Geotechnical Field Technician

About the role

You will perform geotechnical field work including layout of borings and test pits using conventional surveying and GPS, observation and classification of test pits and soils, hand auger borings, DCP testing, and soil logging. Office responsibilities include classification of samples from drilling operations and reduction of GPS and other geotechnical data for production.

You may also handle department administrative duties and work in the construction materials testing department, primarily on active construction sites. Tasks involve field observation, testing, sampling, and inspection of soil, aggregates, concrete, grout, masonry, asphalt, and structural steel placement. Note: Not all disciplines may be encountered on every project.

Under the direction of staff professionals and project managers, you will perform routine field and/or laboratory tests, assist in complex tasks, calculations, data reduction, and drafting as required. Daily communication with site contractors, technicians, and project managers is essential.

ECS will train you in their methodology for observations, inspections, and testing of building/construction projects, documenting findings according to accepted engineering practices. You should have a sound understanding of construction practices. As experience grows, ECS will support your professional development through internal and external certification programs (e.g., ACI, ASNT, AWS, ICC, NICET, NRCA, IIBEC, State DOTs, WACEL).

Work Environment

The role involves regular exposure to outside weather conditions, including wet/humid environments, extreme cold/heat, dusty and noisy work environments. Noise levels range from moderate to moderately loud. You may be exposed to high or precarious places. Some weekend and overtime work may be required, along with overnight travel.

Physical Requirements

These demands are typical for field work on construction sites and are essential functions of the position:

• Long-term standing and repetitive motions.
• Ability to use hands for handling, reaching, climbing, balancing, crouching, stooping, crawling, kneeling, and sitting.
• Visual and olfactory acuity, including close, distance, and peripheral vision, depth perception, and focus.
• Driving hundreds of miles per day may be required.
• Lifting requirements:
  • Regularly lift and/or move/shake up to 40 pounds (soil/concrete tests and related apparatus).
  • Frequently lift and/or move up to 60–80 pounds (soils/sand samples, nuclear density equipment).
  • Occasionally move more than 100 pounds (e.g., a loaded wheelbarrow of concrete samples).

Reasonable accommodations may be made for individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.

Requirements

• High school diploma or GED; BS in Civil Engineering from an ABET-accredited university preferred.
• 0–2 years of experience.
• Ability to carry 40–70 lbs multiple times daily or occasionally lift 85 lbs to waist height.
• Ability to safely operate a motor vehicle and comply with all local/state driving laws and company policies.

Military Qualifications

The following US Military ranks qualify for this position if they also meet the education requirements:

• E-4