Geotechnical Field Technician

About the role

Under the direction of staff professionals/project managers, you will perform routine field and/or laboratory tests and assist in more complex tasks, as required. May be involved with calculations and data reduction of test results and drafting, as required. Daily communication is required with site contractors, other technicians and project managers. ECS will train candidates in our methodology to perform observations, inspections and testing of building/construction projects and to document findings in accordance with accepted engineering practice, but you should have a sound understanding of construction practices. As experience increases, ECS will encourage and aid technicians in increasing level of competence and skills through both internal and external training programs.

Field responsibilities

• Layout of borings and test pits by both conventional surveying and Global Positioning Systems (GPS)
• Observation and classification of test pits and soils
• Performance of hand auger borings, DCP testing, soil logging, and other geotechnical field work
• Work primarily on active construction sites involved with field observation, testing, sampling and inspection of soil, aggregates, concrete, grout, masonry, asphalt and structural steel placement (note: all disciplines may not be encountered on every project)
• May be required to perform D4 work

Office responsibilities

• Classification of samples obtained from drilling operations
• Reduction of GPS and other geotechnical data for utilization and production
• May also include department administrative duties

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED
• BS in Civil Engineering from an ABET accredited university preferred
• 0 - 2 years of experience

Certifications and training

Certification programs provided by ACI, ASNT, AWS, ICC, NICET, NRCA, IIBEC, various State DOT's, WACEL and others, as appropriate.

Military equivalency

The following US Military ranks will qualify for this position IF they also meet the education requirements from the above qualifications section: E-4.

Physical requirements

• Long term standing and perhaps repetitive motions on outside construction sites
• Ability to use hands to handle, finger or feel; reach, climb or balance; crouch, stoop, crawl, kneel and sit
• Ability to see and smell; including close, distance and peripheral vision, depth vision and ability to focus
• May be required to drive hundreds of miles per day
• Regularly lift and/or move/shake up to 40 pounds (soil and/or concrete tests and related apparatus)
• Frequently lift and/or move up to 60-80 pounds (soils and sand samples, and nuclear density equipment)
• Occasionally move more than 100 pounds (such as a loaded wheelbarrow of concrete samples)
• This position requires carrying 40 - 70 lbs multiple times a day or occasionally lifting 85 lbs to waist height
• Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the position

Work environment

• Regularly exposed to outside weather conditions such as wet and/or humid environments, extreme cold and/or heat, dusty and noisy work environments
• Noise levels will typically be moderate to moderately loud
• May be exposed to high, precarious places
• Some weekend and overtime work may be required
• Overnight travel may be required with this position