Senior Lab Technician

Engineering Consulting Service; San Antonio (TX); On-site; USD 42,000 - 65,000; Full time

Job summary

Engineering Consulting Service seeks a Senior Soils Lab Technician I to perform laboratory testing on soil and construction material samples, interpret data, and mentor junior staff. The role is primarily in the lab with some fieldwork, emphasizing accuracy and adherence to QA/QC standards.

You will support advanced testing activities, maintain equipment, and contribute to external audits while upholding ECS core values in a dynamic lab environment.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED required.
• 2 years of related laboratory experience.
• Maintain basic certifications and one additional certification per ECS Technician Policy.
• If work is in both soils and concrete labs, basic certification is required for both.
• Valid driver's license if driving for ECS subsidiary.
• Strong communication and basic math skills.
• Attention to detail and accuracy in data recording and reporting.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Word and Excel.
• Experience using laboratory software (e.g., Breakpro or Keylab).
• Ability to lift up to 50 pounds multiple times per day.

Responsibilities

• Performs soil and construction material testing.
• Applies standard and advanced testing procedures per ASTM methods.
• Interprets test data and prepares summaries or reports.
• Performs data reduction and calculations.
• Supports advanced testing under guidance of senior staff.
• Maintains clean, organized lab compliant with QA/QC and accreditation.
• Calibrates and maintains laboratory equipment; keeps records.
• Notifies supervisors of damaged or missing equipment.
• Prepares for external audits and assessments.
• Trains and mentors junior staff.
• Occasional fieldwork as needed.

Skills

Attention to detail

Strong communication

Excel proficiency

Math skills

Education

High School Diploma or GED

Lab certification per ECS policy (plus)

Tools

Breakpro

Keylab

Laboratory equipment

Job description

Responsibilities

The Senior Soils Lab Technician I performs laboratory testing on soil and construction material samples and supports laboratory operations with increasing independence and technical expertise. This role includes interpreting test data, assisting with advanced testing procedures, and mentoring junior technicians. The position is primarily based in the laboratory and involves both routine and developing advanced testing work. The Senior Soils Lab Technician I maintains a positive customer service attitude and demonstrates an understanding of ECS Core Values.

• Performs laboratory testing on soil and construction material samples
• Applies standard and advanced testing procedures in accordance with established methods (e.g., ASTM standards)
• Interprets test data and prepares summaries or reports under the direction of the Laboratory Manager
• Performs calculations and data reduction for test results
• Supports advanced testing activities under the guidance of senior staff
• Performs soils laboratory testing including, but not limited to, with little supervision:
  • Atterberg limits
  • Gradation analyses
  • Swell testing
  • Moisture content testing
  • Visual classifications
  • Unconfined compressive strength testing of soil and rock
  • Standard and modified proctor testing
• Calculations and data reduction of test results and other administrative duties, as appropriate
• Maintains a clean and organized laboratory in compliance with QA/QC and accreditation requirements (e.g., DOT, AMRL, CCRL, AASHTO)
• Performs calibration and maintenance of laboratory equipment and maintains records
• Notifies supervisors of damaged or missing equipment
• Prepares for and supports external audits and assessments
• Trains and mentors junior laboratory staff
• Assists with additional laboratory functions and occasional fieldwork as needed

Qualifications

Required Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED required
• 2 years of related experience
• Maintain basic certifications and one additional certification as per the ECS Technician Certification Policy
  • If work is performed in both soils and concrete labs, basic certification is required for both
    laboratories
  • Other certifications, such as NICET Soils I/II/III, WACEL Soils/Concrete and
    Laboratory, and others, are a plus
• If driving for or on behalf of any ECS subsidiary, a valid driver's license is required
• Strong communication and basic math skills
• Attention to detail and accuracy in data recording and reporting
• Dependable, self-motivated, and responsible work ethic
• Strong working knowledge of laboratory equipment and testing methods
• Proficiency in performing tests in accordance with ASTM standards
• Ability to interpret test data and prepare summaries or reports
• Proficiency with computers, including Microsoft Word and Excel
• Experience using laboratory software systems (e.g., Breakpro or Keylab)
• 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 and certification requirements from the above section titled "Required Qualifications":
  • E-4/E-5

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 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. To learn more, click here.