Temporary (Part-Time) Field Technician

Full Job Description

COMPANY BACKGROUND

Riley Engineering is a civil engineering firm specializing in water resources. Our mission is to engineer and implement solutions to provide society with water infrastructure. Riley was founded to improve people’s lives by ensuring that all have the necessary civil infrastructure to facilitate socioeconomic well-being. Our employees rally behind that mission and enjoy building the firm from the ground up together—pairing technical expertise with business acumen and a heart for helping others.

TEMPORARY (PART-TIME) FIELD TECHNICIAN ROLE

Riley Engineering is hiring Field Technicians. This role involves remote field work primarily on the Navajo Nation, which spans Arizona, New Mexico, and Utah.

Preference will be given to candidates located on or near the Navajo Nation. Candidates located on or near the Navajo Nation will be expected to work remotely from home in close coordination with our Tucson office. Overnight stays may be required depending on the project’s proximity to the candidate’s home location.

Candidates located away from the Navajo Nation may be considered but will be expected to travel and spend at least 1–2 weeks in the field at a time. Candidates located outside of the Tucson metro area are expected to work remotely. Candidates in the Tucson metro area will be expected to work in the Tucson office when not in the field.

Candidates must demonstrate hands-on field work experience or experience in engineering design or construction. Experience with remote field work, underground utilities, construction, and high competency with computers, GPS equipment, and other electronic field equipment is required.

If you enjoy hands-on field work, travel, and working in rural or remote environments, this role may be the perfect fit.

EXAMPLES OF DUTIES

Field Responsibilities – Technical Field Engineer

• Travel to project sites within and outside typical work hours as needed (workdays exceeding 8 hours should be expected)
• Staking of long-distance remote/rural waterline and sewer alignments
• Ground and drone reconnaissance of potential pipeline routes
• Perform flush testing of water distribution systems for hydraulic modeling and calibration
• Perform site visits, field investigations, and surveys to assess drainage patterns, channel conditions, erosion, sediment transport, and infrastructure performance
• Conduct field-based hydrology and hydraulics data collection (e.g., flow measurements, sediment sampling, GPS data collection, field reconnaissance)
• GPS navigation and paper map navigation to remote homes
• Document field conditions thoroughly, including photographs, field notes, measurements, and observations under supervision of a Professional Engineer
• Perform field assessments of water distribution, wastewater, and stormwater systems for compliance with regulations and performance requirements
• Coordinate with contractors, clients, and team members onsite to ensure construction or field activities align with design intent
• Ensure safety compliance during fieldwork, including use of PPE and adherence to field safety protocols
• Travel to the Navajo Nation or other tribal locations to perform homesite inspections and design septic systems and water connections
• Read and interpret plans and engineering drawings, including topographic maps

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• Drone operation experience (Part 107 certification a plus)
• Valid driver’s license
• Ability and willingness to perform extensive field work (up to two consecutive weeks in the field at a time)
• Surveying, engineering, or construction field experience
• Physically fit (able to walk up to 5 miles per day and lift up to 50 lbs)

Equivalent combinations of education and relevant experience may be considered.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Experience and understanding of natural terrain, environment, and drainage patterns
• Experience and understanding of water distribution systems and water & wastewater
• Strong technical writing skills, especially for field reports and engineering analyses
• Proficiency with software listed in the duties above
• Experience in field inspections, construction observation, or environmental/engineering fieldwork
• Experience with AutoCAD Civil 3D
• Bachelor’s degree
• Experience in the construction or underground utility industry

WHAT WE’LL EXPECT FROM YOU

• Approximately 40 hours per week (some weeks may be more or less)
• Overtime pay available
• Approximately 70% fieldwork and 30% home/office work (may vary week to week)
• Self-motivated and resourceful in solving problems and learning new skills
• Ability to collaborate with a team and communicate clearly with clients and contractors
• Occasional travel and work outside normal hours for field tasks
• Long hours driving to project sites
• Values alignment: Passion, Excellence, Integrity, Education, Balance, Humility, Adaptability

WHAT YOU CAN EXPECT FROM US

• On-the-job training
• Impact at a growing firm where your voice and ideas matter
• Supportive colleagues and leadership committed to mentorship and meaningful work
• Hourly Range: $20–$35 (commensurate with experience)

BENEFITS

• 401(k) matching
• Dental insurance
• Employee assistance program
• Flexible spending account
• Health insurance
• Health savings account
• Paid time off
• Relocation assistance
• Vision insurance

IF THIS SOUNDS LIKE YOU, PLEASE SUBMIT YOUR PROJECT-BASED RESUME AND COVER LETTER. WE LOOK FORWARD TO HEARING FROM YOU.