Environmental Internship (Level 1)

Engineering Consulting Service; Buffalo Grove (IL); On-site; USD 26,000 - 30,000; Full time

Job summary

ECS Group of Companies in Buffalo Grove, IL is seeking an entry-level field technician to support environmental projects in the field and outdoors, across varying weather conditions. You will assist with site inspections, sampling, field documentation, and prepare daily reports describing site activities.

The role requires pursuing an environmental-related degree, strong communication skills, dependability, and the ability to work independently or in a team.

Qualifications

• Pursuing an Associate, Bachelor, or Master degree in Civil Engineering, Environmental Science, or related field.
• Ability to drive (if operating on ECS subsidiary) a valid driver's license is required.
• Strong communication skills (verbal and written).
• Willingness to work in field and office environments and in varying weather conditions.

Responsibilities

• Performs field-based monitoring activities on environmental projects.
• Works outdoors in varying weather and site conditions.
• Assists with environmental site inspections, sampling support, and field documentation.
• Prepares clear and concise daily field reports describing site activities.
• Communicates with contractors, technicians, and project staff.
• Assists with environmental site assessments, wetland delineations, groundwater and soil investigations, remediation system installation and monitoring, and industrial hygiene activities (asbestos, LBP, IAQ).

Skills

Communication

Attention to detail

Organizational skills

Teamwork

Independence

Geotechnical field methods

Data interpretation

Education

Bachelors/Masters in Civil Engineering or Environmental Science or related field

Job description

What You'll Do

• Performs field-based monitoring activities on environmental projects
• Works primarily outdoors in varying weather and site conditions
• Assists with:
  • Environmental site inspections
  • Sampling support
  • Field documentation
• Prepares clear and concise daily field reports describing site activities
• Communicates with contractors, technicians, and project staff
• Assists with:
  • Environmental site assessments
  • Wetland delineations
  • Groundwater and soil investigations
  • Remediation system installation and monitoring
  • Industrial hygiene activities (asbestos, LBP, IAQ)

What We're Looking For

Required Qualifications

• 0 years of related experience
• Must be pursuing an Associate, Bachelor, or Master degree in Civil Engineering, Environmental Science, or other degree related to our services
• If driving for or on behalf of any ECS subsidiary, a valid driver's license is required
• Strong communication skills (verbal and written)
• Dependable, detail-oriented, and organized work ethic
• Ability to work independently and within a team environment
• Ability to follow directions with minimal supervision
• Working knowledge of geotechnical field investigation and testing methods
• Basic ability to interpret field data and observations
• Developing problem-solving and analytical skills
• Willingness to work in both field and office environments

Military Requirements

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

The expected pay range for this role and location is $19-$22/hour. The final agreed-upon compensation will be determined based on specific location and other individual qualifications.

Who We Are

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 building science + infrastructure consulting services. We are employee-owned with more than 3,200 employees in 125 offices and testing facilities coast to coast. ECS is currently ranked #60 in Engineering News-Record’s Top 500 Design Firms (April 2026), #144 in Engineering News-Record’s Top 200 Environmental Firms (October 2026) and #38 in Zweig Group’s Hot Firm List (June 2026). For additional information about ECS, visit: www.ecslimited.com.

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