Senior Geotechnical Engineer

This Opportunity

WSP is seeking a Sr. Geotechnical Engineer for our Knoxville, TN office to provide geotechnical engineering assistance and guidance for multisite/phase due diligence, investigation, remediation, impact assessment, permitting, improvement, and construction of infrastructure projects and systems in the public and private sector.  Tasks include assisting with the research, design, concept development, planning, and construction of facilities, roads, buildings, tunnels, dams, canals, levees, bridges, water supply systems, underground storage, and sewage treatment.  Substantiates reports and documentation regarding material, installations, and construction specifications.  Ensures that responsibilities are delivered and adhered to with a level of quality that meets or exceeds acceptable industry standards for design, safety, and functionality.

Your Impact

• Determine well-defined methods for collecting, compiling, and analyzing data from the physical work site, soil/water/sludge/rock samples, surveys, blueprints, GIS data, subsurface utility information, maps, hydrologic analysis, geotechnical data, and other matrices for project development, design, and construction.  
• Maintain quality control standards and procedures for accurate and precise measurements, statistical analysis of rock and soil environmental data, and reporting.
• Perform professional geotechnical engineering work and conduct research and inspections of proposed and existing site conditions, including subsurface investigations, soil foundation engineering, settlement analysis, soil erosion, lateral earth pressures, geological hazards, underground water, and slope stability to determine conformance with applicable rules, standards, construction, or operating permits for commercial, industrial, building, environmental, infrastructure, and transportation projects.
• Develop construction plans, specifications, and cost estimates; preparing construction safety and phasing plans and updating infrastructure layout plans that require coordination with owners, other disciplines, sub-consultants, and clients.
• Develop or incorporate advanced modeling techniques, concept development, design requirements, and operating strategies to account for the safety and functionality of end-users, transportation systems, structures, and the incorporation of future-ready solutions with geotechnical engineering design standards.
• Work as an individual or as part of a cross-functional team of engineers, planners, and scientific professionals to execute project work on multiple concurrent projects, assist with laying out installations, foundations, slopes, retaining structures, embankments, and other systems that are made or supported by soil or rock, calculating costs and quantities of material/equipment/labor, and ensuring project work conforms with specifications, permit applications, compliance documentation, and regulatory and technical analysis memos.
• Prepare data and visualizations such as tables, charts, accurate reports, sketches, calculations, and illustrations for the interpretation or presentation of data, findings, or analyses.
• Provide guidance and training to entry-level geotechnical engineers.
• Prepare technical reports and presentations that explain research, findings, and recommendations to improve, prevent, control, restore, or address design and/or construction issues or opportunities.
• Review Geotechnical and Environmental reports (Phase I and Phase II).
• Assist in the analysis, evaluation, and interpretation of data obtained during field investigations, offering input with developing action plans for moderate- to high-level risk mitigation activities.
• Prepare and implement site Health and Safety Plans (HASPs).
• Comply with regulatory requirements pertaining to the data integrity, documentation, procedures, training, monitoring systems, and record compliance and retention.
• Interact with regulatory agencies, subcontractors, clients, drillers, and laboratory staff, in a confident and professional manner.
• Remain current in latest geotechnical engineering techniques and practices.
• Work collaboratively with other engineers and planners on projects with infrastructure authorities on Federal, State, regional, and locally funded improvement and development projects.
• Exercise responsible and ethical decision-making regarding company funds, resources and conduct, and adhere to WSP’s Code of Conduct and related policies and procedures.
• Perform additional responsibilities as required by business needs.

Who You Are

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree in Geotechnical Engineering, or closely related discipline.
• 5 to 7 years of relevant post education experience in engineering and prior geotechnical design experience.
• Engineer in Training Certification.
• Proficient demonstrated knowledge of geotechnical engineering including: design of deep foundations, shallow foundations, evaluating slope stability, seismic engineering, retaining wall design, earth retention, rock mechanics, settlement of compressible soils, ground improvement techniques, support of excavation, dewatering, design/build, and the application to permitting and project work-related issues.
• Experience with infrastructure planning, design, and construction management; including active involvement in a variety of rehabilitation and new design projects.
• Proficient understanding of the disciplines of rock and soil mechanics to investigate subsurface and geologic conditions to design and build foundations, earth structures, and pavement sub-grades.
• Working knowledge of relevant remediation, permitting, improvement, and construction laws, codes, regulations, compliance practices, and record-keeping requirements.
• Ability to make technical computations and calculations involving the application of engineering principles, understanding plans and specifications, and making factual comparisons to the appropriate regulations.
• Project management experience with small to mid-level projects including scoping, and tracking hours and expenses for project work.
• Ability to plan and conduct inspections and investigations on various aspects of the construction and design of facilities or structures, applying applicable regulations and policies.
• Effective interpersonal and communication skills when interacting with others, expressing ideas effectively and professionally to an engineering and non-engineering audience.
• Highly capable self-leadership with attention to detail, multi-tasking, and prioritization of responsibilities in a dynamic work environment.
• Ability to work independently and provide guidance and leadership to junior team or project members, with strict adherence to QA/QC.
• Proficiency with technical writing, office automation, discipline-specific design software (i.e., MicroStation, AutoCAD, Civil 3D, ArcGIS, InRoads, Geopak, GeoSlope, ANSYS, STADD, HEC-RAS, HEC-HMS), technology, math principles, predictive models, spreadsheets, and tools.
• Developed critical thinking and problem-solving skills required to apply technical knowledge to reach conclusions from testing results, data collation, statistical analysis and arriving at the most effective, economical, and logical solution.
• Ability to assertively direct others in the field such as subcontractors, drillers, and others to consistently complete tasks safely and efficiently.
• Proven track record of upholding workplace safety and ability to abide by WSP’s health, safety and drug/alcohol and harassment policies.
• Ability to work schedules conducive to project-specific requirements that may extend beyond the typical workweek.
• Occasional travel may be required depending on project-specific requirements.

Preferred Qualifications 

• Master’s Degree in Engineering.
• Essential Professional Licensure/Certification.
• Experience managing small to mid-size projects.
• 40-Hour OSHA Health & Safety Training (HAZWOPER) (29 CFR 1910.120) preferred.
• Basic First Aid and Adult CPR training desired.

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