Geophysical Technician

Engineering Consulting Service; Chantilly (VA); On-site; USD 27,552 - 39,716; Full time

Job summary

ECS Group of Companies seeks a hands-on field technician to assist with geotechnical and geophysical instrumentation on project sites in Virginia. You will support monitoring activities with inclinometers, total stations, prisms, leveling equipment, water level meters, and seismographs.

Daily you will collect field data under supervision, communicate site conditions to contractors and project managers, and help prepare daily reports and basic data processing.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED required.
• An Associate's degree in science, engineering, or a related field is a plus.
• Valid driver’s license if driving for ECS subsidiaries.

Responsibilities

• Assist with installation of geotechnical and geophysical instrumentation.
• Support monitoring using inclinometers, total stations, prisms, leveling equipment, water level meters, and seismographs.
• Perform routine monitoring and field data collection under supervision.
• Communicate daily with contractors, technicians, and project managers about site conditions.
• Report changes in site conditions or testing needs to supervisors.
• Attend project meetings with senior staff as requested.
• Document field observations and prepare daily field reports.
• Support data reduction, calculations, and documentation tasks.
• Use electronic devices for data entry, reporting, and communication.
• Organize, maintain, and track field equipment.
• Notify supervisors of damaged or missing equipment.
• Assist with related geotechnical field or office tasks (layout, soil classification, basic testing support).
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Skills

Communication

Team player

Attention to detail

Basic math

Follow directions

Electronic devices

Reading maps

Travel ready

Driver's license

Lifting 85 lb

Education

High school diploma or GED

Associate's degree in science/engineering (plus)

Job description

Responsibilities

• Assists with installation of geotechnical and geophysical instrumentation on project sites
• Supports monitoring activities using instruments such as inclinometers, total stations, prisms, leveling equipment, water level meters, and seismographs
• Performs routine monitoring and field data collection under supervision
• Communicates daily with contractors, technicians, and project managers regarding site conditions
• Reports changes in site conditions or additional testing needs to supervisors
• Assists in attending project meetings with senior staff as requested
• Documents field observations and prepares daily field reports accurately
• Supports basic calculations, data reduction, and documentation tasks
• Uses electronic devices for data entry, reporting, and communication
• Assists with organization, maintenance, and tracking of field equipment
• Notifies supervisors of damaged or missing equipment
• Assists with related geotechnical field or office tasks (e.g., layout, soil classification, basic testing support)
• Performs other duties as assigned

Qualifications

• 0 years of related experience
• High school diploma or GED required
  • An Associate's degree in science, engineering, or a related field is a plus
• If driving for, or on behalf of, any ECS subsidiary, a valid driver’s license is required
• Strong communication skills (verbal and written)
• Dependable, self-motivated, and detail-oriented work ethic
• Basic math skills
• Ability to follow directions and work under close supervision
• Basic proficiency with electronic devices (phones, tablets, laptops)
• Ability to read maps, follow directions, and interpret engineering or construction plans
• Ability to work effectively as part of a team in field environments
• Ability to lift up to 85 pounds multiple times per day
• Willingness to travel, including overnight and extended assignments

Military Qualifications

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

The expected pay range for this role and location is $20-$28.83/hour. The final agreed-upon compensation will be determined based on specific location and other individual qualifications.

About Us

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.