Construction Materials Internship (Level 3)

ECS Group of Companies; Richmond (VA); On-site; USD 25,000 - 28,000; Part time

Job summary

ECS Group of Companies is seeking a Civil Engineering student for the Construction Materials Testing Intern Level 3 role in Richmond, VA. You will perform field and lab tests on soils, concrete, asphalt, and related materials, under guidance, while documenting data and supporting project meetings.

Ideal candidates are pursuing an Associate, Bachelor, or Master in Civil Engineering, with prior ECS internships, and are prepared to obtain required certifications within the 270‑day window.

Qualifications

• Pursuing an Associate, Bachelor, or Master degree in Civil Engineering or related field.
• One internship with ECS or another firm preferred; two internships with ECS also acceptable.
• Must complete at least one certification within 90 days and all basic certs within 270 days, including Radiation Safety, Soils I, and Concrete I.

Responsibilities

• Perform field and laboratory testing for soils, concrete, asphalt, and related materials.
• Assist in selecting appropriate testing methods under guidance.
• Document data accurately and prepare reports.
• Attend project meetings and support project-related issues.

Skills

Communication

Reliability

Teamwork

Construction knowledge

Engineering judgment

Project coordination

Multitasking

Data entry tools

Physical stamina

Driver's license

Education

Civil Engineering degree (in progress)

Job description

The Construction Materials Testing (CMT) Intern Level 3 performs field and laboratory testing activities and supports project execution with increasing independence on more complex projects. This role contributes to technical tasks, project coordination, and operational support, including testing, documentation, and early involvement in project management activities. The CMT Intern Level 3 demonstrates developing technical and professional competency while supporting project teams, maintaining a positive customer service attitude, and demonstrating ECS Core Values.

Responsibilities

• Performs construction materials testing and observation for soils, concrete, asphalt, structural steel, masonry, and related materials on projects of increasing complexity
• Assists in determining appropriate field and laboratory testing methods under guidance
• Performs laboratory testing and interprets results with support from senior staff
• Documents field and laboratory data accurately and prepares reports
• Attends project meetings and supports the resolution of project-related issues
• Assists with the preparation of proposals, scopes of work, and technical documentation
• Supports scheduling coordination for field activities and testing assignments
• Assists with training, coordination, and oversight of Field Technicians
• Supports project budgeting, tracking, and invoicing activities
• Communicates with project teams, contractors, and field personnel
• Maintains organization of equipment, materials, and documentation
• Performs other duties as assigned

Required Qualifications

• 90 days of related experience
• Current graduate student in a Civil Engineering program (or similar) with at least one internship with ECS or another firm
• Alternatively, a current student with two previous internships with ECS
• Must be pursuing an Associate, Bachelor, or Master degree in Civil Engineering, or other degree related to our services
• One certification must be completed within the 90-day introductory period, and all basic certifications must be completed within 270 days of employment, including: Radiation Safety, Soils I, and Concrete I
• Additional certifications applicable to the work performed may be required for Level 3
• Strong communication skills (verbal and written)
• Dependable, detail-oriented, and self-motivated
• Ability to work both independently and within a team environment
• Working knowledge of construction materials testing methods and practices
• Ability to interpret test results and apply basic engineering judgment (developing)
• Basic project coordination and organizational skills
• Ability to manage multiple tasks and priorities
• Proficiency with electronic devices and data entry tools
• Must be able to lift a minimum of 85 pounds a number of times each day
• If driving for or on behalf of any ECS subsidiary, a valid driver's license is required

Military Qualifications

• The following US Military ranks would qualify for this position:
• E-4

Please note: relocation assistance is not provided for this position

The expected pay range for this role and location is $18-$20/hour. The final agreed-upon compensation will be determined based on specific location and other individual qualifications.

ECS Group of Companies (ECS) was founded in 1988 with the goal to raise the standards of professional engineering consulting. Today, we are a leader in geotechnical, construction materials, environmental and facilities consulting services. We are employee-owned with more than 3,000 employees in 100+ offices and testing facilities coast to coast. ECS is currently ranked #60 in Engineering News-Record’s Top 500 Design Firms (April 2026), #148 in Engineering News-Record’s Top 200 Environmental Firms (October 2025) and #50 in Zweig Group’s Hot Firm List (May 2025). For additional information about ECS, visit: www.ecslimited.com.

ECS is an Equal Opportunity Employer. To learn more, click here.