Geotechnical Engineer

Field Geotechnical Engineer

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.

Position Overview

The Field Geotechnical Engineer is a primarily field-based role responsible for leading and performing subsurface investigations, construction observations, and on-site geotechnical evaluations. This position requires extensive time at project sites overseeing drilling operations, performing soil and rock evaluations, documenting field conditions, and verifying compliance with geotechnical recommendations. This includes serving as the on-site technical representative, ensuring that subsurface conditions are properly characterized and that construction activities align with engineering recommendations, safety standards, and project specifications.

Responsibilities

• Lead and perform subsurface investigations including soil borings, test pits, cone penetration tests (CPT), and rock coring operations.
• Log soil and rock borings in accordance with ASTM and industry standards.
• Classify soils using the Unified Soil Classification System (USCS).
• Observe drilling crews and coordinate field exploration activities.
• Perform in-situ testing such as density testing, proof rolling, plate load testing, and compaction verification.
• Evaluate groundwater conditions, document seepage observations, and monitor dewatering activities.
• Provide on-site engineering judgment regarding unsuitable soils, over-excavation limits, and subgrade preparation.
• Monitor foundation excavations, shallow and deep foundation installations, and earth retention system construction.
• Conduct construction observations to verify compliance with geotechnical recommendations and approved plans.
• Communicate field findings and recommendations directly to contractors, project managers, and clients.
• Maintain detailed and defensible field notes, photographs, and daily reports.
• Review laboratory testing results and correlate findings with field observations.
• Assist in preparation of geotechnical reports, technical memoranda, and engineering recommendations based on field data.
• Ensure all field activities are conducted in accordance with safety protocols and proper use of PPE.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Civil Engineering, Geotechnical Engineering, or related discipline.
• 3–5 years of geotechnical field and construction observation experience preferred.
• Strong knowledge of subsurface investigation techniques and soil/rock classification.
• Familiarity with ASTM testing standards and geotechnical construction practices.
• Ability to interpret geotechnical reports, plans, and construction drawings in the field.
• Experience using field data collection systems and basic engineering software preferred.
• Strong problem-solving and decision-making skills in dynamic field environments.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Valid driver's license and ability to travel extensively.
• Strong organizational and time-management skills.

Travel Requirements

Relocation Notice: UES is unable to provide or facilitate relocation for this position at this time. Candidates must currently reside within a reasonable commuting distance of the job location. Applicants who require relocation in order to accept this position will not be considered.

This position requires extensive travel, approximately up to 70% of the time, in support of business objectives and client engagements. Travel may be both scheduled and on short notice, depending on project needs. Destinations typically include job sites, field locations, or regional offices, where work may be conducted in outdoor or operational environments. Adherence to all company safety protocols and use of PPE is required during travel and on-site work.

Physical Demands & Work Environment

• Work is primarily conducted outdoors with exposure to outdoor conditions, including:
• Sites that may not be accessible by vehicle, requiring travel on foot through wetlands, swamps, grasslands, construction zones, and other uneven or rugged terrain with natural and man-made obstacles such as sand, brush, and debris.
• Moderate to loud noise levels due to lab equipment, field operations, and construction environments.
• Exposure to dirt, dust, chemicals, sun, heat, humidity, and varying weather conditions as part of field sample collection and testing.
• Physical requirements include:
• Ability to lift and carry between 35 and 75 lbs. over distances up to 75 feet, involving regular repetitive motion.
• Ability to stand, walk, drive, and operate laboratory and field equipment for extended periods.
• Ability to bend, twist, reach, stoop, pull, kneel, climb, balance, lift, carry, and push as required for laboratory and fieldwork.
• Ability to use visual, auditory, tactile, and olfactory senses, including near/far vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to focus.
• Ability to communicate effectively through verbal and written means in a lab and field environment, often requiring the use of PPE (Personal Protective Equipment).

EEO Statement

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