Soils Laboratory Technician

ECS Ltd; Richmond (VA); On-site; USD 27,000 - 38,000; Full time

Job summary

ECS Group is hiring a Construction Materials Testing (CMT) Soils Laboratory Technician for our Richmond, VA team. No prior experience is needed; you’ll learn under guidance of experienced staff and earn certifications with our support.

The role involves soil testing and lab duties, with paid training and certification fee coverage. You will perform basic lab tests, assist with prep and testing procedures, and help maintain QA/QC records.

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

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: 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

Skills

Communication

Math

Attention to detail

Data entry

Education

High school diploma or GED

Tools

Microsoft Word

Microsoft 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 [CITY] 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 $23.49/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.