Geotechnical Field Technician

ECS Group of Companies; Fort Worth (TX); On-site; USD 36,000 - 48,000; Full time

Job summary

ECS Group of Companies in Fort Worth, TX seeks a geotechnical technician to support field observations, sampling, and testing on active construction sites. You will document findings, assist with soil and material testing, and work under supervision to grow your skills in geotechnical practices.

Qualified candidates typically have a high school diploma and some lab/field experience; a BS in Civil Engineering is preferred.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED required; BS in Civil Engineering preferred.
• 0-2 years of experience in geotechnical field work or testing.
• Must be able to carry 40-70 lbs multiple times a day.

Responsibilities

• Layout borings and test pits using conventional surveying and GPS.
• Classify samples obtained from drilling operations.
• Perform routine field tests and assist in more complex tasks.
• Communicate daily with site contractors and project managers.
• Assist in data reduction of test results and drafting as required.
• Support testing of soils, aggregates, concrete, grout, and related materials.
• Participate in training programs and certifications as offered.

Skills

GPS surveying

DCP testing

Soil logging

Field observation

Education

High school diploma or GED

BS in Civil Engineering (ABET)

Tools

Nuclear density equipment

Hand auger borings

Job description

• Layout of borings and test pits by both conventional surveying and Global Positioning Systems [GPS], observation and classification of test pits and soils, the performance of hand auger borings, DCP testing, soil logging, and other geotechnical field work
• Office responsibilities include classification of samples obtained from drilling operations, reduction of GPS and other geotechnical data for utilization and production
• May also include department administrative duties
• May also work in the construction materials testing department
• In this capacity you will be working primarily on active construction sites involved with field observation, testing, sampling and inspection of soil, aggregates, concrete, grout, masonry, asphalt and structural steel placement. Note: All disciplines may not be encountered on every project.
• Under the direction of staff professionals/project managers, you will perform routine field and/or laboratory tests and assist in more complex tasks, as required
• May be involved with calculations and data reduction of test results and drafting, as required
• Daily communication is required with site contractors, other technicians and project managers
• ECS will train candidates in our methodology to perform observations, inspections and testing of building/construction projects and to document findings in accordance with accepted engineering practice, but you should have a sound understanding of construction practices
• As experience increases, ECS will encourage and aid technicians in increasing level of competence and skills through both internal and external training programs of certification provided by ACI, ASNT, AWS, ICC, NICET, NRCA, IIBEC, various State DOT’s, WACEL and others, as appropriate.
• Work Environment: The employee will be regularly exposed to outside weather conditions such as wet and/or humid environments, extreme cold and/or heat, dusty and noisy work environments. Noise levels will typically be moderate to moderately loud. You may also be exposed to high, precarious places. Some weekend and overtime work may be required; overnight travel may be required with this position.
• Physical Requirements: These physical demands are representative of what a technician may encounter in the field and are essential functions of the position. You will be involved primarily with field work on outside construction sites involving long term standing and perhaps repetitive motions. You must have the ability to use your hands to handle, finger or feel; reach, climb or balance; crouch, stoop, crawl, kneel and sit. You will have the ability to see and smell; including close, distance and peripheral vision, depth vision and ability to focus. You may be required to drive hundreds of miles per day. Lifting - The employee will regularly lift and/or move/shake up to 40 pounds [soil and/or concrete tests and related apparatus]; frequently lift and/or move up to 60-80 pounds [soils and sand samples, and nuclear density equipment]; and occasionally move more than 100 pounds [such as a loaded wheelbarrow of concrete samples]. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the position.
• High school diploma or GED; BS in Civil Engineering from an ABET accredited university preferred
• 0 - 2 years of experience
• This position requires carrying 40 - 70 lbs multiple times a day or occasionally lifting 85 lbs to waist height

• Layout of borings and test pits by both conventional surveying and Global Positioning Systems [GPS], observation and classification of test pits and soils, the performance of hand auger borings, DCP testing, soil logging, and other geotechnical field work
• Office responsibilities include classification of samples obtained from drilling operations, reduction of GPS and other geotechnical data for utilization and production
• May also include department administrative duties
• May also work in the construction materials testing department
• In this capacity you will be working primarily on active construction sites involved with field observation, testing, sampling and inspection of soil, aggregates, concrete, grout, masonry, asphalt and structural steel placement. Note: All disciplines may not be encountered on every project.
• Under the direction of staff professionals/project managers, you will perform routine field and/or laboratory tests and assist in more complex tasks, as required
• May be involved with calculations and data reduction of test results and drafting, as required
• Daily communication is required with site contractors, other technicians and project managers
• ECS will train candidates in our methodology to perform observations, inspections and testing of building/construction projects and to document findings in accordance with accepted engineering practice, but you should have a sound understanding of construction practices
• As experience increases, ECS will encourage and aid technicians in increasing level of competence and skills through both internal and external training programs of certification provided by ACI, ASNT, AWS, ICC, NICET, NRCA, IIBEC, various State DOT’s, WACEL and others, as appropriate.
• Work Environment: The employee will be regularly exposed to outside weather conditions such as wet and/or humid environments, extreme cold and/or heat, dusty and noisy work environments. Noise levels will typically be moderate to moderately loud. You may also be exposed to high, precarious places. Some weekend and overtime work may be required; overnight travel may be required with this position.
• Physical Requirements: These physical demands are representative of what a technician may encounter in the field and are essential functions of the position. You will be involved primarily with field work on outside construction sites involving long term standing and perhaps repetitive motions. You must have the ability to use your hands to handle, finger or feel; reach, climb or balance; crouch, stoop, crawl, kneel and sit. You will have the ability to see and smell; including close, distance and peripheral vision, depth vision and ability to focus. You may be required to drive hundreds of miles per day. Lifting - The employee will regularly lift and/or move/shake up to 40 pounds [soil and/or concrete tests and related apparatus]; frequently lift and/or move up to 60-80 pounds [soils and sand samples, and nuclear density equipment]; and occasionally move more than 100 pounds [such as a loaded wheelbarrow of concrete samples]. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the position.
• High school diploma or GED; BS in Civil Engineering from an ABET accredited university preferred
• 0 - 2 years of experience
• This position requires carrying 40 - 70 lbs multiple times a day or occasionally lifting 85 lbs to waist height

Military Qualifications

• The following US Military ranks will qualify for this position IF they also meet the education requirements from the above section titled \"Required Qualifications\":
• E-4

ECS Group of Companies (ECS) was founded 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.