A Day in the Life of a GTA Field Technician

At GTA, our field technicians are the backbone of what we do. They are the ones on site every day testing materials, observing construction, and ensuring every project stands on a solid foundation. It is challenging work, but also deeply rewarding. Field technicians gain hands-on experience, learn new skills, and see the real impact of their efforts in the communities around them.

No Two Days Are Alike

Ask any field technician what a typical day looks like and you will probably get a laugh, because the truth is there is not one. One day might involve checking soil compaction for a new roadway. The next could mean testing concrete for a hospital project or working on the foundations for a school.

As one GTA field technician said, “It’s satisfying that we get to work on such a wide variety of projects. We have master grading sites, we have residential sites. You’re seeing something new and learning something new every day.”

He recalled a memorable project from early on in his career. “We had dinosaur bones on the site. We got to see blasting, massive amounts of dirt moved, and all sorts of huge equipment. It was one of the first sites I ever worked on. It was definitely a learning curve, but it was very cool to see so many different aspects of the job and to meet a lot of really great people.”

Hands-On Testing and Observing

As a field technician, you will be out in the field, not behind a desk. Field technicians perform on-site testing of soil, concrete, asphalt, and other construction materials to make sure projects meet strict safety and quality standards. These responsibilities are central to GTA’s Construction Observation and Materials Testing (COT/CMT) services, which support everything from high-rise buildings and stadiums to landfills and shoreline infrastructure.

This is work that keeps you moving. Field technicians spend their day lifting, testing, and observing, often outdoors on active construction sites. The job is physical, but that is part of the appeal.

As one field technician put it, “I’ll take coring any day over sitting in the office. I like getting out there, I like sweating. It’s usually you and another technician, and as a team you get the job accomplished. It’s more fun being outside, enjoying what nature has to offer, and seeing the progress of a project.”

Teamwork on Site

You will not be working alone. Field technicians collaborate with contractors, fellow technicians, and engineers every day. Over time, they build lasting professional relationships that make the work even more rewarding.

One GTA field technician shared, “You can come out here, and it can be 95 degrees and you’re all sweating, but you’re all basically there for the same goal. You just get out and talk to the guys and work with them, tell them what you see versus what they might not see. As time goes on, you’re building relationships, and the better your job ends up turning out to be.”

Another reflected, “You really get the ins and outs of construction developments, how houses go up, how neighborhoods are created. You build relationships not only with your coworkers at GTA, but also with the contractors you see consistently throughout the year.”

Building Communities from the Ground Up

There is nothing quite like seeing a project go from start to finish. Field technicians are there every step of the way, helping ensure that bridges, schools, residential communities, and more are safe, sound, and built to last.

“Maybe you start from the beginning and it’s just grass, and then you see the houses be built completely start to finish. That’s definitely a benefit of the job,” said one field technician. “Out here, everyone is working toward the same goal.”

Another added, “Our job is pretty important, especially for our clients. If the product they’re bringing in is not in place and done according to whatever an engineer might say, who’s to know that something might not have a problem later on. We occasionally run into challenges with the materials we’re working with, but part of our job is to help solve those problems. There are challenges of course, and there will be with any job, but we are getting paid to help fix them which is pretty cool.”

Training, Mentorship & Career Growth

You do not need years of experience to start as a GTA field technician. Many join with a high school diploma or some college coursework, and from day one receive hands-on training that prepares them for success. Certifications such as NICET, ACI, and WACEL are encouraged and supported, giving employees valuable credentials that open doors to future opportunities.

Mentorship is also a big part of the GTA culture. One field technician recalled, “The biggest challenge when I first started was the learning curve. It felt like there was a lot to learn, and there still is, but I had great mentors who walked me through it and helped me a good deal.”

Others highlighted the chance to learn directly from experienced contractors and colleagues. “Most of the contractors we work with are pretty awesome,” another field technician noted. “They’ve been in the business for a long time, so you get to learn a lot from them, as well as from our management and our coworkers at GTA.”

A role as a field technician is a launchpad for long-term career growth. Many move into senior technician or project manager roles, or continue on to become geotechnical engineers. Along the way, GTA supports employees with professional development opportunities and a strong benefits package that includes competitive pay, paid time off, health, dental, and vision coverage, a 401(k) with company match, annual bonus potential, education assistance, and memberships to professional societies. Wellness programs, employee recognition, and team events round out a culture designed to help employees thrive both personally and professionally.

Real Stories from the Field

GTA employees describe the field technician role as exciting, fast-paced, and never boring. “The job was exciting and never dull, with different obstacles and needs found every day,” said one field technician in an Indeed review.

Another highlighted the growth opportunities, noting, “A great place to work that has a ton of advancement opportunities. It is hard work but it is rewarding as you move up. The company tries to really help its employees with work-life balance.”

For many, it is the combination of variety, hands-on learning, and strong team support that makes this role so fulfilling.

Start Your Career with GTA

Interested in becoming a field technician? GTA is hiring! If you enjoy working outdoors, tackling new challenges, and being part of a team that makes a difference, visit our careers page to explore opportunities: gtaeng.com/careers