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Engineering Technician III

Virginia Department of Transportation
Fairfax, VA
To gather geotechnical, geophysical and non-destructive subsurface investigation data through the use of mechanical drilling and other equipment to be used in preliminary engineering design, forensic investigations and assessments of recent and on-going construction activities. May oversee and/or lead drilling crew operations. To provide engineering technical support and assistance to assigned program area.

How you will contribute:
  • Communication: Communicate with VDOT staff as well as external staff (consultants, localities, etc.) to proactively resolve issues. Advise supervisor on critical developments and field observations.
  • Drilling Operations and Technical Support: Locate job sites, interpret plans, establish boring locations, and conduct preliminary site surveys. Perform soil survey, pavement, bridge and minor structure investigations. Coordinate with utilities, utility locators and landowners to obtain necessary approvals before drilling operations begin. Perform soil drilling and core sampling of pavement and rock and describe subsurface conditions and materials encountered. Collect, log, and store samples for transport to the laboratory for testing. Maintain drilling log and accurately describe soil and rock in accordance with USCS and AASHTO classification systems. Document information regarding site for geotechnical engineering staff. Instruct and perform hands-on training of other geotechnical staff in the use of equipment, site analysis, and safety.
  • Engineering Technology: Apply advance principles and practices of engineering technology to assigned program areas. Interpret policies and procedures and apply in daily work assignments.
  • Equipment Operation: Transport, set up and operate drills and supplemental equipment used to collect samples and geological information. Install and remove rods, augers, casing and sampling equipment to recover samples of soil and bedrock. Perform preventive maintenance and minor repairs on equipment. Maintain supplies and inventory of equipment.
  • Field Reviews and Inspections: Review or inspect field work being performed by VDOT staff or contractors. Determine compliance with policies, procedures and standards.
  • Project Documentation for Drillers: Document, enter and complete required field data such as boring logs, sample data and groundwater levels. Maintain accurate records of time expended by consultant drillers and check subconsultant invoices for accuracy.
  • Project Documentation: Document, enter and complete required data such as work orders , schedules or records. Provide technical assistance to field staff and contractors and provide training.
  • Records Maintenance: Compile and maintain automated and written reports and project records for assigned program areas. Records are maintained in accordance with guidelines and policies.
  • Technical Assistance: Address questions, policies and procedures related to assigned program area. Provide support to field personnel. Provide guidance related to VDOT policy and standards.
  • Time Management: Demonstrate knowledge of all project activities and deliverables. Manage time to ensure project work is completed efficiently and within timeframes established by supervisor. Inform supervisor in a timely manner regarding issues which may affect the scheduled completion of an assignment.
  • Training and Oversight: Assist drilling supervisor in training new technicians and, or overseeing contract drilling crews in the areas of drilling, field-testing, soil and rock descriptions, field logging, rudimentary survey techniques and the completion of appropriate forms.

What will make you successful:
  • Ability to communicate effectively orally and in writing with internal and external customers.
  • Ability to follow oral and written instructions.
  • Ability to interpret and apply policies and procedures related to VDOT's program areas.
  • Ability to lead and train others.
  • Ability to perform heavy manual labor in all weather conditions.
  • Ability to prepare and maintain records and reports.
  • Ability to provide training and guidance to other technicians.
  • Ability to read and interpret engineering plans and specifications.
  • Ability to record field data, prepare reports, and perform mathematical computations.
  • Ability to work as a member of a team.
  • Knowledge of geology, regional geological formations, soils and bedrock.
  • Knowledge of materials properties, materials testing, sampling and VDOT specifications.
  • Knowledge of the operation and maintenance of mechanical drilling equipment.
  • Skill in the use of computers and job-relevant software programs.
  • Skill in the use of geotechnical drilling equipment and associated tools and accessories.
Minimum Qualifications:
  • Ability to obtain and maintain CDL and DOT medical card within 11 months of employment and maintain thereafter. Must comply with DOT and VDOT policies and standards when operating CDL equipment.
  • Ability to obtain and maintain required materials certifications, flagger certification, traffic control technician, and 40-hour OSHA HAZWOPER certification within 12 months of employment.
  • Ability to perform heavy manual labor in all weather conditions.
  • Ability to read and interpret engineering plans and specifications.
  • Ability to record field data, prepare reports, and perform mathematical computations.
  • Knowledge of geology, regional geological formations, soils, bedrock, materials properties, materials testing, sampling and VDOT specifications.
  • Safety shoes required.
  • Skill in the operation and maintenance of mechanical drilling equipment.
  • Skill in the use of computers and software applications.
  • Skill in the use of geotechnical drilling equipment and associated tools and accessories.
  • Valid driver's license.
Additional Considerations:
  • A combination of training, experience, or education in Engineering Technology or related field desired.
  • Basic Tree Cutting & Chainsaw Operator Certification.
  • CPR with AED, Standard First Aid, and Blood Borne Pathogens (BBP) Combined Course.
  • Experience identifying soil and rock in accordance with recognized classification systems.
  • Experience operating and maintaining mechanical drilling equipment.
  • Possession of Commercial Driver' License (CDL).
  • Possession of required materials certifications, flagger certification, traffic control technician certification and 40-hour OSHA HAZWOPER certification.
Click below to learn more about the Competency Model associated with this Position:
Competency Model

Physical Requirements

VDOT employees must abide by VDOTs Code of Ethics and the Commonwealths Standards of Conduct.
VDOT Code of Ethics
Standards of Conduct
Posted 2025-07-29

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