Foundations Field Technician I

Universal Engineering Sciences•Pineville, NC

42d•Onsite

About The Position

We are seeking a motivated and hands-on Foundations Field Technician I to join our team and support engineering, environmental services, materials testing, and inspection projects. In this role, you will conduct on-site inspections, materials testing, and environmental sampling to ensure construction, infrastructure, and environmental projects meet industry standards and regulatory requirements. As a Foundations Field Technician I, 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 technical training and career advancement in a dynamic industry.

Requirements

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.
Industry certifications as applicable such as ACI Level 1 Concrete Testing, or ability to obtain within a specified time period.
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.
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.

Nice To Haves

vocational training or coursework in construction, engineering, geology, or a related field is a plus.
construction, materials testing, geotechnical, or related industry experience is a plus.

Responsibilities

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.