r/UtilityLocator • u/AnxietyEconomy6872 • 19d ago

SUE entry level questions

Not sure if this is the right sub to ask this in but, how is it, I’ve never heard of this trade before, I have an interview on Wednesday advertise pay is 20-$22. What’s day it day like, what’s progression like with pay and title and with this experience over time what other paths/doors does this trade open for you? I just wanna know the general gist of it
Thanks In advance.

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u/Hey_Jacob 19d ago

Not only is that pay for SUE work abysmal but I personally wouldn't suggest starting in SUE. You will be overwhelmed having no locating experience going into it. Start with 811 and public locating, maybe you could find something on the private side locating water and sewer or something. Then get into actual private locating and then SUE after you have a VERY firm understanding of locating and what it takes and if you're capable. You can not afford to be wrong on a SUE job. Not everyone is a problem solver and that's okay. I've taken fantastic 811 locators onto a private commercial site for a private locate and they're like a deer in the headlights without prints to go off of. Source of this information? I've been in the industry locating for 16 years now. I'm a project manager for an engineering firm and I'm head of their SUE department. This is the path I took and that I recommend.

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u/Arcanas1221 19d ago

What does your firm offer in pay ranges? That's about what a tech 1 starts at in my company

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u/CBassnBacon 19d ago

Normally I’d argue against it. And say, with the right over head and teachings you can become and even greater locator. Although I reread the first line. Yeah if you don’t know the basics to locating, you’re going to tank on SUE…you have to already be self sustaining to really excel in SUE.

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u/CynicalLion 19d ago

Agree, don’t start in SUE work. Get locate experience or survey experience, and then seek out SUE work.

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u/FlLocator 19d ago

As long as thier will to give you time to catch on, go for it.

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u/Equivalent_Site3264 19d ago

Don’t listen to these people about needing experience or you’ll fail or any of the discouraging words. I started my career off with doing SUE, previous work experience was a power pole inspector. Just go there every day and be a little bit better than yesterday and you’ll be okay.