Geotechnical Co-Op

ECS Group of Companies; Lexington (SC); On-site; USD 36,000 - 52,000; Full time

Job summary

ECS Group of Companies is seeking an entry-level field technician to assist with geotechnical fieldwork and subsurface exploration across projects in the United States. You will gain hands-on experience in boring, logging, and basic testing under supervision.

Role emphasizes outdoor field environments and laboratory work, with structured training and certification timelines. You will document observations, support engineering recommendations, and learn to prepare reports for client teams.

Qualifications

• Must be actively pursuing a Civil Engineering or related degree.
• One certification must be completed within the 90-day introductory period, and all basic certifications within 270 days of employment.
• Valid driver’s license required if driving for ECS subsidiary.

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.

Skills

Communication

Dependable

Teamwork

Follow directions

Problem-solving

Outdoor work

Degree pursuit

Certification within 90/270 days

Education

Civil Engineering degree pursuit

Job description

• 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

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 supervision
• Basic 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

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.