Traveling Field and Lab Technician

Overview

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.

Position Overview

UES is seeking a Traveling Field and Laboratory Technician to join our growing team in Katy, Texas. As demand for our specialized thermal testing services continues to expand across the United States, we are adding multiple technicians to support our growth.

This is a unique opportunity to join a laboratory that performs highly specialized testing that very few companies in the industry can provide. We are looking for individuals with a strong soils background who are eager to develop specialized expertise through extensive hands-on training and nationwide project experience.

Whether you have experience performing Proctor testing, sieve analyses, soil classifications, visual soil inspections, or other geotechnical laboratory testing, we want to hear from you!

Responsibilities

Laboratory Responsibilities

• Perform laboratory testing on soils, aggregates, and related construction materials
• Conduct Standard and Modified Proctor testing
• Perform sieve analyses and particle size determinations
• Classify soils in accordance with industry standards
• Process, document, and prepare testing data and reports
• Communicate testing results with Laboratory Management and project stakeholders
• Maintain laboratory equipment and testing tools
• Follow established quality control and safety procedures

Field Responsibilities

• Travel throughout the United States to support project testing activities
• Perform field testing and sample collection as needed
• Work alongside senior technicians during initial training assignments
• Represent Geotherm professionally while interacting with clients and project teams

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent required; associate degree or technical coursework in engineering, geology, construction science, or a related field preferred.
• 0-3 years of experience in construction materials testing, geotechnical laboratory work, or a related field (prior laboratory experience preferred but not required).
• Commitment to workplace safety, following OSHA, company, and laboratory safety protocols, including the proper use of personal protective equipment (PPE).
• Basic computer proficiency, with experience in Microsoft Office (Excel, Word, Outlook) and Field Data Collection (FDC) software preferred.
• Ability to read, write, and interpret procedures, manuals, technical documents, and reports related to construction materials testing and laboratory protocols.
• Mathematical skills sufficient to add, subtract, multiply, and divide in all units of measure, using whole numbers, common fractions, and decimals.
• Effective verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to collaborate with colleagues, supervisors, field personnel, and clients to carry out instructions and report findings.
• Strong organizational, time management, and problem-solving skills, with the ability to manage multiple tasks efficiently.
• Detail-oriented and quality-focused, ensuring accuracy in sample preparation, testing procedures, and data documentation.
• Ability to work independently within the limitations of experience, using initiative to solve routine lab challenges.
• Ability to stand for extended periods of time and perform physically demanding tasks, including lifting and moving materials or equipment.
• Valid driver's license with an acceptable driving record; ability to travel to job sites as needed.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in a geotechnical, construction materials, or soils laboratory

• Experience performing:

• Proctor testing

• Sieve analyses

• Soil classifications

• Visual soil inspections

• SB101 and/or SB102 certifications preferred

• Construction materials testing experience

• Knowledge of soil mechanics and geotechnical testing procedures

Travel Requirements

This position includes regular travel to project sites throughout the United States.

Typical travel schedule:

• Travel assignments approximately every 3 weeks
• Monday-Friday travel schedule
• 2-3 days spent in the field performing testing and sample collection
• Paid travel days for mobilization and demobilization
• Primarily daytime working hours
• Little to no weekend work

UES provides all business travel accommodations, including airfare, lodging, per diem, and transportation expenses. Candidates must be at least 25 years old to meet travel requirements.

Physical Demands & Work Environment

Work is sometimes conducted in a laboratory setting, but also involves fieldwork and 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.
• Frequent use of hands and arms for typing, handling samples, operating lab instruments, and performing testing procedures.
• Ability to bend, twist, reach, stoop, pull, kneel, climb, balance, lift, carry, and push as required for laboratory and fieldwork.
• Ability to communicate effectively through verbal and written means in a lab and field environment, often requiring the use of PPE (Personal Protective Equipment).
• Ability to use your senses to see (including close, distant, and peripheral vison, depth vision, and ability to focus) and smell.

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