Laboratory Technician

Engineering Consulting Service; Harrisonburg (VA); On-site; USD 20,000 - 29,000; Full time

Job summary

ECS Limited is seeking a motivated Construction Materials Testing Laboratory Technician in Harrisonburg, VA. No experience is required as paid training is provided; you will learn under guidance and earn certifications in soils and concrete labs.

You will perform tests, assist with sample prep, and help maintain QA/QC records. The role includes fieldwork as needed and growth opportunities within the labs.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED required.
• Ability to follow directions and work under close supervision.
• Obtain lab certifications applicable to the lab work performed as per policy ( soils and concrete labs ).
• Strong communication and basic math skills.

Responsibilities

• Performs basic laboratory tests on construction material samples under supervision.
• Assists with sample preparation and testing procedures.
• Compiles test results, data input, data processing, and other administrative duties.
• Performs soils and concrete laboratory testing with supervision (Atterberg limits, gradation, swell, moisture, proctor, unconfined strength).
• Maintains calibration records and supports QA/QC documentation.

Skills

Attention to detail

Strong communication

Basic math

Dependable

Lift 50 lbs

Education

High school diploma or GED

Tools

Microsoft Word

Excel

Job description

Responsibilities

No experience necessary, paid training is provided, and we pay your certification fees!

ECS Limited is offering a unique opportunity for a talented Construction Materials Testing (CMT) Laboratory Technician to join our Harrisonburg team. We offer opportunities for growth in this role with additional incentives as you earn your certifications. No prior experience is needed, as you'll work under the guidance of experienced professionals to learn to safely perform a variety of tasks in our concrete and soils laboratories.

Responsibilities

• Performs basic laboratory tests on construction material samples under supervision
• Assists with sample preparation and testing procedures
• Compiles test results, data input, data processing, and other administrative duties
• Performs soils laboratory testing including but not limited to, with some supervision:
  • Atterberg limits
  • Gradation analyses
  • Swell testing
  • Moisture content testing
  • Visual classifications (begin to learn)
  • Unconfined compressive strength testing of soil and rock
  • Standard and modified proctor testing
• Performs concrete laboratory testing including but not limited to, with some supervision:
  • Stripping and labeling samples
  • Setting samples for curing
  • Monitoring daily temperature logs
  • Breaking of samples
• Assists in maintaining a clean and organized laboratory environment
• Supports calibration and maintenance of laboratory equipment
• Maintains calibration records and documentation in accordance with QA/QC and accreditation requirements
• Notifies supervisors of damaged or missing equipment
• Assists with additional laboratory functions and occasional fieldwork as needed

Career Development

As your experience grows, ECS will:

• Support you in enhancing your professional skills.
• Encourage participation and advancement in internal and external training programs and certification opportunities provided by ASTM or other organizations.

Qualifications

Required Qualifications

• 0 years of related experience
• High school diploma or GED required
• Obtain lab certifications applicable to the lab work performed as per the ECS Technician Certification Policy
  • If work is performed in both soils and concrete labs, certifications are required for both laboratories
• Strong communication and basic math skills
• Attention to detail and accuracy in data recording
• Dependable, self-motivated, and responsible work ethic
• Ability to follow directions and work under close supervision
• Basic computer proficiency, including Microsoft Word and Excel
• Ability to lift up to 50 pounds multiple times per day

Military Qualifications:

• The following US Military ranks will qualify for this position IF they also meet the education, certification, and licenses requirements from the above section titled "Required Qualifications":
  • E-4

The expected pay range for this role and location is $18/hour. The final agreed-upon compensation will be determined based on specific location and other individual qualifications.

About Us

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 3,200 employees in 125 offices and testing facilities coast to coast. ECS is currently ranked #60 in Engineering News-Record’s Top 500 Design Firms (April 2026), #144 in Engineering News-Record’s Top 200 Environmental Firms (October 2026) 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.