Geotechnical Engineering Technologist

Your Opportunity

Stantec is currently searching for Geotechnical Engineering Technologist on a regular full-time basis on rotation in the field, reporting out of the Calgary office.  This is a non-exempt position; any overtime hours worked will be remunerated based on provincial employment regulations. Under the supervision of the Site Supervisor, the Geotechnical Engineering Technologist is responsible for completing operations maintenance and surveillance monitoring tasks for earthen structures at active mine sites and civil earthwork projects. This position will work independently in the field with support from their Field Supervisor and Project Manager.

This is a field position, work schedules will be based on project specific requirements and will require rotations of 12-hour shifts (day/night), as well as travel to remote field locations. Travel costs incurred while travelling to and from the project will only be covered from approved locations (Calgary and Edmonton). In addition, travel hours will be paid to a maximum of 1.5 hours per trip to and from the field location.  

Your Key Responsibilities

Your position may fulfil any of the following roles:

Civil Field Technologist

• Participating and following site-specific Health Safety Environment (HSE) policies and that the safety standard procedures are strictly adhered to with the goal of achieving zero workplace incidents and promotion of a safe work environment for all
• Participating in daily tailgate meetings
• Identifying and reporting hazards and unsafe conditions and seek to improve safety with reference to known policies and procedures
• Documenting significant events or observations related to the job (i.e. Environmental, Hazard ID, Job Observations, etc.).
• Monitoring geotechnical parameters to provide quality control in accordance with design and sampling/testing specifications
• Completing advanced soil sampling and compaction testing using a portable nuclear gauge 
• Interpreting design and IFC drawings, as well as material and construction specifications
• Storing, transporting and maintaining nuclear densometers
• Developed understanding of radiation safety, policies and procedures
• Reporting on technical construction monitoring observations and results and providing guidance during construction
• Adhering to quality control, documentation, and data management procedures
• Contributing to standardized procedures and policies, as well as the identification and execution of shared goals and objectives
• Troubleshooting technical issues in the field to consistently deliver high quality results.
• Demonstrating proficiency in the competencies outlined in the applicable Core Competency Profile
• Working knowledge of geotechnical material testing equipment and soil sampling
• Operating light vehicles (4x4 pickups) and/or all-terrain vehicles to gain access to construction areas located throughout the mine
• Identifying and engaging with key stakeholders to gather information and background

Instrumentation Monitor

• Participating and following site-specific Health Safety Environment (HSE) policies and that the safety standard procedures are strictly adhered to with the goal of achieving zero workplace incidents and promotion of a safe work environment for all
• Participating in daily tailgate meetings
• Identifying and reporting hazards and unsafe conditions and seek to improve safety with reference to known policies and procedures
• Documenting significant events or observations related to the job (i.e. Environmental, Hazard ID, Job Observations, etc.)
• Commissioning/initializing, extend, lower, aid in trenching, and otherwise modify geotechnical and/or hydrogeological instruments/wells
• Assisting and performing proper decommissioning/abandonment of geotechnical and hydrogeological wells/instruments
• Taking readings from vibrating wire piezometers, pneumatic piezometers, standpipes, transducers, flow meters and pumping wells
• Maintaining observation instruments as appropriate. Typical tasks may include but are not limited to winterization and miscellaneous maintenance (e.g. removal of water from slope inclinometers, repairing casing caps, guards and other surface appurtenances) 
• Programming, installing and downloading information from data loggers
• Taking readings from slope inclinometers, in-place inclinometers and SAAs
• Performing maintenance and troubleshooting on cables, data loggers, and automated data acquisition system
• Performing visual inspection of geotechnical structures and informing the client of any concerns or abnormalities 
• Performing Quality Control (QC) of all readings (e.g. allow noise in slope inclinometer reading(s) to reduce before recording the reading), data entry, outputs and determine if instrument readings are of good quality or if re-reads are required
• Conducting standard hydrogeological field testing on pumping and monitoring wells
• Collecting water samples from monitoring wells, pumping wells, and surface infrastructure. 
• Entering, maintaining, and updating instrumentation data files and drawings as directed by the client
• Demonstrating proficiency in the competencies outlined in the applicable Core Competency Profile
• Working knowledge of geotechnical material testing equipment and sampling
• Operating light vehicles (4x4 pickups) and/or all-terrain vehicles to gain access to instruments located in potentially remote areas
• Identifying and engaging with key stakeholders to gather information and background

Materials Testing Technician 

• Participating and following site-specific Health Safety Environment (HSE) policies and that the safety standard procedures are strictly adhered to with the goal of achieving zero workplace incidents and promotion of a safe work environment for all
• Participating in daily tailgate meetings
• Identifying and reporting hazards and unsafe conditions and seek to improve safety with reference to known policies and procedures
• Documenting significant events or observations related to the job (i.e. Environmental, Hazard ID, Job Observations, etc.)
• Maintaining, cleaning and adding to or replacing lab equipment
• Ensuring tests are completed in accordance with relevant standards. The testing scope completed at the lab encompasses:
• Moisture content as per ASTM D4643
• Sieve analysis to no. 200 sieve as per ASTM D422
• Hydrometer particle size analysis as per ASTM D422
• Density and unit weight of soil in place by Sand-Cone as per ASTM D1556
• Classification of Soils for Engineering Purposes as per ASTM D2487
• Standard proctor and Modified proctor testing as per ASTM D698 and D1557
• Maintaining proper chain of custody tracking of all samples from receipt to disposal
• Prioritizing work to meet the client’s requirements
• Completing Chain of Custody forms and filing appropriately for soil samples
• Logging and uploading sampling results to the client’s database
• Receiving samples, scheduling tests, and completing tests.  Tracking updates to be provided to the client, upon request
• Demonstrating proficiency in the competencies outlined in the applicable Core Competency Profile
• Extensive experience with northern Alberta glacial geology and Athabasca Oil Sands Geology having worked in the oil sands or glacial soils previously
• Working knowledge of geotechnical material testing equipment and soil sampling
• Identifying and engaging with key stakeholders to gather information and background

Your Capabilities and Credentials

• Working knowledge of the Microsoft office suite of programs
• Valid Class 5 Drivers License with current Driver’s Abstract 
• You must have Standard First Aid Level C with AED, CSTS, and H2S Alive
• These positions require a pre-access drug and alcohol testing and criminal background check
• Additional qualification requirements depending on project

Education and Experience

• A minimum Post-Secondary Technical Diploma in geological, geotechnical, civil or mining disciplines
• A minimum 1 years of relevant industry experience including mine driving is considered an asset
• Professional designation with either the Association of Science and Engineering Technology Professionals of Alberta (ASET) or the Applied Science Technologists and Technicians of BC (ASTTBC) is considered an asset
• Additional qualification requirements depending on project

Physical Requirements

• This position has minimum physical requirements as outlined in the Stantec Field Physical Demands Assessment. A fit for duty assessment is required prior to deployment in the field and is a condition of employment. Additional physical demands may be required and will be defined in the Project Specific HSE plans.

This description is not a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that may be required of the employee and other duties, responsibilities and activities may be assigned or may be changed at any time with or without notice.

Stantec is a place where the best and brightest come to build on each other’s talents, do exciting work, and make an impact on the world around us. Join us and redefine your personal best. #FeelingEnergized