Geotechnical Internship (Level 1)

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

Job summary

ECS Mid-Atlantic, LLC is seeking a field technician to support geotechnical fieldwork and subsurface exploration in Chesapeake, VA. You will assist with drilling scheduling, site access, boring operations, and logging soil samples, gaining hands-on experience in a dynamic field environment.

Ideal candidates are pursuing an Associate, Bachelor, or Master degree in Civil Engineering or related fields, with strong communication skills and a willingness to work outdoors under supervision.

Qualifications

• Pursuing an Associate, Bachelor, or Master degree in Civil Engineering or related field.
• Demonstrates strong communication, reliability, and organizational skills.
• Willingness to work outdoors and in field conditions; ability to follow directions under supervision.

Responsibilities

• Assist with geotechnical fieldwork and subsurface exploration.
• Support drilling operations scheduling and coordination.
• Assist with obtaining utility clearances and evaluating site access.
• Assist in preparing drilling instructions and field plans.
• Perform boring and test pit layout using surveying and GPS equipment.
• Assist in observation and classification of soil samples and test pits.
• Assist in documenting field observations and data collection.

Skills

Strong communication

Dependable and detail-oriented

Teamwork

Follow directions

Problem solving

Outdoor/field readiness

Education

Pursuing Civil Engineering or related degree (Associate/Bachelor/Master)

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.