Environmental Field Technician

UES, Inc.; Oaklawn (KS); On-site; USD 42,000 - 64,000; Full time

Job summary

UES, Inc. is seeking an Environmental Field Technician to work outdoors on environmental investigations and monitoring projects. You will collect soil, water, and air samples, assist with field investigations, and help ensure compliance with environmental standards.

The position involves physically demanding days, extensive travel up to ~70%, and collaboration with engineers, scientists, and technicians to support project goals. A strong work ethic and willingness to learn are essential.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent required; an Associate’s degree or coursework in Environmental Science, Engineering Technology, or a related field is preferred.
• Familiarity with basic environmental concepts and willingness to learn industry standards and regulations.
• Strong attention to detail and ability to follow established protocols.
• Basic computer skills, including Microsoft Office and data entry.
• Effective communication skills and ability to work well as part of a team.
• Ability to work outdoors in varying weather conditions and perform physical tasks such as lifting equipment.

Responsibilities

• Assist with collecting soil, water, and air samples under the guidance of senior technicians or engineers.
• Support field monitoring activities, including equipment setup, calibration, and routine maintenance.
• Record and organize field data accurately and assist in preparing basic reports and logs.
• Follow established procedures for environmental testing and sampling to ensure reliable results.
• Help monitor construction and project sites for compliance with environmental standards, such as erosion control and waste management.

Skills

Outdoor work

Attention to detail

Team collaboration

Safety conscious

Strong work ethic

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Associate degree or coursework in environmental science/engineering tech (preferred)

Tools

MS Office

Field sampling equipment

Job description

At UES, we’re a team of more than 4,000 engineers, scientists, geologists, inspectors, technicians, and drillers united by a shared purpose—to make a meaningful impact in the communities we serve. As a national leader in geotechnical engineering, environmental consulting, and materials testing and inspection, we collaborate on transformative projects across transportation, energy, water, healthcare, and more. Learn more about the benefits of joining Team UES and our core values at careers.teamues.com.

Position Overview

Not Your Typical 9-to-5. Get Outdoors, Get Hands-On, and Make an Impact.

Are you someone who would rather be out in the field than sitting behind a desk? Do you enjoy hands‑on work, solving problems, and taking on new challenges?

UES is looking for an Environmental Field Technician who isn't afraid to roll up their sleeves, get dirty, and put in a hard day's work.

This isn't an office job, and no two days will look exactly alike. You'll work in a variety of environments, collect environmental samples, support field investigations, and help ensure projects meet important environmental standards.

Some days will be physically demanding. You'll work outdoors in heat, cold, rain, and other challenging conditions. You may encounter muddy terrain, uneven ground, and active construction sites. Occasional regional travel may also be required.

If you're dependable, safety-conscious, eager to learn, and take pride in doing quality work, this could be a great opportunity to build a career in environmental services.

What You'll Do

As an Environmental Field Technician, you'll work alongside experienced technicians, scientists, and engineers to support environmental investigations and monitoring activities.

Your responsibilities will include:

• Get hands‑on in the field: Collect soil, water, and air samples while following established sampling procedures.
• Support environmental investigations: Assist with field monitoring, equipment setup, calibration, and routine maintenance.
• Monitor project sites: Help evaluate construction and project sites for compliance with environmental standards, including erosion control and waste management practices.
• Document your work: Maintain accurate field notes, sampling records, testing information, and daily activity logs.
• Work with specialized equipment: Learn to operate and maintain environmental sampling and monitoring tools.
• Put safety first: Follow company safety procedures, environmental regulations, and established field protocols.
• Support the team: Assist with environmental reports, permit documentation, and other project‑related activities.

What We're Looking For

We're looking for individuals who bring a strong work ethic, a willingness to learn, and a positive attitude toward physically demanding work.

You’ll be a great fit if you:

• Enjoy working outdoors and don't mind getting dirty.
• Are comfortable performing physically demanding tasks in a variety of weather conditions.
• Have strong attention to detail and can follow established procedures.
• Are dependable, punctual, and take safety seriously.
• Can work independently while also contributing to a team.
• Are willing to learn new equipment, techniques, and environmental regulations.
• Can maintain accurate records and communicate clearly.
• Are comfortable with occasional regional travel.

Experience in environmental services, construction, utilities, landscaping, field sampling, or other hands‑on industries may be beneficial. Candidates with transferable skills and a willingness to learn are encouraged to apply.

The Reality of the Job

We believe in being upfront about what this position involves.

This role requires working indoors and outdoors, sometimes in physically challenging environments. You should be prepared for changing weather, uneven terrain, dirty conditions, and physically active workdays.

It’s not always easy work, but for someone who enjoys being active, working with their hands, and seeing the results of their efforts, it can be a rewarding career.

Responsibilities

• Assist with collecting soil, water, and air samples under the guidance of senior technicians or engineers.
• Support field monitoring activities, including equipment setup, calibration, and routine maintenance.
• Record and organize field data accurately and assist in preparing basic reports and logs.
• Follow established procedures for environmental testing and sampling to ensure reliable results.
• Help monitor construction and project sites for compliance with environmental standards, such as erosion control and waste management.
• Learn and apply safety standards, environmental regulations, and company policies in daily tasks.
• Maintain tools, equipment, and supplies used in field and laboratory work.
• Provide support in preparing documentation for permit applications and compliance reporting.
• Perform other duties as assigned to support project goals and company initiatives.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent required; an Associate’s degree or coursework in Environmental Science, Engineering Technology, or a related field is preferred.
• Familiarity with basic environmental concepts and willingness to learn industry standards and regulations.
• Strong attention to detail and ability to follow established protocols.
• Basic computer skills, including Microsoft Office and data entry.
• Effective communication skills and ability to work well as part of a team.
• Ability to work outdoors in varying weather conditions and perform physical tasks such as lifting equipment.

Travel Requirements

• This position requires extensive travel, approximately up to 70% of the time, in support of business objectives and client engagements. Travel may be both scheduled and on short notice, depending on project needs. Destinations typically include job sites, field locations, or regional offices, where work may be conducted in outdoor or operational environments. Adhereance to all company safety protocols and use of PPE is required during travel and on‑site work.

Physical Demands & Work Environment

• Work is primarily conducted outdoors with exposure to outdoor conditions, including:
  • Sites that may not be accessible by vehicle, requiring travel on foot through wetlands, swamps, grasslands, construction zones, and other uneven or rugged terrain with natural and man‑made obstacles such as sand, brush, and debris.
  • Moderate to loud noise levels due to lab equipment, field operations, and construction environments.
  • Exposure to dirt, dust, chemicals, sun, heat, humidity, and varying weather conditions as part of field sample collection and testing.
• Physical requirements include:
  • Ability to lift and carry between 35 and 75 lbs. over distances up to 75 feet, involving regular repetitive motion.
  • Ability to stand, walk, drive, and operate laboratory and field equipment for extended periods.
  • Ability to bend, twist, reach, stoop, pull, kneel, climb, balance, lift, carry, and push as required for laboratory and fieldwork.
  • Ability to use your senses to see (including close, distant, and peripheral vison, depth vision, and ability to focus) smell, hear, touch (use hands to reach climb or balance, crouch, stoop, crawl, kneel and sit).

EEO Statement

UES is an Equal Opportunity Employer and is proud to recruit the most qualified candidates. Please see our full EEO Statement at the bottom of the page here