Field Technician I

UES; Ashland (VA); On-site; USD 28,000 - 34,000; Full time

Job summary

UES is seeking a hands-on Field Technician to support civil, geotechnical, and materials testing projects across construction sites. You will gain practical experience in testing concrete, soils, asphalt, and aggregates, while learning field data systems and reporting workflows.

This entry-level role emphasizes safety, accuracy, and teamwork in a fast-paced environment. You’ll travel extensively to job sites, adapt to changing weather, and build your technical knowledge through on-the-job

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent is required; coursework in construction or geology is a plus.
• 0–3 years of field-based outdoor experience is preferred.
• OSHA safety standards and PPE training are expected.

Responsibilities

• Perform field testing and inspections of concrete, soil, asphalt, and aggregates.
• Verify construction work and materials meet standards.
• Work independently at job sites while coordinating with project teams.
• Capture accurate field observations and test results using field data tools.
• Maintain testing equipment and company vehicle readiness.
• Pursue on-the-job training and industry certification opportunities.
• Follow safety practices on active construction sites.

Skills

Self-directed

Curious learner

Tech-savvy

Strong communicator

Dependable

Outdoor work

Time management

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Vocational training or related coursework

ACI Level 1 Concrete Testing

Tools

Microsoft Office Suite

Field Data Collection (FDC) software

Job description

Overview

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

Interested in civil engineering, construction, geology, or simply looking for a hands‑on career where you can learn valuable technical skills?

We’re Looking For Someone Who Is

• Self-directed. You’re comfortable taking ownership of assignments and working independently in the field.
• Curious. You want to learn how construction and engineering come together in the real world.
• Tech‑savvy. You’re comfortable learning new apps, field data systems, and digital tools.
• A strong communicator. You can provide clear updates and communicate professionally with contractors, clients, and teammates.
• Dependable. When a project needs you on site, your team can count on you.
• Comfortable working outdoors. You enjoy hands‑on work and can adapt to changing job‑site and weather conditions.

Responsibilities

You’ll receive hands‑on experience working directly on active construction and infrastructure projects. You will:

• Perform field testing and inspections involving concrete, soil, asphalt, aggregate, and other construction materials
• Help verify that construction work and materials meet project and industry standards
• Work independently at job sites while staying connected with project managers, contractors, and field teams
• Capture accurate field observations and test results using modern technology and field data tools
• Care for testing equipment and your assigned company vehicle so you’re ready for each day's projects
• Build your technical knowledge through hands‑on training and industry certification opportunities
• Follow established safety practices while working on active construction sites

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent required; vocational training or coursework in construction, engineering, geology, or a related field is a plus.
• 0-3 years of experience in a field-based, outdoor, or physically demanding role preferred (construction, materials testing, geotechnical, or related industry experience is a plus).
• Valid driver’s license with an acceptable driving record; ability to operate company-assigned vehicles safely.
• Industry certifications as applicable such as ACI Level 1 Concrete Testing, or ability to obtain within a specified time period.
• Commitment to workplace safety, following OSHA standards and company safety policies, including the proper use of personal protective equipment (PPE).
• Basic computer proficiency, including experience with Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, Outlook) and Field Data Collection (FDC) software or similar industry tools.
• Mathematical skills sufficient to add, subtract, multiply, and divide into all units of measure using whole numbers, common fractions, and decimals.
• Ability to read, write, and interpret blueprints, procedures, manuals, technical documents, and reports related to drilling, safety, and project requirements.
• Efficient time management, organizational, and problem‑solving skills, with the ability to complete tasks efficiently and accurately.
• Attention to detail to ensure accurate sample collection, testing procedures, and documentation.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively, demonstrating a strong work ethic and commitment to producing high‑quality results.
• Flexibility to work varying schedules, including early mornings, weekends, overtime, and potential overnight travel as project demands require.

Preferred Qualifications

Experience in construction, materials testing, or another outdoor/hands‑on environment is helpful, but not required.

A degree or coursework in civil engineering, geology, construction, or a related field, or construction‑focused trade school experience, is a plus. Just as important is a genuine interest in building a career in construction or civil engineering.

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. Adherence to all company safety protocols and use of PPE is required during travel and on‑site work.

Physical Demands & Work Environment

This position primarily works in an outdoor work environment, regularly exposed to varying field conditions, including:

• Sites that may not be accessible by vehicle, requiring travel on foot through wetlands, swamps, grasslands, fields, and other uneven or rugged terrain with natural and man‑made obstacles such as sand, brush, and debris.
• Moderate to loud noise levels, common in active construction and industrial environments.
• Exposure to environmental elements including dirt, dust, sun, heat, humidity, and adverse weather conditions.

The physical requirements for this position may include and are not limited to:

• Ability to lift and/or carry 35 to 50 lbs. up to 75 feet, involving regular repetitive motion.
• Ability to stand, walk, drive, and operate equipment for extended periods.
• Frequent use of hands and arms for typing, handling tools, and operating equipment.
• Ability to bend, twist, reach, stoop, pull, kneel, climb, balance, lift, carry, and push as required for fieldwork and inspections.
• Ability to speak and hear effectively to communicate in noisy environments and with project teams.
• Ability to use your senses to see (including close, distant, and peripheral vision, 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.