Field Engineer

About JHA

Jacob & Hefner Associates, Inc. (JHA) is a civil engineering, land surveying, and environmental services firm.

The Role

Field Engineers specialize in subsurface characterization, sampling, and field investigation, with a growing role in remediation system installation, pilot testing, and system performance data collection. This is a field-forward technical track where you will spend most of your time on site.

• Field Engineer I (0 to 3 years): Logs borings, monitors well installation, collects samples, and supports pilot tests under supervision.
• Field Engineer II (3 to 7 years): Leads site investigation and pilot test programs independently in the field, including drilling oversight, well installation, sampling, field QA/QC, and subcontractor coordination.

Key Responsibilities

• Prepare for field programs: utility clearance, permits, site access, boring layouts, and supplies.
• Oversee direct push, hollow stem auger, and sonic drilling and monitoring well installation; log soils using USCS; document well construction.
• Collect soil, groundwater (including low-flow), and soil vapor and sub-slab samples per DTSC guidance; manage chain of custody and laboratory coordination.
• Operate and calibrate field instruments (PID, water level and interface probes, multi-parameter meters); maintain calibration logs.
• Manage investigation-derived waste characterization, labeling, and disposal coordination.
• Prepare boring logs, well construction diagrams, cross-sections, and field summary tables.
• Support remediation system installation oversight and pilot test data collection (SVE, air sparge, DPE), including flow, vacuum, and pressure measurements and mass removal calculations.
• Provide daily field updates and flag field changes that affect scope, schedule, or budget.
• Follow site-specific Health and Safety Plans and lead tailgate meetings when serving as field lead.

Requirements & Tech Stack

• Bachelor’s degree in Environmental, Civil, or Chemical Engineering, or a related engineering field.
• Valid driver’s license and an acceptable driving record.
• Reliable personal vehicle for business use, with insurance meeting JHA's minimums.
• Ability to lift and carry 50 pounds, stand and walk for extended periods on uneven terrain, and wear full PPE including a respirator.
• Strong written and verbal communication, attention to detail, and a safety mindset.
• Working knowledge of Outlook, Word, and Excel.

Preferred Qualifications

• Field experience logging borings, overseeing drilling, installing wells, or sampling soil, groundwater, and soil vapor; internships and co-ops count.
• OSHA 40-Hour HAZWOPER and First Aid/CPR (HAZWOPER required within the first 90 days; JHA pays for training).
• Engineer-in-Training (EIT), or the intent to sit for the FE exam, on a path toward California PE licensure.
• Master’s degree, for Field Engineer II placement.
• Familiarity with boring log software (gINT), ArcGIS, AutoCAD, or California regulatory programs (GeoTracker, EnviroStor).

Working Conditions

Field work is performed outdoors in all weather and may involve exposure to hazardous materials, chemicals, noise, and heat. Local travel is routine; periodic overnight travel is required. The standard schedule is Monday through Friday, 8-hour shifts, with occasional weekend or after-hours work.

Employment Requirements

• Pass an employment drug screen and background check.
• Legally authorized to work in the United States.
• Complete and maintain OSHA 40-Hour HAZWOPER and 8-Hour Annual Refresher training (JHA pays for training).
• Complete an annual occupational physical and respirator medical clearance.