Earth Systems

Shaping Our Communities

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About the firm

Earth Systems is a leading geotechnical engineering practice committed to quality geoprofessional services across California. Founded in 1969, it serves communities through geotechnical engineering, materials testing and special inspection, engineering geology, and environmental consulting from ten offices strategically located throughout California. With over 55 years of experience and an average employee tenure exceeding 11 years, the practice combines deep local knowledge with a collaborative, mentorship-driven culture.

Established
1969
Firm type
Geotechnical Engineering · Environmental Engineering · Materials Testing

Credentials

Caltrans Accredited · Division of the State Architect (DSA) Approved · U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Validated · City of Los Angeles Department of Building and Safety Approved · Department of Health Care Access and Information (HCAI) Approved · AASHTO Accreditation Program (AAP) Assessed

People

Ji ShinPresident and Chief Executive Officer

Alexis HuebnerChief Financial Officer

Chris GardnerMarketing and Business Development Manager

Jennie HackettHuman Resources Manager

Juan LandronSafety Manager

Tony MazzeiRegional Manager - Santa Barbara and Ventura

Kevin PaulRegional Manager - Perris and Bermuda Dunes

Chris AllenRegional Manager - Pasadena

Robert DownRegional Manager - San Luis Obispo and Santa Maria

Amir KhodadadiRegional Manager - Salinas, Hollister and Fremont

Capabilities

Geotechnical Engineering

Service website

Provides professional geoprofessional analysis from initial feasibility consultation through design-level investigations for buildings, infrastructure, and site development.

  • Geotechnical Feasibility Studies

    Assesses site suitability and potential geologic challenges before property acquisition or project design.

  • Foundation Design Parameters

    Determines geotechnical criteria for deep and shallow foundations, including settlement-reduction analysis.

  • Slope Stability Analysis

    Evaluates natural and engineered slopes to mitigate landslide risks and structural failures.

  • Earth Retention & Embankment Design

    Formulates geotechnical criteria and design parameters for earth retention structures and stable embankments.

  • Pavement Design

    Develops geotechnical pavement parameters to support long-term pavement performance and durability.

Materials Testing & Special Inspection

Service website

Performs accredited laboratory testing and on-site field inspections of construction materials under the supervision of licensed professional engineers.

  • Laboratory Testing

    Conducts physical and mechanical tests on soils, concrete, masonry, asphalt, and reinforcing steel in accredited facilities.

  • Field Testing & Sampling

    Performs on-site sampling and compliance testing of soils, asphalt concrete, masonry, and structural steel.

  • Special Inspection

    Provides specialized oversight of welding, high-strength bolting, concrete placement, and pile driving.

Engineering Geology

Service website

Integrates the evaluation of natural geologic formations, structure, and active processes with engineering design principles.

  • Geologic Hazard Studies

    Identifies risks associated with landslides, slope instability, liquefaction, lateral spreading, fault rupture, and seismic shaking.

  • Coastal Bluff Retreat Analysis

    Assesses bluff erosion rates and coastal geology to provide setbacks and mitigation strategies.

  • Fault Investigations

    Evaluates surface fault rupture potential through historical research, geophysical surveys, and exploratory trenching.

Environmental Consulting

Service website

Specializes in the detection, assessment, and remediation of soil and groundwater contamination to support regulatory closure.

  • Phase I & Phase II Environmental Site Assessments

    Identifies historical and active environmental liabilities and contamination on commercial and industrial properties.

  • Preliminary Endangerment Assessments

    Evaluates potential hazards to human health and the environment to guide remediation strategy.

  • Soil & Groundwater Remediation

    Designs and implements remediation systems along with ongoing monitoring of soil and groundwater quality.

  • Underground Storage Tank Assessments

    Assesses leak risks and oversees the removal and cleanup of underground fuel storage systems.

  • Methane Surveys & Landfill Investigations

    Conducts subsurface gas surveys and active monitoring of landfill boundaries and methane hazards.

Industries

Government · Education · Highways & Roads · Parks & Open Space · Infrastructure · Environmental & Remediation · Commercial · Residential · Multifamily Residential · Mixed-Use · Healthcare · Wastewater

Projects

Watts Skatepark

Watts, CA · Parks & Open Space

Project details

Geotechnical services for the skatepark development, recognized with the CalGeo Outstanding Project Award.

Cultural Arts District Parking Garage

San Luis Obispo, CA · Infrastructure

Project details

Comprehensive geotechnical engineering and construction materials testing services for a multi-level parking structure in downtown San Luis Obispo.

Earth Systems - Engineering Firms