Soil Technician

Job Description

Job DescriptionJob Title: Soil Technician
Job Description

This role focuses on field-based soil testing and construction materials inspection to support grading, backfill, and site development projects across Southern California. You will perform nuclear density and compaction testing, collect and document field data, and contribute to safe and compliant construction practices while working closely with contractors and field teams.

Responsibilities

• Perform nuclear density and compaction testing on native soil, imported soil, and type II base materials for utility trench backfill, building pads, parking lots, and backfill around structures and footings.
• Conduct moisture and density testing in the field to verify compliance with project specifications and geotechnical requirements.
• Collect soil samples from job sites and any imported materials for laboratory testing and materials analysis.
• Accurately record, organize, and maintain field notes, test results, and other project documentation in a clear and timely manner.
• Share test results and relevant information with contractors, foremen, and other construction personnel on site to support informed decision-making.
• Assist in providing safety and construction oversight to subcontractors, helping to ensure adherence to project standards and safe work practices.
• Perform environmental sampling as required, following established procedures and regulatory guidelines.
• Follow all standards, procedures, and safety protocols to maintain a safe work environment for yourself and others.
• Operate and properly maintain nuclear density gauges and related testing equipment, ensuring accurate and reliable measurements.
• Support various tasks during rough grading and post-grading activities, adapting to changing site conditions and project needs.
• Collaborate with team members and supervisors, contributing to a cross-trained environment where employees support multiple functions.

Essential Skills

• 1–5 years of experience in soil testing, construction materials testing, or a closely related field (experience level influences compensation).
• Strong working knowledge of moisture and density testing methods and their application on construction sites.
• Hands-on experience with nuclear density and compaction testing, preferably using nuclear density gauges such as Troxler units.
• Practical understanding of geotechnical and soils testing concepts, including soil compaction and soil sampling procedures.
• Ability to accurately observe, test, and document the density and compaction of soils and base materials in the field.
• Nuclear gauge or nuclear density certification (or equivalent nuclear testing certification) required to operate nuclear testing equipment.
• Strong verbal communication skills to clearly convey test results and site observations to contractors and field personnel.
• Strong written communication skills to produce clear field notes, logs, and reports.
• Willingness to learn and adapt to new tasks, procedures, and cross-training opportunities.
• Comfort working in construction environments and performing fieldwork on active job sites.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Experience with construction materials testing on residential and commercial developments.
• Familiarity with geotechnical testing standards and procedures for soil compaction and density verification.
• Experience using nuclear density gauges, including Troxler or similar equipment, on grading and backfill projects.
• Background in environmental sampling or related environmental field activities.
• Ability to work collaboratively in a small team where individuals often take on multiple responsibilities.
• Detail-oriented mindset with a focus on accuracy, safety, and compliance with established procedures.

Why Work Here?

You will join a stable, small, family-owned organization where collaboration, cross-training, and internal growth are central to the culture. Team members are encouraged to develop a broad skill set by wearing multiple hats and supporting different departments. The company has a strong track record of promoting from within, offering clear pathways into supervisory and management roles for those who demonstrate initiative and reliability. Employees enjoy long tenure and low turnover, reflecting a supportive environment that values loyalty, development, and long-term careers.

Work Environment

You will work for a small family-owned business with approximately 30–35 employees, where everyone contributes across several functions and supports one another. The schedule typically runs Monday through Friday, starting around 6:00 a.m. and ending between 3:00 p.m. and 5:00 p.m., depending on project needs. The role involves a significant amount of overtime, and candidates should be open to extended hours when required. Most work takes place on active construction sites, performing field-based soil, moisture, and density testing using nuclear density gauges and related geotechnical testing equipment. The environment emphasizes safety, adherence to testing standards, and hands-on involvement in grading and construction activities.

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of YORBA LINDA, CA.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $25.00 - $32.00/hr.

Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your job classification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may be subject to specific elections, plan, or program terms. If eligible, the benefits available for this temporary role may include the following:
• Medical, dental & vision
• Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital
• 401(k) Retirement Plan – Pre-tax and Roth post-tax contributions available
• Life Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and dependents)
• Short and long-term disability
• Health Spending Account (HSA)
• Transportation benefits
• Employee Assistance Program
• Time Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation or Sick Leave)

Workplace Type

This is a fully onsite position in YORBA LINDA,CA.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on May 21, 2026.

About Aerotek

We know that finding work is hard, and finding meaningful work is harder. Aerotek connects 180,000+ light industrial and skilled trades workers with 14,000+ employers each year, helping our workers navigate an evolving labor market and find jobs that meets their goals, skills and interests. Since 1983, we have provided a variety of career opportunities across North American industry – from short-term assignments at Fortune 500 companies where you can build your skills, to long-term opportunities where you can play a vital role solving for companies’ construction, manufacturing and maintenance challenges. Our 1,500+ experienced recruiters across 250+ offices work relentlessly to put our workforce in a position to thrive. Let us rise to meet your challenges and put our people-are everything spirit to the test as your career continues to grow.

Aerotek offers weekly pay, employee benefits including medical, dental & vision, life insurance, health advocacy and employee assistance programs, a 401(k) plan, and employee discounts.

The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications without regards to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protected by law.

San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance:
Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, for all positions located in the city and county of San Francisco, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.

Massachusetts Lie Detector:
It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.

Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI):
We may use Artificial Intelligence (AI) to support parts of our hiring process, including sourcing, screening, and evaluating candidates. AI helps assess applications and qualifications, but final decisions are made by our hiring team. By applying, you acknowledge and agree that your application may be reviewed using AI tools.

Company DescriptionWe know that finding work is hard, and finding meaningful work is harder. Aerotek connects 180,000+ light industrial and skilled trades workers with 14,000+ employers each year, helping our workers navigate an evolving labor market and find jobs that meet their goals, skills, and interests. Since 1983, we have provided a variety of career opportunities across North American industry – from short-term assignments at Fortune 500 companies where you can build your skills, to long-term opportunities where you can play a vital role in solving companies’ construction, manufacturing, and maintenance challenges. Our 1,500+ experienced recruiters across 250+ offices work relentlessly to put our workforce in a position to thrive. Let us rise to meet your challenges and put our people-are-everything spirit to the test as your career continues to grow.

Company Description

We know that finding work is hard, and finding meaningful work is harder. Aerotek connects 180,000+ light industrial and skilled trades workers with 14,000+ employers each year, helping our workers navigate an evolving labor market and find jobs that meet their goals, skills, and interests. Since 1983, we have provided a variety of career opportunities across North American industry – from short-term assignments at Fortune 500 companies where you can build your skills, to long-term opportunities where you can play a vital role in solving companies’ construction, manufacturing, and maintenance challenges. Our 1,500+ experienced recruiters across 250+ offices work relentlessly to put our workforce in a position to thrive. Let us rise to meet your challenges and put our people-are-everything spirit to the test as your career continues to grow.