Foundations Field Technician

At UES, we’re a team of more than 4,000 engineers, scientists, geologists, inspectors, technicians, and drillers united by a shared purpose—to make a meaningful impact in the communities we serve. As a national leader in geotechnical engineering, environmental consulting, and materials testing and inspection, we collaborate on transformative projects across transportation, energy, water, healthcare, and more. Learn more about the benefits of joining Team UES and our core values at careers.teamues.com.

We are seeking a motivated and hands-on Foundations Field Technician to join our team and support engineering, environmental services, materials testing, and inspection projects. In this role, you will conduct on-site inspections and testing of various construction materials on active construction jobsites and collect relevant test data on future or existing projects, ensuring each meets industry standards and regulatory requirements.

As a Foundations Field Technician, you will work alongside experienced professionals, gaining practical field experience, developing technical skills, and contributing to critical projects that impact communities. The ideal candidate is detail-oriented, safety-conscious, and thrives in outdoor work environments, solving challenges in real time and collaborating with a team. This position requires frequent travel to job sites and offers excellent opportunities for growth, technical training, and career advancement in a dynamic industry.

• Conduct field and/or laboratory testing on subsurface conditions for foundations, roadways and other surfaces using various field equipment to verify compliance with project specifications, industry standards, and regulatory requirements.
• Review blueprints and perform field work such as construction layout for foundation footings.
• Conduct Residential Subgrade Verifications – evaluations of the bearing capacity of soils with an excavated footing to verify the soils are suitable to support the recommended, allowable design bearing pressure, usually prior to foundations being poured.
• Complete Residential Slab Compaction Evaluations – evaluation of the compaction of materials placed within slab areas, usually prior to slabs being poured.
• Conduct Residential Preliminary Subsurface Evaluations – testing performed to get a general idea of the soil bearing capacity within the top five feet below the existing ground surface prior to foundation excavation.
• Complete Registered Design Professional (RDF) Inspections – evaluation of the construction of foundations or slabs in accordance with approved construction documents provided by the builders. This is performed prior to pouring the foundation or slab, which could eliminate the need for a footing inspection before concrete is poured.
• Perform Deep Foundation Layouts – provide engineered layouts for alternative foundation types if soil conditions are not deemed suitable to support a typical shallow foundation including: timber pile, drilled caisson and helical pier supported foundations.
• Ensure that project testing requirements are met and compliant with project specifications, requirements, and company policies or procedures.
• Complete detailed reports, logs, and documentation of test results, ensuring accuracy and timely submission to project managers.
• Ensure all testing equipment is properly maintained, and functioning correctly, following company and manufacturer guidelines.
• Accurately document test results, observations, and site conditions, preparing and submitting timely and detailed reports, logs, and presentations in accordance with company standards.
• Communicate effectively with dispatch, field supervisors, contractors, and project managers, providing real-time updates on job status, site conditions, and any issues encountered.
• Adhere to project timelines and schedules, reporting to job sites on time and completing assignments within established deadlines.
• Adapt to changing project requirements, schedules, and weather conditions, maintaining flexibility to support business needs.
• Participate in ongoing training and certification programs, as required, to maintain technical proficiency and industry compliance.
• Follow strict safety protocols and OSHA regulations to maintain a safe work environment, including proper use of personal protective equipment (PPE) and adherence to company and client safety guidelines.
• Operate and maintain an assigned company vehicle, including scheduling routine maintenance (oil changes, tire checks, fluid levels) and ensuring general cleanliness inside and out.
• Perform other duties as assigned to support project goals and company initiatives.

• High school diploma or equivalent required; vocational training or coursework in construction, engineering, geology, or a related field is a plus.
• 0-3 years of experience in a field-based, outdoor, or physically demanding role preferred (construction, materials testing, geotechnical, or related industry experience is a plus).
• Valid driver’s license with an acceptable driving record; ability to operate company-assigned vehicles safely.
• Commitment to workplace safety, following OSHA standards and company safety policies, including the proper use of personal protective equipment (PPE).
• Basic computer proficiency, including experience with Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, Outlook) and Field Data Collection (FDC) software or similar industry tools.
• Mathematical skills sufficient to add, subtract, multiply, and divide into all units of measure using whole numbers, common fractions, and decimals.
• Ability to read, write, and interpret blueprints, procedures, manuals, technical documents, and reports related to drilling, safety, and project requirements.
• Ability to perform physical tasks, including lifting and carrying equipment weighing up to 50 lbs., standing for extended periods, and working in various weather and environmental conditions.
• Efficient time management, organizational, and problem-solving skills, with the ability to complete tasks efficiently and accurately.
• Attention to detail to ensure accurate sample collection, testing procedures, and documentation.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively, demonstrating a strong work ethic and commitment to producing high-quality results.
• Flexibility to work varying schedules, including early mornings, weekends, overtime, and potential overnight travel as project demands require.

This position primarily works in an outdoor work environment, regularly exposed to varying field conditions, including:

• Sites that may not be accessible by vehicle, requiring travel on foot through wetlands, swamps, grasslands, fields, and other uneven or rugged terrain with natural and man-made obstacles such as sand, brush, and debris.
• Moderate to loud noise levels, common in active construction and industrial environments.
• Exposure to environmental elements including dirt, dust, sun, heat, humidity, and adverse weather conditions.

The physical requirements for this position may include and are not limited to:

• Ability to lift and/or carry 35 to 75 lbs. up to 75 feet, involving regular repetitive motion.
• Ability to stand, walk, drive, and operate equipment for extended periods.
• Frequent use of hands and arms for typing, handling tools, and operating equipment.
• Ability to bend, twist, reach, stoop, pull, kneel, climb, balance, lift, carry, and push as required for fieldwork and inspections.
• Ability to speak and hear effectively to communicate in noisy environments and with project teams.
• Ability to use your senses to see (including close, distant, and peripheral vison, depth vision, and ability to focus) smell, hear, touch (use hands to reach climb or balance, crouch, stoop, crawl, kneel and sit).

UES is an Equal Opportunity Employer and is proud to recruit the most qualified candidates. Please see our full EEO Statement here.

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