Geotechnical Intern

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

The Geotechnical Engineering Internship is designed to bridge your classroom knowledge with hands-on experience in the field and laboratory. Over 10 weeks, you’ll gain practical exposure to geotechnical investigations, soil sampling, classification, and data collection while learning how engineers evaluate subsurface conditions and support successful construction projects. You’ll work alongside experienced professionals, participate in field activities, and see how geotechnical principles are applied to real-world projects.

Where This Can Take You:
By completing this internship, you’ll gain hands-on experience with geotechnical field and laboratory practices, soil sampling and classification, boring logs, and technical documentation. You’ll develop a stronger understanding of how subsurface conditions influence design and construction while building valuable technical and professional skills. You’ll also gain experience working as part of an engineering team, following quality and safety standards, and contributing to projects from the field to the final report. This experience will help prepare you for a career in geotechnical engineering, construction, or consulting.

Responsibilities

• Assist with soil classifications and boring log creation using AutoCAD
• Collect field samples with a hand auger and update boring logs
• Organize, label, and log material samples in accordance with quality assurance standards
• Maintain accurate and detailed field and lab reports
• Calibrate and clean testing equipment as required
• Adhere to company and safety protocols at all times
• Other duties may be assigned

  Capstone Project:

  At the end of the internship, you’ll complete a specialized capstone project that pulls together your field and lab experiences into a formal presentation for department leadership. This deliverable will highlight your technical and analytical skills—and provide a résumé-ready example of your ability to apply engineering principles in practice.

Qualifications

Currently enrolled in a Bachelor’s or Master’s degree program in Civil Engineering, Environmental Engineering, Geotechnical Engineering, or a related field.

Completion of at least two years of coursework preferred.

Strong academic foundation in engineering principles, with interest in applied fieldwork and testing.

Effective communication and technical writing skills.

Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, Outlook); familiarity with AutoCAD, GIS, or engineering software is a plus.

Ability to work collaboratively in a team environment.

Must hold a valid driver’s license and have reliable transportation.

Strong problem-solving and analytical skills.

Attention to detail with a commitment to quality and accuracy.

Willingness to work outdoors in varying conditions.

Ability to adapt to a fast-paced, project-driven environment.

Professionalism and eagerness to learn

Travel Requirements

• Occasional Travel: This position requires occasional travel up to 10%, primarily for occasional off-site meetings, training sessions, or company events

Physical Demands & Work Environment

• Work is 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 your senses to see (including close, distant, and peripheral vison, depth vision, and ability to focus) smell, hear, touch (use hands to reach climb or balance, crouch, stoop, crawl, kneel and sit).
  • Ability to communicate effectively through verbal and written means in a lab and field environment, often requiring the use of PPE (Personal Protective Equipment).
• This position operates in a professional office environment, requiring the ability to work at a desk for extended periods while using a computer, phone, and standard office equipment.
• The position involves sitting for extended periods, performing data entry, and engaging in frequent communication via email, phone, and in-person interactions.
• The role involves regular communication with team members, clients, and stakeholders, both in person and through virtual platforms.
• The physical demands of the job may include occasional standing, walking, bending, and lifting of office materials up to 15 pounds.

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