Geotechnical Internship (Level 1)

ECS Group of Companies; North Charleston (SC); On-site; USD 38,000 - 52,000; Full time

Job summary

ECS Group of Companies is seeking a motivated student or entry-level professional to support geotechnical fieldwork and subsurface exploration in the Charleston area. The role involves assisting with drilling operations, utility clearances, and field planning under supervision.

You will help with boring layouts, soil sampling, and logging while gaining hands-on experience with surveying tools and field methods. This position emphasizes safety, data collection, and teamwork on outdoor projects.

Qualifications

• Pursuing an engineering-related degree is required.
• Must have or be pursuing a civil engineering or related field of study.
• Driver's license is required if driving for ECS duties.
• Candidate should be reliable, organized and able to work under supervision.

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.
• Assists in observing and classifying 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.

Skills

Strong communication skills

Detail-oriented

Team player

Follow directions

Outdoor work willingness

Education

Pursuing Associate/Bachelor/Master in Civil Engineering or related field

Active driver's license

Tools

GPS equipment

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.