SUE Field Lead

What the position entails:

Join a team that plays a critical role in delivering accurate, reliable underground utility information for some of Canada's most important infrastructure projects. As a SUE Field Lead, you'll combine advanced utility locating technologies with field leadership and survey expertise, helping shape project success while developing your technical skills across a diverse range of municipal, transportation, and infrastructure assignments.

The SUE Field Lead is responsible for ensuring the successful completion of field-related tasks in support of Subsurface Utility Engineering (SUE) projects, providing day-to-day field direction and guidance to a junior staff member assigned to each project. The field lead will use a combination of utility records, surface features, geophysical locating methods (pipe and cable locating (PCL) equipment, ground penetrating radar (GPR) to identify, trace, verify, and document existing underground infrastructure. The role will also support survey field operations, providing opportunities to gain hands-on experience and further develop skills in topographic, construction, control, and other surveying activities. This role goes beyond traditional utility locating and requires keen attention to detail, strong field judgement, technical capability, and a solid understanding of SUE practices, with the flexibility to support survey field operations and develop broader technical skills across a variety of municipal, transportation, and infrastructure projects.

This role is based on the Greater Toronto Area (GTA). We welcome applications from candidates located in Toronto and surrounding communities throughout the region.

What you will do:

• Conduct field investigations and lead projects in support of Subsurface Utility Engineering (SUE)
• Identify, trace, and designate underground utilities using electromagnetic locating, GPR, sondes, traceable rods, and other geophysical methods.
• Review and interpret utility records, as-built drawings, GIS information, and available project drawings.
• Correlate records, surface features, and geophysical results to develop reliable utility interpretations.
• Perform manhole and utility chamber investigations, including collection of utility depths and invert measurements where required.
• Coordinate and oversee subcontractors performing Quality Level A (QLA) hydrovac investigations, including identifying test hole locations and documenting exposed utilities.
• Set up and maintain traffic control in accordance with OTM Book 7 for field activities, including invert investigations and QLA hydrovac excavations.
• Maintain accurate field notes, photographs, sketches, survey data, and other project documentation.
• Perform field QA/QC and identify discrepancies between records, field evidence, and investigation results.
• Work independently and as part of a project team while maintaining appropriate health, safety, and traffic-control practices.
• Lead and mentor junior field staff, providing hands-on training and guidance in SUE field procedures, utility locating, survey, safety, and field documentation.
• Work closely with engineers, and other field teams to ensure safe and efficient project completion.
• Ensure that all locating equipment is properly maintained/calibrated and perform regular inspections and troubleshooting of tools to ensure they are in good working condition.
• Support the Survey team with topographic, construction, control, and other survey assignments as required.
• Operate and further develop proficiency with RTK GNSS, total stations, and other survey equipment and procedures, including equipment setup, survey control, field coding, and data collection, to accurately capture utility alignments, surface features, depths, elevations, and other required field information.
• Work collaboratively across SUE and Survey teams and develop the ability to support a variety of utility investigation and survey field assignments based on project requirements.

What you will bring:

• High school diploma or equivalent is required. Additional technical training or certification in or utility locating, geomatics, surveying, is a plus.
• 6+ years of experience with locating technologies (e.g., electromagnetic locators) and understanding of underground utility systems is preferred. Experience with GPR is an asset.
• Demonstrated experience in Subsurface Utility Engineering (SUE) field investigations is strongly preferred.
• Understanding of SUE Quality Levels and experience supporting or coordinating QLA hydrovac investigations.
• Experience with RTK GNSS, total stations, or other survey equipment for collecting utility and surface feature information.
• Ability to read and interpret utility records, as-built drawings, GIS information, and available project drawings.
• Experience completing manhole and utility chamber investigations, including depth and invert measurements.
• Ability to set up and maintain traffic control in accordance with OTM Book 7 requirements for applicable field activities.
• Demonstrates a willingness to learn and develop additional survey skills and take on a variety of survey field assignments.
• Excellent problem-solving skills and the ability to handle complex field challenges.
• Good communication - verbal and written; ability to produce accurate and legible field notes and updates
• Good interpersonal skills for interacting with clients, contractors, and team members.
• Ability to work in outdoor environments and potentially hazardous conditions (e.g., extreme weather, construction sites).
• Comfortable lifting and working with hand tools and specialized equipment for prolonged periods.
• The ability to develop and motivate SUE/survey staff and work well in a team environment.
• An aptitude for delivering projects on time and budget.
• Willingness to train, share knowledge, and provide guidance to junior field staff.
• A valid driver’s license and can provide a clean driver’s abstract; and
• Completed training and valid tickets in First Aid, H2S and CSTS safety training, is an asset.

What we offer

• Wage range: $35 - $45/hour depending on experience
• Comprehensive benefit package including Health, Dental and Health Spending Account. coverage, vacation, wellness days, and RRSP matching contributions.
• Tools and services to support your mental wellness
• Work-life balance
• Growth and advancement opportunities
• Paid professional dues.
• Continuing education and professional development.

Disclosure

We use AI tools only to assist our team in summarizing candidate qualifications and experience. AI is not used to screen, filter, or make hiring decisions. All applications are reviewed by our recruitment team.

This posting represents a current vacancy, not a future opportunity.

Disclaimer
The preceding job description has been designed to indicate the general nature and level of work performed by employees within this classification. It is not designed to contain or be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities, and qualifications required of employees assigned to this job.

Our Commitment

As an equal opportunity employer, GeoVerra is dedicated to providing a fair and equitable recruitment and selection process. We welcome and encourage applications from all qualified individuals, irrespective of abilities and background.

We also recognize that the hiring process should be accessible to everyone. If you require any accommodations at any stage of the recruitment process, please don’t hesitate to reach out to a member of our talent attraction team at [email protected]. This includes any support you may need during virtual interviews or throughout the hiring journey.

All accommodation requests will be handled with confidentiality and respect.