Geotechnical Field Engineer

Terracon; Plymouth (MN); On-site; USD 68,000 - 82,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

ESOP

401(k) with company match

Paid time off

Paid holidays

Wellbeing resources

Career development opportunities

Job summary

Terracon in Minnesota is hiring an Entry-Level Geotechnical Engineer to join our growing Geotechnical Department. Spring 2027 start date. We are an employee-owned company with a safety-first culture, technical excellence, and commitment to developing future leaders.

You will work with experienced professionals on a range of geotechnical projects and contribute to our Minnesota operations. You will support projects for federal agencies, railroads, electric utilities, power facilities, and

Qualifications

• Field investigations and data collection on geotechnical sites.
• Performing site observations and basic engineering analyses.
• Prepare routine calculations and assist in proposals.

Responsibilities

• Follow safety rules and participate in pre-task planning.
• Understand and practice quality acumen in proposals and projects.
• Develop engineering professional through assigned tasks.
• Perform field observation, testing, drilling support, and construction oversight.
• Coordinate with contractors, project managers, drill crews, and utility reps.
• Travel to project sites and work outdoors in various conditions.
• Evaluate routine laboratory and field data for reports.
• Consult with technical staff and supervisors on projects.
• Draft routine proposals and assist with complex proposals.

Skills

Field investigations

Drilling support

Engineering calculations

Report writing

Education

Bachelor's degree in Civil/Geotechnical Engineering

Geotechnical emphasis preferred

Job description

General Responsibilities:

Join Terracon’s growing Geotechnical Department in Minnesota as an Entry-Level Geotechnical Engineer. The expected start date for this role would be in the Spring 2027. This role offers an exciting opportunity to launch your career with an employee-owned company known for its safety-first culture, technical excellence, and commitment to developing future leaders. You will work alongside experienced professionals on a diverse range of geotechnical projects while contributing to the continued growth of our Minnesota operations.

In this role, you will support a variety of geotechnical projects including federal agencies, railroads, electric utilities, power generation facilities, renewable energy developments, and transmission and distribution infrastructure projects. Tasks will include performing field investigations, evaluating subsurface conditions, and providing engineering recommendations that help clients design and construct safe, reliable infrastructure. Working alongside experienced geotechnical professionals, you will gain hands‑on experience with drilling and sampling programs, field observations, laboratory testing, foundation recommendations, earthwork evaluations, and construction support services.

Terracon anticipates the starting salary range for this job opportunity will be from $68,420.00 to $82,060. Compensation is determined based on relevant experience to the role. Additional details on the salary range for this job at Terracon can be found further below in this posting.

Comprehensive benefits package including medical, dental, vision, 401(k) with company match, employee ownership (ESOP), paid time off, paid holidays, wellbeing resources, and career development opportunities.

Essential Roles and Responsibilities:

• Follow safety rules, guidelines and standards for all projects. Participate in pre-task planning. Report any safety issues or concerns to management


• Understand and practice quality acumen. Support consistent quality standards on proposal and project delivery.


• Developing engineering professional; assignments are designed to develop knowledge and abilities.


• Perform field observation, testing, drilling support, and construction oversight activities in active industrial, transportation, utility, and energy environments.


• Coordinate and team with contractors, project managers, drill crews, utility representatives to support safe and efficient project execution.


• Travel to project sites throughout the region and work outdoors in varying weather, terrain, and site conditions.


• Evaluate mostly routine laboratory and field data for inclusion in reports.


• Consult with other technical people and supervisors on routine and less complex projects.


• Perform basic calculations and engineering analysis


• Draft routine proposals and assists in the preparation of more complex proposals.

Requirements:

• Bachelor's degree in Civil Engineering, Geotechnical Engineering, Geological Engineering, or related engineering discipline required. Civil Engineering with a geotechnical emphasis is preferred.


• Valid driver’s license with acceptable violation history.


• Provide field oversight and support for geotechnical and environmental drilling operations, including soil sampling, instrumentation installation, and site characterization activities.


• Participate in and adhere to all client, regulatory, and company safety requirements, including federal, railroad, utility, and power-sector safety programs.


• Must be able to obtain and maintain a Department of Transportation (DOT) Medical Examiner's Certificate (Medical Card) as required to support drilling operations, operate designated commercial vehicles, and access certain project sites.


• Ability to successfully complete client-required background checks, safety training, railroad roadway worker protection training, utility contractor qualification programs, and site‑specific access requirements when applicable.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Engineering Intern (Engineer in Training) (Or ability to obtain)