Geotechnical Field Technician (Santa Barbara)

Earth Systems; Santa Barbara (CA); On-site; USD 34,000 - 52,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive pay

Medical/Vision/Dental plans

Life and AD&D coverage

Long-term disability insurance

Generous PTO

Paid holidays

Employee Assistance Program

401(k) with employer match

Flexible Spending Accounts

Health Savings Account

Certification/reimbursement

Job summary

Earth Systems, based in Santa Barbara, seeks a Geotechnical Field Technician to support field investigations, data collection, and sample analysis for geotechnical engineering projects. You will work with engineers, geologists, and project managers across multiple sites, ensuring accurate reporting and adherence to safety standards.

The role offers hands-on fieldwork, detailed data collection, and opportunities to develop expertise in geotechnical testing, materials inspection, and report

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent is required.
• B.S. in Geology, Civil Engineering, or Environmental Science preferred but not required.
• ACI certifications include Aggregate Testing Technician, Aggregate/Soils Base Testing Technician, Concrete Strength Testing Technician, Concrete-Field Testing Technician.
• NICET: Construction Materials Testing: Asphalt, Concrete, Soils.
• Caltrans: JTCP Soils and Aggregate; JTCP HMA I & II.
• Nuclear gauge certification.
• DSA and AWS CWI certifications are a plus.
• Prior geotechnical fieldwork/related construction experience preferred.
• Must be familiar with Microsoft programs.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Conduct fieldwork related to soils engineering and testing, including compaction testing.
• Observe grading activities and foundation construction, sample materials, and perform special inspection.
• Record field data and prepare daily field reports and formal reports per Earth Systems’ protocols.
• Collaborate with engineers, geologists, and project managers to meet specifications.
• Ensure safety regulations and industry standards are followed.
• Operate and maintain field testing equipment and calibrate devices.
• Demonstrate safety culture and assist team as needed.

Skills

Attention to detail

Written communication

Team collaboration

Independent work

Microsoft Office

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

B.S. in Geology, Civil Engineering, or Environmental Science

Tools

ACI certifications

NICET: Construction Materials Testing

Caltrans: JTCP Soils and Aggregate

Caltrans: JTCP HMA I & II

Nuclear gauge certification

DSA and AWS CWI certifications

Job description

Description

Earth Systems: Your Trusted Partner in Geotechnical Excellence

With a rich history of providing a full spectrum of geotechnical, geology, environmental consulting, materials testing, and special inspection services since 1969, Earth Systems is deeply rooted within our communities. Our foundation is our people. We embrace our diverse staff of highly skilled professionals who have a wide range of backgrounds, experience, and talents. At each of our 10 offices throughout California, we foster a collaborative teamwork environment and empower our team with the freedom to steer their projects and career paths.

“If you want to better your situation, join Earth Systems. The company that cares. I love my job and the people are amazing!” – Manny, Field Technician

Step into a position where your passion and expertise can thrive and see why our average employee tenure is over 11 years!

Earth Systems is seeking a motivated and detail-oriented Geotechnical Field Technician for our Santa Barbara operations. The ideal candidate will assist in field investigations, data collection, and sample analysis to support geotechnical engineering projects.

Qualifications:

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• B.S. in Geology, Civil Engineering, or Environmental Science preferred, but not required
• ACI certifications: Aggregate Testing Technician, Aggregate/Soils Base Testing Technician, Concrete Strength Testing Technician, Concrete-Field Testing Technician
• NICET: Construction Materials Testing: Asphalt, Concrete, Soils.
• Caltrans: JTCP Soils and Aggregate; JTCP HMA I & II.
• Nuclear gauge certification
• DSA and AWS CWI certifications are a plus.
• Prior experience in geotechnical fieldwork or related construction experience is preferred.
• Must be familiar with Microsoft programs.
• Math, analytical, and writing skills are required and must be willing to “learn by doing.”
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• A good work ethic, attention to detail, and a high level of personal integrity.
• Must have reliable transportation and a clean driving record

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Fieldwork related to soils engineering and construction, including compaction testing of soils, aggregates, and asphalt
• Observation of grading activities and foundation construction, identification and sampling of construction materials, and special inspection of concrete, masonry, and steel
• Record field data and prepare daily field reports and formal reports in accordance with Earth Systems’ report protocols and procedures.
• Collaborate with engineers, geologists, and project managers to ensure project specifications are met.
• Ensure compliance with safety regulations and industry standards.
• Operate and maintain field testing equipment, perform troubleshooting, and maintain calibration of equipment.
• Demonstrate the company's safety behaviors by following safety protocols and promoting a safety culture among team members.
• Perform other related duties and responsibilities as assigned.

Availability to commute/relocate:

• Reliably commute or plan to relocate prior to starting work (Required)

What we offer

:

• Competitive salary
• Bundled Medical/Vision/Dental Plan options (including a 100% Employer Paid plan option & up to 50% dependent paid)
• Employer sponsored life and AD&D coverage
• Employer sponsored long-term disability insurance
• Generous PTO
• Paid holidays
• Employee Assistance Program
• 401(k) retirement plan with employer matching
• Flexible Spending Accounts
• Health Savings Account
• Certification/continuing education reimbursement

Join us at Earth Systems and be a part of a team that values excellence in geotechnical engineering!

The expected pay range for this position is $25.00-38.00. Exact rate is dependent on several factors such as experience, skills, education/certifications, and geographic location.

Employment conditioned upon the satisfactory completion of a background check, review of Motor Vehicle Records, drug screening, and a medical evaluation appropriate to the position.

Earth Systems is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer under Section 503 and VEVRAA.

Earth Systems provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.