside in all season including freezing and hot conditions
• Must be able to work around moving traffic and within traffic control areas
• Must be able to operate standard passenger vehicles and trucks
• Must be able to operate basic power tools
• Must be able to manipulate small hand tools to facilitate access to utility infrastructure (ex communication pedestal’s)
• Must be able to operate tools designed for the removal of manhole/storm sewer lids/access points
• Must be able to perform repetitive physical task
• Confined Space Entry certification preferred but not required
• Must be available for weekend and night work as needed, although non-typical.

Office and computer requirements include:

• Must be familiar with MS Office suite of products, including but not limited to: Word, Excel, Outlook, Teams, etc.

UMS maintains offices and performs services throughout the United States. While this position will be based out of the Centralia, WA area; successful candidate must be willing to travel in support of project work throughout the country and in limited cases, internationally. The standard work week is Monday – Friday from 8:00am to 5:00pm, however longer hours and overtime (including shifts in excess of 12 hours, weekend and night work) may be required. Candidates can expect to travel up to 90% of the time in support of project work nationwide. While in travel status, employees are provided a daily per diem in addition to company paid lodging and transportation.

UMS offers a competitive benefits package including holiday pay, PTO, 401(k), and health benefits as follows

· 8 paid holidays

· Paid Time Off starting at 12 days per year

· 401(k) after 90 day waiting period

· Health, Vision, Dental, and Life insurance coverage

· Access to supplemental policies for Accident, Short Term Disability, etc.

· Access to training and professional development courses

Utility Mapping Services is focused on building the most qualified professional team possible to ensure our clients receive the highest possible service. We are an equal opportunity employer and believe the best team can be built by seeking out skills and competences without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.'

Work Location:

• Field office based in Centralia, WA,
• Majority of projects in Western WA and Western OR
• Some national travel likely. International travel possible.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $30.00 - $42.00 per hour

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• 401(k) matching
• Dental insurance
• Flexible schedule
• Health insurance
• Health savings account
• Life insurance
• Opportunities for advancement
• Paid time off
• Paid training
• Retirement plan
• Vision insurance

Compensation Package:

• Bonus opportunities
• Hourly pay
• Overtime pay

Physical Setting:

• Office
• Outdoor work

Education:

• High school or equivalent (Preferred)

Experience:

• Leading and managing field crew: 4 years (Required)

Willingness to travel:

• 100% (Required)

Work Location: On the road

Salary : $30 - $42