Geotechnical Internship (Level 1)

ECS Group of Companies; Buffalo Grove (IL); On-site; USD 32,000 - 42,000; Full time

Job summary

ECS Group of Companies in Buffalo Grove, IL seeks a field technician to assist geotechnical fieldwork and subsurface exploration. You will support drilling operations scheduling, utility clearances, and the preparation of field plans and logs.

Responsibilities include performing boring layouts with GPS equipment, observing soil samples, and assisting with lab testing as needed. This role requires outdoor work and teamwork.

Qualifications

• Pursuing degree in Civil Engineering or related field.
• 0 years of related experience.
• One certification must be completed within 90 days; all basic certifications within 270 days (Radiation Safety, Soils I, Concrete I).
• If driving for ECS, a valid driver’s license is required.
• Strong communication skills (verbal and written).
• Dependable, detail-oriented, and organized work ethic.
• Ability to work both independently and as part of a team.
• Ability to follow directions and work under close supervision.
• Basic problem-solving and observational skills.
• Willingness to work in outdoor environments and field conditions.

Responsibilities

• Assists with geotechnical fieldwork and subsurface exploration activities.
• Supports scheduling and coordination of drilling operations.
• Assists with obtaining utility clearances and evaluating site access.
• Supports preparation of drilling instructions and field plans.
• Performs boring and test pit layout using conventional surveying and GPS equipment.
• Assists in observation and classification of soil samples and test pits.
• Supports preparation of boring logs and location diagrams.
• Performs hand auger borings to obtain soil samples and subsurface information.
• Assists with site seismic testing and other field investigations.
• Observes foundation construction and ground improvement activities.
• Assists with laboratory testing activities as needed.
• Documents field observations and supports data collection efforts.
• Performs other field or project support tasks as assigned.

Skills

Communication

Detail-oriented

Teamwork

Independent work

Outdoor work

Follow directions

Education

Pursuing Civil Engineering or related field

Tools

GPS equipment

surveying instruments

Job description

• Assists with geotechnical fieldwork and subsurface exploration activities
• Supports scheduling and coordination of drilling operations
• Assists with obtaining utility clearances and evaluating site access
• Supports preparation of drilling instructions and field plans
• Performs boring and test pit layout using conventional surveying and GPS equipment
• Assists in observation and classification of soil samples and test pits
• Supports preparation of boring logs and location diagrams
• Performs hand auger borings to obtain soil samples and subsurface information
• Assists with site seismic testing and other field investigations
• Observes foundation construction and ground improvement activities
• Assists with laboratory testing activities as needed
• Documents field observations and supports data collection efforts
• Performs other field or project support tasks as assigned

Responsibilities

• Assists with geotechnical fieldwork and subsurface exploration activities
• Supports scheduling and coordination of drilling operations
• Assists with obtaining utility clearances and evaluating site access
• Supports preparation of drilling instructions and field plans
• Performs boring and test pit layout using conventional surveying and GPS equipment
• Assists in observation and classification of soil samples and test pits
• Supports preparation of boring logs and location diagrams
• Performs hand auger borings to obtain soil samples and subsurface information
• Assists with site seismic testing and other field investigations
• Observes foundation construction and ground improvement activities
• Assists with laboratory testing activities as needed
• Documents field observations and supports data collection effortsupdates
• Performs other field or project support tasks as assigned

Required Qualifications

• 0 years of related experience
• Must be pursuing an Associate, Bachelor, or Master degree in Civil Engineering, or other degree related to our services
• One certification must be completed within the 90-day introductory period, and all basic certifications must be completed within 270 days of employment, including: Radiation Safety, Soils I, and Concrete I
• 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 both independently and as part of a team
• Ability to follow directions and work under close supervision
• Basic problem-solving and observational skills
• Willingness to work in outdoor environments and field conditions

Military Qualifications

• The following US Military ranks would qualify for this position:
• 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 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.