Geotechnical Internship (Level 1)

ECS Mid-Atlantic, LLC; Charlottesville (VA); On-site; USD 22,000 - 25,000; Full time

Job summary

ECS Mid-Atlantic, LLC is seeking a candidate to support geotechnical fieldwork and subsurface exploration in Charlottesville, VA. You will assist with drilling operations, site access, boring layouts, and field data collection under supervision.

The role requires pursuing a Civil Engineering-related degree, 0 years of experience, and willingness to work outdoors. A valid driver's license and strong communication skills are needed for success in this field team.

Qualifications

• Pursuing an Associate, Bachelor, or Master degree in Civil Engineering or related field.
• 0 years of related experience.
• Valid driver’s license required if driving for ECS.
• Strong communication, dependable, detail-oriented and organized work ethic.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Willingness to work in outdoor 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 surveying and GPS equipment.
• Observes soil samples and test pits; assists with logs and location diagrams.
• Performs hand auger borings to obtain soil samples.
• Assists with seismic testing and other field investigations.
• Observes foundation construction and ground improvement activities.
• Participates in laboratory testing as needed; documents observations.

Skills

Communication skills

Detail-oriented

Organized

Team player

Education

Civil Engineering degree

Tools

GPS equipment

Surveying instruments

Job description

What You'll Do

• 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

What We're Looking For

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

The expected pay range for this role and location is $16-$18/hour. The final agreed‑upon compensation will be determined based on specific location and other individual qualifications.

Who We Are

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 3,200 employees in 125 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.