Engineering/Scientific Technician

Schnabel is an employee-owned, professional engineering and consulting firm that focuses on solving problems related to the earth and environment through specialization in geotechnical, geostructural, tunnel, and dam engineering. Schnabel’s high standards for quality, business ethics, and concern for the communities in which we live are a vital part of who we are. Schnabel is an ENR Top 500 Design Firm with 700+ employees in 31 offices throughout the United States.

Recognized by CE News as one of the Best Engineering Firms to Work for, Schnabel provides employees with a competitive benefits package including maternity leave, tuition reimbursement for continuing education, health, dental, life and disability insurance and a wellness program. As an employee-owned company, through the Employee Stock Ownership Plan, Schnabel employees directly benefit from the success of our growing firm.

Benefit options include:

• Medical insurance


• Dental insurance


• Flexible spending accounts


• Employee life & ADD insurance (100% company-paid)


• Short-term disability (100% company-paid)


• Long-term disability


• Supplemental life insurance


• 401(k) and profit-sharing plan


• Employee stock ownership plan (ESOP)


• Bonus program


• Paid time off


• 9 Paid Holidays


• Wellness program


• Professional development and tuition reimbursement

Job Description:

Are you looking for interesting and meaningful work, a fun and flexible atmosphere, and opportunities to learn, grow, and excel? If so, then welcome to Schnabel! We approach problems with creativity and innovation. The Charlottesville, VA office of Schnabel Engineering is seeking an Engineering/Scientific Technician to join our growing practice.  We are looking for motivated candidates with attention to detail, a passion to continue to develop as a professional, and a desire to be part of a strong team. This role is an excellent opportunity for graduates with science-based majors to gain entry into the consulting engineering field. Successful candidates will have a desire to work outside and enjoy being a part of building the nation’s infrastructure. This role provides consistent working hours, excellent benefits, and the opportunity to earn overtime pay.     

Job Responsibilities:

• Observe and document construction activities, ensuring compliance with plans and specifications.


• Perform testing of construction materials including soil, concrete, asphalt, masonry and reinforcing steel.


• Provide as-needed support to the geotechnical design phase department on tasks such as soil boring layouts using GPS and observation of test borings.


• Provide as-needed support in the soils and concrete laboratory performing laboratory testing.   

Required Skills/Experience:

• High School degree


• Valid Driver’s License


• Possess good oral, written, communication, and organizational skills


• Able to perform rudimentary mathematic computations


• Attentive to detail


• Interest in working outdoors on construction sites


• Candidates must be able to lift 50 - 75 pounds on an occasional basis and be physically able to negotiate construction sites, climb ladders and work outside 

Preferred Skills/Experience:

• Bachelor of Science degree in geology, earth sciences, physics, environmental science or a related field


• Prior construction experience or internship experience in the engineering field

Other Requirements:

• Ability to pass a background check which may include criminal history, motor vehicle record, and credit check


• Ability to pass a pre-employment screening

The compensation range for this position is between $18/hour to $28/hour. Compensation for this position may vary based on geographic location and other factors. We remain committed to providing competitive and equitable compensation to all employees, regardless of their location.