Key Responsibilities and Required Skills for Earth Systems Technician
💰 $45,000 - $70,000
ScienceEnvironmentalEngineeringFieldworkTechnicianGeotechnical
🎯 Role Definition
The Earth Systems Technician is a crucial, hands-on role at the intersection of environmental science, geology, and engineering. This position serves as the backbone of our field operations, responsible for executing the data collection and monitoring activities that form the basis of our technical analysis and recommendations. You will work outdoors in diverse environments and in laboratory settings, operating sophisticated scientific equipment to gather high-quality data on soil, water, air, and construction materials. This role is ideal for an individual who is passionate about the earth sciences, thrives in a dynamic work environment, and possesses a meticulous, safety-conscious approach to technical work.
📈 Career Progression
Typical Career Path
Entry Point From:
- Environmental Science or Geology Graduate
- Construction Materials Testing Technician
- Field Assistant or Intern
Advancement To:
- Senior Earth Systems Technician / Field Team Lead
- Project Scientist / Geologist / Engineer
- Field Operations Manager
Lateral Moves:
- GIS Analyst
- Environmental Health & Safety (EHS) Specialist
- Data Manager
Core Responsibilities
Primary Functions
- Conduct comprehensive fieldwork for environmental site investigations, which includes logging soil borings and test pits, and classifying soil and rock samples according to established standards (e.g., USCS, ASTM).
- Collect diverse environmental samples, including groundwater from monitoring wells, surface water, soil, sediment, and air, adhering to strict quality assurance/quality control (QA/QC) protocols and chain-of-custody procedures.
- Install, operate, and maintain a network of environmental monitoring instrumentation, including multi-parameter water quality sondes, data loggers, weather stations, and telemetry systems.
- Perform a wide range of geotechnical and construction materials tests in the field, such as nuclear density testing, concrete slump and air content tests, and permeability tests, ensuring compliance with project specifications.
- Calibrate, troubleshoot, and perform routine maintenance on a wide array of scientific instruments and data collection equipment to ensure data accuracy, integrity, and operational uptime.
- Meticulously document all field activities, site observations, and collected data in detailed field logs, standardized forms, and digital data-entry applications with a high degree of accuracy.
- Utilize modern GPS and GIS technologies to accurately navigate to, locate, and map sampling points, monitoring wells, geologic features, and other critical site infrastructure.
- Ensure strict and unwavering adherence to all company and site-specific Health and Safety (H&S) plans, actively participate in safety briefings, and champion a culture of safety among the project team.
- Operate and safely maintain field vehicles (including 4x4 trucks) and specialized equipment such as all-terrain vehicles (ATVs), water pumps, and generators.
- Assist senior scientists and project managers in the preparation of technical reports, data summary tables, site maps, and figures for client deliverables and regulatory submissions.
- Perform standard laboratory tests on soil, aggregate, and concrete samples to determine their physical characteristics, such as grain size distribution, moisture content, and compressive strength.
- Prepare, label, and properly preserve soil and water samples for shipment to analytical laboratories, completing all necessary shipping and chain-of-custody documentation.
- Assist in the installation, development, and decommissioning of groundwater monitoring wells and piezometers in accordance with industry best practices and regulatory guidelines.
- Communicate effectively and professionally with project managers, clients, and on-site subcontractors to provide real-time updates on field activities and collaboratively address emerging issues.
- Conduct site reconnaissance and preliminary assessments to gather baseline information, identify potential environmental concerns, and evaluate logistical challenges for upcoming project phases.
- Oversee and document the work of subcontractors, such as drilling or excavation crews, to ensure field activities are completed safely and in accordance with the project work plan.
Secondary Functions
- Support ad-hoc data requests and exploratory data analysis, often involving data compilation and formatting in Microsoft Excel.
- Contribute to the organization's data strategy and roadmap by providing feedback on field data collection technologies and workflows.
- Collaborate with business units to translate data needs into engineering requirements for new monitoring systems or sampling programs.
- Participate in sprint planning and agile ceremonies within the data engineering team if assigned to technology-focused projects.
- Assist in managing the inventory of field equipment and consumable supplies, ensuring readiness for mobilization.
- Participate in the analysis and interpretation of field and laboratory data under the direct supervision of senior technical staff.
Required Skills & Competencies
Hard Skills (Technical)
- Environmental Sampling: Proficiency in low-flow groundwater sampling, soil sampling (e.g., split-spoon, direct-push), and surface water collection techniques.
- Geotechnical Field Testing: Experience with nuclear density gauges, cone penetration testing (CPT), and field classification of soils.
- Instrumentation & Calibration: Ability to operate, maintain, and calibrate environmental monitoring equipment (e.g., YSI, Horiba, In-Situ).
- Data Management: Strong proficiency in Microsoft Excel for data entry, tabulation, and basic formula creation. Familiarity with database concepts is a plus.
- GPS/GIS Technology: Competency in using handheld GPS units for navigation and data collection. Basic knowledge of ArcGIS or QGIS is highly desirable.
- Health & Safety Compliance: OSHA 40-hour HAZWOPER certification is strongly preferred, along with a thorough understanding of H&S protocols.
- Technical Documentation: Ability to write clear, concise, and accurate field notes and contribute to technical reports.
Soft Skills
- Attention to Detail: A meticulous and precise approach to data collection, documentation, and following procedures is essential for this role.
- Problem-Solving: The capacity to think critically and troubleshoot equipment, logistical, and procedural issues independently in the field.
- Physical Stamina & Adaptability: Ability to perform physically demanding work for extended periods outdoors, often in adverse weather conditions and on rugged terrain.
- Independent & Team Work: Proven ability to work effectively both independently with minimal supervision and collaboratively as part of a larger project team.
- Communication: Excellent verbal and written communication skills for relaying technical information clearly to team members, project managers, and clients.
- Safety-First Mindset: A deep-seated commitment to personal and team safety in all work activities.
Education & Experience
Educational Background
Minimum Education:
- Associate's degree or a technical certificate in a relevant scientific or engineering discipline.
Preferred Education:
- Bachelor of Science (B.S.) degree.
Relevant Fields of Study:
- Environmental Science
- Geology or Earth Science
- Geotechnical or Civil Engineering Technology
- Hydrology
- Construction Management
Experience Requirements
Typical Experience Range:
- 0-3 years of relevant field or laboratory experience. Motivated recent graduates are encouraged to apply.
Preferred:
- 1-2 years of direct experience in environmental consulting or a geotechnical engineering firm, with specific experience in soil and groundwater sampling, and/or construction materials testing. Certifications such as ACI Field Technician Grade I are highly valued.