Soils Laboratory Technician

Engineering Consulting Service; Buffalo Grove (IL); On-site; USD 28,000 - 33,000; Full time

Job summary

ECS Limited is seeking a Construction Materials Testing (CMT) Soils Laboratory Technician to join our Buffalo Grove team. No experience required; paid training and certification fees are provided as you learn under seasoned professionals in our concrete and soils laboratories.

You will perform basic soil tests, assist with sample prep, and help maintain a clean lab. The role offers growth opportunities, on-site work in Buffalo Grove, and a path to earn additional certifications while

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED required.
• Obtain lab certifications per ECS policy.
• Able to lift up to 50 pounds repeatedly.

Responsibilities

• Performs basic laboratory tests on soil and 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 Atterberg limits, gradation analyses, swell, moisture, visual classifications, and proctor tests
• Assists in maintaining a clean and organized laboratory environment
• Supports calibration and maintenance of laboratory equipment
• Maintains calibration records and QA/QC documentation
• Notifies supervisors of damaged or missing equipment
• Assists with additional laboratory functions and occasional fieldwork as needed

Skills

Communication

Math skills

Attention to detail

Data entry

Follow directions

Reliability

Education

HS diploma or GED

Tools

MS Word

MS 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) Soils Laboratory Technician to join our Buffalo Grove 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 soil and 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, under 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
  
  
  
  


• 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

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
  
  
  
  


• 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


• 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 and licenses requirements from the above section titled "Required Qualifications":
  
  
  
  • E-4
  
  
  
  

The expected pay range for this role and location is $20-$24/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 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.