Geotechnical Internship (Level 1)

Engineering Consulting Service; Tempe (AZ); On-site; USD 25,000 - 30,000; Full time

Job summary

ECS Group of Companies is seeking a field internship/entry-level position in Tempe, AZ. You will assist geotechnical fieldwork, coordinate drilling operations, and help prepare field plans and logs. This role offers hands-on experience in subsurface exploration and data collection under supervision.

Ideal candidates are pursuing a Civil Engineering degree, have strong communication skills, and are willing to work outdoors. Driving may be required for company-related tasks.

Qualifications

• Must be pursuing an Associate, Bachelor, or Master degree in Civil Engineering or related field.
• Strong communication skills (verbal and written).
• Willingness to work in outdoor environments and field conditions.
• Basic problem-solving and observational skills.

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 drilling instructions and field plans.
• Perform boring and test pit layout using surveying and GPS devices.
• Assist in observation and classification of soil samples and test pits.
• Support boring logs and location diagrams.
• Perform hand auger borings for soil sampling and subsurface information.
• Assist with site seismic testing and field investigations.
• Observe foundation construction and ground improvement activities.
• Assist with laboratory testing as needed.
• Document field observations and data collection.

Skills

Strong communication

Reliable

Detail oriented

Team player

Observational skills

Education

Pursuing Civil Engineering degree (Associate/Bachelor/Master)

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.