Geotechnical Co-op

ECS Group of Companies; Frederick (MD); On-site; USD 2,046,000 - 2,914,000; Full time

Job summary

ECS Group of Companies is seeking a motivated Geotechnical Field Technician to support field investigations in Frederick, MD. You will assist with subsurface exploration, boring layouts, soil sampling, and basic lab work under supervision, maintaining equipment and documenting observations along the way.

The role emphasizes safety, teamwork, and meticulous data collection, with certifications targeted within introductory periods and a valid driver’s license required for ECS-related travel.

Qualifications

• Currently pursuing a Civil Engineering or related degree; no experience required.
• Certifications must be completed within stated introductory period; driver license required if driving for ECS.
• Strong communication skills and dependable, detail-oriented work ethic.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team; follow directions under supervision.

Responsibilities

• Assists with geotechnical fieldwork and subsurface exploration activities.
• Supports obtaining utility clearances and preparing drilling instructions.
• Performs boring layout and test pit layout using surveying methods and GPS.
• Observes and classifies soils and test pits; prepares boring logs and location diagrams.
• Performs hand auger borings to obtain soil samples and subsurface data.
• Assists with specialized testing (e.g., Pile Driving Analyzer, seismic testing).
• Observes foundation construction and ground improvement activities; supports basic analysis and recommendations.
• Assists with laboratory testing of soils and concrete materials; interprets data and supports reports.
• Maintains field and laboratory equipment and documents observations accurately.

Skills

Communication skills

Detail-oriented

Organized

Teamwork

Independent work

Problem-solving

Education

Pursuing Civil Engineering degree or related field

Tools

GPS

Job description

Responsibilities

• Assists with geotechnical fieldwork and subsurface exploration activities
• Supports obtaining utility clearances and preparing drilling instructions
• Performs boring and test pit layout using conventional surveying and GPS
• Observes and classifies soils and test pits
• Assists in preparing boring logs and location diagrams
• Performs hand auger borings to obtain soil samples and subsurface data
• Assists with specialized testing (e.g., Pile Driving Analyzer testing, seismic testing)
• Observes foundation construction and ground improvement activities
• Supports basic foundation analysis and engineering recommendations
• Assists with laboratory testing of soils and concrete materials
• Interprets test data and supports preparation of reports or summaries under supervision
• Maintains field and laboratory equipment and work areas
• Documents field and laboratory observations accurately
• Performs other field, laboratory, or project support tasks as assigned

Required Qualifications

• 0 years of related experience
• Actively pursuing a degree in Civil Engineering, or other related degree
• One certification must be completed within the 90-day introductory period, and all basic certifications must be completed within 270 days of employment
• Certifications applicable to the work performed are required
• 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 as part of a team
• Ability to follow directions and work under supervisionBasic problem-solving and observational skills
• Willingness to work in outdoor field environments and laboratory settings

Military Qualifications

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

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 building science + infrastructure consulting services. We are employee-owned with more than 3,00 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 #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.