Geotechnical Internship (Level 1)

Engineering Consulting Service; Roanoke (VA); On-site; USD 25,000 - 28,000; Full time

Job summary

ECS Group of Companies in Roanoke, VA seeks a motivated student or recent graduate to support geotechnical fieldwork and subsurface exploration. You will assist with drilling operations, logging soils, and preparing field plans under close supervision, gaining hands-on experience in outdoor environments and data collection.

This entry-level role emphasizes teamwork, strong communication, and safety. You will learn to coordinate schedules, obtain utility clearances, and document observations

Qualifications

• Pursuing an Associate, Bachelor, or Master degree in Civil Engineering or related field.
• Basic certifications required within specified periods (Radiation Safety, Soils I, Concrete I).
• Valid driver's license if driving for ECS.
• Strong communication, dependable and organized work ethic.
• Ability to work independently and in a team.
• Willingness to work outdoors in field conditions.

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.
• Perform boring and test pit layout using conventional surveying and GPS equipment.
• Assist in observation and classification of soil samples and test pits.
• Support preparation of boring logs and location diagrams.
• Perform hand auger borings to obtain soil samples and subsurface information.
• Assist with site seismic testing and other field investigations.
• Observe foundation construction and ground improvement activities.
• Assist with laboratory testing activities as needed.
• Document field observations and support data collection efforts.
• Perform other field or project support tasks.

Skills

Fieldwork

Geotechnical

Communication

Teamwork

Outdoor work

Documentation

Surveying basics

Problem-solving

Driving

Education

Civil Engineering-related degree

Tools

GPS equipment

Surveying equipment

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 $18-$20/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 3,00 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. To learn more, click here.