Geotechnical Internship (Level 1)

Engineering Consulting Service; North Charleston (SC); On-site; USD 25,000 - 33,000; Full time

Job summary

ECS Group of Companies in North Charleston, SC is seeking an entry-level geotechnical field technician to support field investigations and drilling operations. You will assist with boring layouts, soil sampling, and data documentation, working on site under supervision.

This role offers hands-on training and exposure to multiple geotechnical disciplines across our nationwide network. Applicants pursuing Civil Engineering degrees will find growth opportunities within ECS.

Qualifications

• 0 years of related experience.
• Pursuing an Associate, Bachelor, or Master degree in Civil Engineering or related field.
• Certification within 90 days and all basic certifications within 270 days (Radiation Safety, Soils I, Concrete I).
• Valid driver's license if driving for ECS subsidiaries.
• Strong communication, dependable, detail-oriented, and organized.
• Able to work independently and as part of a team; follow directions under supervision.
• Willingness to work in outdoor environments and field conditions.
• US Military rank E-4 qualifies.

Responsibilities

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

Skills

Strong communication skills

Detail-oriented

Teamwork

Independent work

Follow directions

Outdoor work

Driver's license

Education

Pursuing Civil Engineering degree

Other related field degree

Certifications within 90/270 days (Radiation Safety, Soils I, Concrete I)

Tools

GPS equipment

Surveying equipment

Boring logs preparation

Field testing equipment

Job description

What You'll Do

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

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

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 3,00 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.