Construction Technician (Entry-level)

ECS Ltd•Richmond, VA

About The Position

ECS Limited is hiring an entry-level Construction Materials Testing (CMT) Field Technician for its Richmond team. No prior experience is required; paid training is provided, along with payment of certification fees. The technician works under the guidance of experienced professionals to safely perform field and laboratory tasks involving construction materials. Starting pay is listed as $16–$20 per hour; the stated expected pay for this role and location is $20 per hour. Final compensation depends on location and individual qualifications. The role includes observing, testing, and sampling soils, aggregates, and concrete at construction project sites; conducting routine field or laboratory tests using applicable methodologies and equipment; and documenting findings in accordance with accepted engineering practices and industry standards. The technician may also perform calculations, data reduction, drafting, and administrative duties. The role involves regular communication with contractors, fellow technicians, supervisors, and project managers, as well as maintaining and organizing field equipment. ECS provides training in its methods for project observations, inspections, and testing. As experience grows, the company supports professional skill development and encourages participation in training and certification programs, including those offered by organizations such as OSHA 10, ACI, ASNT, AWS, ICC, NICET, NRCA, RCI, State DOTs, and WACEL, as appropriate.

Requirements

No prior experience is required.
High school diploma or GED.
Ability to lift a minimum of 85 pounds.
Valid driver's license and insurance.
Willingness to develop an understanding of heavy construction safety, practices, and procedures.
Willingness to obtain knowledge of CMT principles and applications and ASTM laboratory standards, leading to certifications in soils, concrete, and radiation safety.
OSHA 10 certification may be required.
Strong speaking, reading, and writing communication skills.
Ability to work effectively with contractors, peers, and supervisors.
The listed US Military rank E-4 qualifies if the education and license requirements are also met.

Responsibilities

Observe, test, and sample soils, aggregates, and concrete at construction materials testing project sites.
Perform tasks according to project requirements under the guidance of senior technicians, staff professionals, and project managers.
Conduct routine field and/or laboratory tests using various methodologies and testing equipment in accordance with industry standards and compliance requirements.
Perform calculations and data reduction based on sampling, test results, and inspections.
Assist with calculations, drafting, and other administrative duties as requested.
Communicate daily with site contractors, fellow technicians, and project managers.
Inform the supervisor of changing site conditions and additional requested testing.
Attend project meetings as requested.
Organize field equipment and notify the supervisor of broken or missing equipment.
Receive training in ECS methods for project observations, inspections, and testing.
Document findings precisely in accordance with accepted engineering practices.
Develop professional skills and participate in relevant training and certification opportunities.