Senior Utility Surveyor

Role Purpose

The Utility Surveyor is responsible for the detection, tracing and mapping of buried utilities and services on client sites throughout the United Kingdom, in accordance with PAS128 standards.

Working independently or as part of a survey team, the role involves the use of Electromagnetic Locating (EML) and Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR) equipment to trace and identify underground utilities, followed by the accurate capture of survey data using GPS and total station equipment. The Utility Surveyor then produces clear, accurate utility plans in AutoCAD to the appropriate PAS128 survey category, ready for issue to clients.

The role requires a methodical, safety-conscious approach and a genuine interest in getting utility records right first time, while supporting the company's commitment to technical excellence and continual improvement.

Key Responsibilities

Utility Detection and Tracing:

• Plan and deliver utility detection surveys in accordance with project specifications, site constraints and PAS128 requirements.
• Trace and identify buried utilities and services using Electromagnetic Locating (EML) techniques.
• Operate Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR) equipment to detect and interpret non-conductive and unmarked utilities.
• Cross-reference findings against existing utility records, statutory drawings and desktop study information.
• Correctly classify detected utilities in line with PAS128 quality levels (QL-D through QL-A) based on the survey methodology used.
• Carry out site inspections and pre-start checks, including liaison with clients and site personnel on access and safety requirements.

Survey Capture and Equipment:

• Capture the position and depth of detected utilities accurately using GPS and total station equipment.
• Set up, calibrate and maintain EML, GPR, GPS and total station equipment in a clean, serviceable condition.
• Record field observations, survey data and site notes clearly and consistently for later processing.
• Report equipment faults, damage or calibration issues promptly and support corrective action.
• Maintain accurate equipment maintenance, calibration and asset records.

Drawing Production and Reporting:

• Process raw survey data and produce accurate utility plans using AutoCAD.
• Prepare utility drawings to the correct PAS128 survey category, including appropriate symbology, depths and annotations.
• Cross-check drawn utility routes against field data and detection records to ensure accuracy prior to issue.
• Assist with the preparation of factual survey reports to accompany utility plans.
• Maintain organised, traceable project records and drawing files in line with company quality procedures.
• Apply quality control checks to ensure drawings and data are accurate before client issue.

Client Relations and Professional Representation:

• Act as a professional representative of the company while working on client sites.
• Communicate clearly with clients, principal contractors, subcontractors and utility providers regarding survey progress, findings and site constraints.
• Explain survey findings and PAS128 classifications to clients and project teams in a clear, accessible way.
• Build positive, long-term working relationships with clients and site contacts through reliability and technical competence.

Health, Safety, Environment and Quality:

• Work in line with the company's health, safety, environmental and quality management systems.
• Participate in site inductions, toolbox talks and training as required.
• Assist with the preparation and implementation of risk assessments and method statements.
• Report hazards, near misses and unsafe conditions.
• Ensure survey equipment is used, transported and stored safely in line with manufacturer guidance.

Team Working and Development:

• Work collaboratively with other surveyors, engineers, geophysicists and site teams.
• Support less experienced surveyors and share practical knowledge on-site.
• Keep up to date with developments in utility detection technology, PAS128 guidance and AutoCAD best practice.
• Work towards relevant professional accreditation (e.g. CSCS, CInstCES, PAS128-related training) as appropriate to experience.

Experience & Qualifications

Essential:

• Demonstrable experience tracing utilities using EML and GPR methods.
• Working knowledge of PAS128 and how survey category/quality levels are applied in practice.
• Experience using GPS and total station survey equipment.
• Competent producing utility plans and drawings in AutoCAD.
• Full UK Driving Licence.
• Willingness to travel and work throughout the United Kingdom, with occasional overnight stays.
• Enthusiastic, proactive approach and a genuine interest in the work.

Desirable

• Previous experience within a utility survey, geophysics or site investigation company.
• Relevant qualification in surveying, geoscience, engineering or a related discipline.
• Relevant health and safety qualifications such as CSCS.
• Experience working within construction, infrastructure or engineering environments.

Knowledge & Skills

Technical Skills:

• Practical, hands-on competence with EML and GPR detection equipment.
• Confident use of AutoCAD to produce clear, accurate utility drawings.
• Solid understanding of PAS128 categories and how they affect survey approach and reporting.
• Comfortable operating GPS and total station equipment in the field.
• Basic familiarity with GIS platforms and Microsoft 365 applications.

General Skills:

• Strong attention to detail, particularly when tracing and drawing utility routes.
• Good organisational and time management skills.
• Able to work independently on site and as part of a wider team.
• Clear written and verbal communication.
• Practical, common-sense approach to problem solving.
• Commitment to health, safety, quality and environmental standards.

Key Performance Indicators:

• Accuracy of utility detection, tracing and classification against PAS128 requirements.
• Quality and accuracy of AutoCAD utility drawings.
• Safe delivery of survey activities.
• Equipment care, maintenance and calibration compliance.
• Timeliness of survey data processing and drawing turnaround.
• Positive client and stakeholder feedback.
• Effective working relationships with clients, subcontractors and project teams