Souder, Miller & Associates (SMA)

Growing, Succeeding and Designing Our Future Together

We are looking for future team members who are excited to make an impact. As an employee-owned company, we are dedicated to the betterment of our clients, our communities, and our employees. Your contribution is key to the quality of service SMA delivers. Throughout your career with SMA, there will be opportunities for you to improve the skills you need to achieve your professional goals. We encourage you to explore innovative ways to develop solutions while collaborating with team members inside and outside the organization by providing the framework for you to find success.

We don't just talk about being client-focused; the engineers, scientists, surveyors, technicians and other professionals at SMA live and breathe it. After all, we are members of the communities we help.

SUMMARY:

Souder, Miller & Associates is recruiting a full-time SUE Services Manager- Tech VII for the Geomatics department in Las Cruces, NM. We are seeking a dynamic manager who can multitask between numerous projects while maintaining effective communication with the remainder of the team. The SUE Services Manager is responsible for planning, directing, and growing the firm’s Subsurface Utility Engineering practice in coordination with the Geomatics Technical Sector Director and the executive team. This role oversees technical quality, staff performance and development, project execution, client relationships, equipment management, and business development activities related to utility locating, mapping, and coordination in support of engineering, environmental, and surveying projects. The Manager will work closely with the Directors and Managers of all Client Communities to identify and develop profitable opportunities specific to SUE and engage the appropriate Client Community personnel when working within a Client Community.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Technical & Project Management
  • Manage the execution of SUE projects in accordance with applicable standards (e.g., ASCE 38), client requirements, and company quality procedures
  • Oversee utility research, field investigations, geophysical locating, test hole operations, data interpretation, and deliverable preparation
  • Ensure integration of SUE data with surveying, civil design, environmental, and GIS workflows
  • Review and approve SUE reports, plans, exhibits, and utility conflict analyses
  • Provide technical guidance and problem-solving support to project teams
• Staff Leadership & Development
  • Lead, mentor, and supervise SUE staff, including project managers, utility coordinators, technicians, and field crews
  • Support identifying, hiring, onboarding, training, and professional development of SUE personnel
  • Conduct performance evaluations and assist with workforce planning and resource allocation
  • Promote a culture of safety, quality, accountability, and continuous improvement
• Business Development & Client Relations
  • Support marketing and business development efforts, including proposal preparation, scope development, and fee estimates
  • Maintain and grow relationships with public agencies, utilities, contractors, and private-sector clients
  • Identify opportunities to expand SUE services within existing and new markets
  • In coordination with the Geomatics Technical Sector Director and the executive team, represent the firm in client meetings, industry events, and professional organizations
  • Utilize Customer Relationship Management (CRM) resources to track opportunities and general client information.
  • In cooperation with the Marketing Manager, evaluate and coordinate the development of suitable marketing materials, including internet and intranet materials.
• Operational & Financial Management
  • In coordination with the Geomatics Technical Sector Director and the executive team, develop and manage SUE service budgets, schedules, and utilization targets
  • Monitor project financial performance, including labor, equipment, and subcontractor costs
  • Coordinate equipment needs, maintenance, and capital planning for SUE operations
  • Assist with the development and refinement of standard operating procedures and safety plans
• Quality, Safety & Compliance
  • Ensure compliance with company QA/QC standards, safety policies, and regulatory requirements
  • In coordination with the company's Health & Safety Manager, promote safe field operations, including vacuum excavation, traffic control, and utility coordination
  • In coordination with the company's Health & Safety Manager, support audits, corrective actions, and risk management related to SUE activities
• Strategic Planning
  • Contribute to long-term strategic planning for SUE services and firm-wide growth initiatives
  • Evaluate new technologies, methods, and software to improve efficiency and service quality
  • Collaborate with engineering, environmental, and surveying leadership to deliver integrated solutions
  • Participate (as prudent) in overall Company planning relative to all company services and client communities, and specifically related to the designated Technical Sector.
• Other general administrative duties as may be assigned periodically related to marketing, sales, and recruiting.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is required to stand; walk; use hands to finger, handle, or feel objects, tools, or controls; reach with hands and arms; talk or hear; sit; climb or balance; and stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl. The employee must be able and willing to frequently lift and/or move 25 pounds and occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus.

WORK ENVIRONMENT:

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• While performing the duties of this job, the employee occasionally works in outside weather conditions.
• The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.

REQUIREMENTS:

• High school diploma or GED required. Associate or bachelor’s degree preferred.
• Minimum ten years of experience in client development/client management specific to SUE.
• Must have a valid driver's license and acceptable driving record.
• Must be able to pass a drug and alcohol test.
• This is a hybrid position.

BENEFITS:

• Health, Dental, Vision, 401K Retirement Plan, Employee Stock Options (ESOP), Life/ADD/Short Term/Long Term Insurance, Voluntary Insurance, FSA, Dependent Care.
• Employee Wellness Program, Employee Assistance Program, Flexible work schedule, ID Theft Protection plan.
• Paid Time Off, Jury Duty Pay, Comp Time.
• Tuition Reimbursement and Professional dues.

Salary Grade: Tech VII: $45.00 - $55.00/Hr.

Travel: Up to 50%

WHY SOUDER, MILLER & ASSOCIATES:

SMA has been inspiring engineers, surveyors, and scientists to deliver innovative solutions since 1985. SMA is the third-largest engineering firm in New Mexico. Whether it is designing public roads and interstates, threading fiber-optic conduits in between underground utilities across an urban intersection, choosing the most effective method to remediate contaminated soil, master planning mixed development, or ensuring access to safe drinking water by identifying water sources and operating treatment facilities, our employees demonstrate their commitment to our clients by building a partnership and investing in the success of every project. Awarded Best Place to Work in 2025!