OPT Geotechnical Engineering Technician Jobs
Geotechnical engineering technician jobs are a strong fit for F-1 OPT students with degrees in civil, geotechnical, or environmental engineering. Most roles involve field and lab work that directly aligns with STEM OPT extension eligibility, giving you up to three years of authorized work experience to build your U.S. career.
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Get Access To All JobsLangan provides expert land development engineering and environmental consulting services for major developers, renewable energy producers, energy companies, corporations, healthcare systems, colleges/universities, and large infrastructure programs throughout the U.S. and around the world. Our employees collaborate seamlessly among 50+ offices and gain valuable hands-on experience that fosters career growth. Langan culture is entrepreneurial from advancing innovative technical solutions, to participating in robust training and knowledge sharing, to making progressive change within the communities we live and work.
Consistently ranked among the top ten “Best Firms to Work For” and Engineering News-Record’s top 50 firms worldwide, Langan attracts and retains the best talent in the industry. Employees thrive at Langan, a firm that fosters an inclusive and supportive work environment for all; prioritizes wellbeing, health, and safety; encourages volunteerism and philanthropy; offers workplace flexibility, along with carbon-neutral office spaces; and empowers individuals to contribute their skills and knowledge to make impactful contributions.
Job Summary
Langan is seeking a Geotechnical Field Technician to join its collaborative team in Salt Lake City, UT. This individual will serve a key function in providing field work and inspections as it relates to logging of borings and test pits, earthwork, shallow foundations, ground improvement and deep foundations. In this role, you will have the opportunity to work outside in a fast paced environment with opportunities for travel.
Job Responsibilities
- Perform field inspections as it relates to logging of borings and test pits, earthwork, shallow foundations, ground improvement and deep foundations (i.e., augercast piles, driven piles or drilled shafts);
- Prepare daily field inspection reports and ensure data sheets are accurate and up-to-date;
- Oversee and document residential grout monitoring for sinkhole remediation projects;
- Install and maintain seismograph vibration monitors and download data; assist with pre-construction conditions documentation; assist with preparation of monitoring reports;
- Maintain field equipment; troubleshoot as necessary; and
- Perform other duties as requested.
Qualifications
- Associate’s degree in Engineering Technology, Construction Management, or related field preferred; equivalent experience will be considered;
- 2+ years’ related geotechnical field technician experience;
- Construction or technology related experience preferred (i.e., logging of borings, foundation subgrade/bearing zone inspection, earthwork and Nuclear Gauge certification);
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office;
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills;
- Strong attention to detail with excellent analytical, multitasking, and judgment capabilities;
- Ability to effectively work independently and in a team environment;
- Reliable transportation to access job sites and a valid driver’s license in good standing; and
- Ability to spend 100% of their work hours in the field.
Langan provides a rich array of programs and benefits to help its employees advance their careers and enhance the quality of their lives. Our comprehensive compensation package includes: full-time employment company paid medical, dental, and vision coverage; life insurance, short- and long-term disability insurance, and paid pregnancy disability leave; 401(k)/Roth with company match; paid time off including parental and military leave; employee referral and professional license bonuses; and educational reimbursement.
Langan offers employee resource groups; flexible work schedules; extensive training; wellness programs; buddy and mentoring programs; and much more!
Langan is committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all qualified applicants and employees, including individuals with disabilities and protected veterans. We believe that an inclusive workplace is essential for the well-being and success of our employees.
Langan provides expert land development engineering and environmental consulting services for major developers, renewable energy producers, energy companies, corporations, healthcare systems, colleges/universities, and large infrastructure programs throughout the U.S. and around the world. Our employees collaborate seamlessly among 50+ offices and gain valuable hands-on experience that fosters career growth. Langan culture is entrepreneurial from advancing innovative technical solutions, to participating in robust training and knowledge sharing, to making progressive change within the communities we live and work.
Consistently ranked among the top ten “Best Firms to Work For” and Engineering News-Record’s top 50 firms worldwide, Langan attracts and retains the best talent in the industry. Employees thrive at Langan, a firm that fosters an inclusive and supportive work environment for all; prioritizes wellbeing, health, and safety; encourages volunteerism and philanthropy; offers workplace flexibility, along with carbon-neutral office spaces; and empowers individuals to contribute their skills and knowledge to make impactful contributions.
Job Summary
Langan is seeking a Geotechnical Field Technician to join its collaborative team in Salt Lake City, UT. This individual will serve a key function in providing field work and inspections as it relates to logging of borings and test pits, earthwork, shallow foundations, ground improvement and deep foundations. In this role, you will have the opportunity to work outside in a fast paced environment with opportunities for travel.
Job Responsibilities
- Perform field inspections as it relates to logging of borings and test pits, earthwork, shallow foundations, ground improvement and deep foundations (i.e., augercast piles, driven piles or drilled shafts);
- Prepare daily field inspection reports and ensure data sheets are accurate and up-to-date;
- Oversee and document residential grout monitoring for sinkhole remediation projects;
- Install and maintain seismograph vibration monitors and download data; assist with pre-construction conditions documentation; assist with preparation of monitoring reports;
- Maintain field equipment; troubleshoot as necessary; and
- Perform other duties as requested.
Qualifications
- Associate’s degree in Engineering Technology, Construction Management, or related field preferred; equivalent experience will be considered;
- 2+ years’ related geotechnical field technician experience;
- Construction or technology related experience preferred (i.e., logging of borings, foundation subgrade/bearing zone inspection, earthwork and Nuclear Gauge certification);
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office;
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills;
- Strong attention to detail with excellent analytical, multitasking, and judgment capabilities;
- Ability to effectively work independently and in a team environment;
- Reliable transportation to access job sites and a valid driver’s license in good standing; and
- Ability to spend 100% of their work hours in the field.
Langan provides a rich array of programs and benefits to help its employees advance their careers and enhance the quality of their lives. Our comprehensive compensation package includes: full-time employment company paid medical, dental, and vision coverage; life insurance, short- and long-term disability insurance, and paid pregnancy disability leave; 401(k)/Roth with company match; paid time off including parental and military leave; employee referral and professional license bonuses; and educational reimbursement.
Langan offers employee resource groups; flexible work schedules; extensive training; wellness programs; buddy and mentoring programs; and much more!
Langan is committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all qualified applicants and employees, including individuals with disabilities and protected veterans. We believe that an inclusive workplace is essential for the well-being and success of our employees.
See all OPT Geotechnical Engineering Technician Jobs
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Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding OPT Sponsorship as a Geotechnical Engineering Technician
Target STEM-designated degree programs
Geotechnical technician roles typically qualify for the 24-month STEM OPT extension if your degree is in civil, environmental, or geological engineering. Confirm your program's CIP code with your DSO before applying to maximize your authorized work window.
Prioritize firms with established OPT hiring histories
Engineering consultancies and geotechnical testing firms that regularly hire entry-level technicians are most likely to understand OPT authorization. Look for employers who already have experience with EAD-based employment rather than those encountering it for the first time.
Clarify your authorization timeline upfront
Be ready to explain your OPT end date, STEM extension eligibility, and E-Verify requirements clearly. Many geotechnical firms are small to mid-size and may not have HR teams familiar with OPT, so a concise one-paragraph summary in your cover letter helps.
Emphasize field and lab skills that are hard to source locally
Highlight specific technical skills like soil classification, Atterberg limits testing, SPT logging, or geophysical survey experience. Concrete technical qualifications reduce employer hesitation around work authorization because you're demonstrating hard-to-replace expertise.
Apply early relative to your OPT start date
Many geotechnical roles require background checks and onboarding steps that take two to four weeks. Starting your job search at least 60 days before your OPT begins gives employers enough runway to complete hiring without worrying about your authorization gap.
Use your university's geotechnical lab connections
Faculty research partnerships with geotechnical firms and state DOT agencies are common pathways to OPT-eligible positions. Professors supervising field research or consulting projects often have direct relationships with hiring managers who are already comfortable with student work authorization.
Geotechnical Engineering Technician OPT: Frequently Asked Questions
Do geotechnical engineering technician jobs qualify for the STEM OPT extension?
Most geotechnical engineering technician roles qualify for the 24-month STEM OPT extension if your degree is in civil, environmental, geological, or geotechnical engineering and carries a qualifying CIP code. Your DSO at your university can confirm whether your specific program qualifies. The extension brings your total OPT period to 36 months, which significantly increases your value to employers considering longer-term hiring.
Do employers in this field understand OPT work authorization?
Familiarity varies significantly. Large geotechnical consulting firms like those supporting infrastructure or environmental remediation projects tend to have HR processes in place for OPT hires. Smaller regional firms often do not. When applying, briefly explaining your EAD, your authorized work period, and the STEM extension option in your cover letter reduces friction and prevents misunderstandings that can delay or kill an offer.
Where can I find geotechnical engineering technician jobs that are open to OPT students?
Migrate Mate is built specifically for F-1 OPT and international students and filters jobs by visa sponsorship and work authorization compatibility. Searching on Migrate Mate saves time compared to manually screening general job boards where OPT eligibility is rarely disclosed upfront. You can browse geotechnical technician openings and see which employers are likely to support your authorization status.
Can I work as a geotechnical engineering technician on pre-completion OPT?
Yes, pre-completion OPT allows you to work part-time (up to 20 hours per week) while school is in session and full-time during breaks. Geotechnical technician roles that involve field testing, lab analysis, or site investigation work can qualify as long as the position is directly related to your degree program. Your DSO must authorize pre-completion OPT before you begin, and the work must clearly tie to your field of study.
What happens to my OPT authorization if I change employers in this field?
OPT is not tied to a single employer, so you can change geotechnical employers without reapplying for authorization, provided your new role remains directly related to your degree. You must report the change to your DSO within 10 days through your university's SEVIS reporting portal. If you're on STEM OPT, your new employer must also be enrolled in E-Verify and you'll need to file an updated Form I-983 training plan.