Soils Laboratory Technician

ECS Midwest, LLC; Buffalo Grove (IL); On-site; USD 28,000 - 33,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Paid training

Certification fees paid

Growth opportunities

Job summary

ECS Midwest, LLC is seeking a Construction Materials Testing (CMT) Soils Laboratory Technician in Buffalo Grove, IL. No experience is required; you will learn under supervision with paid training and certification fee coverage.

You will perform basic soil tests, assist with sample prep, input data, and help maintain QA/QC records. There is potential for growth and future fieldwork as needed; the role pays $20–$24 per hour.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED required.
• 0 years of related experience.
• Willing to obtain lab certifications per policy.
• Valid driver's license if driving for ECS.
• Strong communication and basic math skills.
• Ability to lift up to 50 pounds.

Responsibilities

• Perform basic lab tests on soil and construction material samples under supervision.
• Assist with sample preparation and testing procedures.
• Compile test results, data input, data processing, and other administrative duties.
• Maintain a clean and organized laboratory environment and assist calibration of equipment.
• Occasional fieldwork as needed.

Skills

Attention to detail

Strong communication

Basic math skills

Data entry

Teamwork

Lifting up to 50 pounds

Education

High school diploma or GED

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.

• 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, clickhere.