Geotechnical Internship (Level 2)

ECS Group of Companies; Roanoke (VA); On-site; USD 25,000 - 30,000; Full time

Job summary

ECS Group of Companies (ECS) provides geotechnical engineering, construction materials, environmental and facilities consulting services. This entry-level role supports field exploration, testing, and data collection in Roanoke, VA, with a pay range of $18–$22/hour depending on location and qualifications.

The position requires pursuing a Civil Engineering-related degree, internships, and certification readiness within 270 days. Candidate must be able to work outdoors and in teams.

Qualifications

• Strong communication skills (verbal and written).
• Independence and teamwork in field settings.
• Attention to detail and organized work ethic.
• Ability to follow directions with limited supervision.
• Willingness to work outdoors and adjust to site conditions.
• Basic understanding of geotechnical fieldwork and testing procedures.
• Problem-solving and observational skills.

Responsibilities

• Perform geotechnical fieldwork and support subsurface exploration activities.
• Assist with scheduling drilling operations and coordinating field efforts.
• Obtain utility clearances for subsurface investigation activities.
• Support preparation of drilling instructions and field plans.
• Perform boring and test pit layout using surveying and GPS equipment.
• Observe and classify soils and test pits.
• Prepare boring logs and location diagrams.
• Perform hand auger borings to obtain soil samples and subsurface data.
• Assist with specialized testing (e.g., Pile Driving Analyzer).
• Support site seismic testing and other geotechnical investigations.
• Observe foundation construction and ground improvement installations.
• Document field observations and support data collection and reporting.
• Perform other field or project support tasks as assigned.

Skills

Strong communication

Independence & teamwork

Attention to detail

Follow directions

Outdoor work readiness

Geotechnical basics

Problem solving

Education

Pursuing Civil Engineering degree or related field

Internship with ECS or another firm

Job description

• Performs geotechnical fieldwork and supports subsurface exploration activities
• Assists with scheduling drilling operations and coordinating field efforts
• Obtains utility clearances for subsurface investigation activities
• Supports preparation of drilling instructions and field plans
• Performs boring and test pit layout using surveying and GPS equipment
• Observes and classifies soils and test pits
• Prepares boring logs and location diagrams
• Performs hand auger borings to obtain soil samples and subsurface data
• Assists with or performs specialized testing (e.g., Pile Driving Analyzer testing)
• Supports site seismic testing and other geotechnical investigations
• Observes foundation construction and ground improvement installations
• Documents field observations and supports data collection and reporting
• Performs other field or project support tasks as assigned

Responsibilities

• Performs geotechnical fieldwork and supports subsurface exploration activities
• Assists with scheduling drilling operations and coordinating field efforts
• Obtains utility clearances for subsurface investigation activities
• Supports preparation of drilling instructions and field plans
• Performs boring and test pit layout using surveying and GPS equipment
• Observes and classifies soils and test pits
• Prepares boring logs and location diagrams
• Performs hand auger borings to obtain soil samples and subsurface data
• Assists with or performs specialized testing (e.g., Pile Driving Analyzer testing)
• Supports site seismic testing and other geotechnical investigations
• Observes foundation construction and ground improvement installations
• Documents field observations and supports data collection and reporting
• Performs other field or project support tasks as assigned

Required Qualifications

• 90 days of related experience
• At least one internship with ECS or another firm
• 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
  • Additional certifications applicable to the work performed may be required for Level 2
• 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 independently and as part of a team
• Ability to follow directions with limited supervision
• Basic understanding of geotechnical fieldwork and testing procedures
• Basic problem-solving and observational skills
• Willingness to work in outdoor environments and varying site 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-$22/hour. The final agreed-upon compensation will be determined based on specific location and other individual qualifications.

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 facilities consulting services. We are employee-owned with more than 3,000 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 #50 in Zweig Group’s Hot Firm List (May 2025). For additional information about ECS, visit: www.ecslimited.com.

ECS is an Equal Opportunity Employer.