Geotechnical Engineer

Perform or monitor geotechnical investigations and testing. Perform pavement and geotechnical plan reviews and designs. Prepare analyses, reports and recommendations on geotechnical findings. Provide geotechnical engineering support and consultation for preliminary engineering, construction and maintenance activities. Provide technical advice, guidance and training regarding assigned engineering program areas. Prepare analyses, reports, and recommendations based on engineering determinations. Provide engineering support and consultation related to engineering program area. Effectively manage assigned projects to ensure timely and accurate completion. Communicate with internal VDOT staff, local government staff, consultants, citizens and FHWA regarding transportation projects and programs.

How you will contribute:

Analysis and Technical Reporting: Analyze and interpret engineering data and information. Prepare complete, clear and concise reports and recommendations.

Analysis and Technical Reporting: Analyze and interpret information and data obtained during preliminary engineering and special investigations. Prepare complete, clear and concise reports and recommendations for soil surveys, pavement designs, major and minor structures, well and vibration damage assessments, slope failures, etc. Work with Central Office to produce special designs and recommendations requiring engineering expertise.

Communication: Establish an effective line of communication between VDOT, contractors, government agencies and the public. Investigate issues and resolve complaints.

Engineering Process Management: Use established VDOT policies and procedures in the development and delivery of engineering projects. Engineering projects are completed in compliance with state and federal laws and regulations.

Manage Assigned Activities: Plan, schedule and coordinate engineering program activities such that deliverables are met within the established scope and timeline.

On-Call Contracts: May administer geotechnical on-call contracts for geotechnical services and drilling activities. Investigate projects and locate boreholes for soil surveys and foundation investigations. Prepare scope of work and request for proposal documents and issues notice to proceed based on agreed services between consultant and VDOT. Verify consultant work is acceptable and required information is received.

Preliminary Engineering Investigations: Plan, schedule and coordinate activities with the drill crew or consultant services for soil surveys and foundation investigations. Track workload and provide monthly summary to management. Prepare pavement designs and foundation reports and recommendations for major and minor structures and roadways within established project deadlines.

Preliminary Engineering Reviews: Perform detailed reviews of design documents and plans for accuracy. Attend meetings to present recommendations. Complete written documentation of recommendations. Participate in Value Engineering studies.

Program Management: May work in a specialized program area such as prestressed concrete, structural steel QA-QC, buried structures, pavement, testing laboratories, central mixed aggregate, bonded weigh and nuclear gauge. In these programs, assist teams, engineers and consultants in the delivery of test results, development and updating of policies, specifications and databases, resolving program issues, design or construction problems relating to specific program areas, conduct periodic plant visits, evaluate manufacturing processes and finished products.

Project Engineering: Assist in the management of projects and tasks including development of and managing the scope, schedule, budget, deliverables, change management, quality, and status reports. Complete multiple concurrent tasks and assignments, and report updates on their status.

Project Field Support: Respond to related problems and technical questions from construction and maintenance personnel; visit construction projects; evaluate problems and provide written recommendations.

Special Assignments: Manage special program initiatives and projects as assigned. Serve and represent VDOT or assigned program area on various committees and work groups.

Special Investigations: Plan for special investigations. Determine liability and prepare recommendation for corrective action.

Support of Work Group: Prepare for and attend PPMS and project meetings, provide information to project designers, inspectors and contractors, address materials issues, sample materials, coordinate consultant services and review reports and recommendations. May participate in Certification School and other programs. Serve on various committees; conduct preliminary and prefabrication conferences with prospective producers.

Teamwork and Customer Service: Demonstrates customer service and work habits that reflect the VDOT Values, and coordinates the flow of information both orally and in writing.

What will make you successful:

Ability to apply engineering principles and practices.

Ability to communicate effectively orally and in writing with diverse groups.

Ability to draw rational conclusions and develop solutions from analysis; make independent decisions; and manage multiple assignments.

Ability to enforce and demonstrate safety behaviors, as well as advocate and practice safety in everyday work activities.

Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with others.

Ability to interpret technical data and prepare and maintain detailed reports.

Ability to manage multiple projects and priorities with competing deadlines and limited resources.

Ability to negotiate outcomes and work with diverse customer groups.

Ability to perform various investigations, analyze problems, draw logical conclusions and make recommendations to resolve issues.

Ability to provide detailed reports on review findings.

Ability to read and understand highway construction plans.

Knowledge engineering specifications and standards.

Knowledge of Non-destructive testing, data analysis and reporting, calibration and quality control and assurance and related specifications.

Knowledge of VDOT, state, and federal policies and procedures relating to transportation engineering.

Knowledge of civil engineering concepts, construction sequence, methods, materials and practices.

Knowledge of drilling operations, pavement and soils testing, and other field data acquisition techniques.

Knowledge of geology, geotechnical engineering, regional geologic formations, soils and rocks.

Knowledge of geotechnical engineering principles and practices.

Knowledge of new technologies and procedures and the application of statistical concepts for sampling and testing various materials.

Knowledge of project management procedures and principles.

Skill in providing and promoting good customer service to internal and external customers.

Skill in the use of computers and software applications to include MS Office, project management and engineering software programs.

Minimum Qualifications:

Ability to gather and analyze data and prepare technical reports.

Ability to perform various investigations, analyze problems, draw logical conclusions and make recommendations to resolve issues.

Ability to read and understand highway construction plans.

Knowledge of civil engineering concepts, construction sequence, methods, materials and practices.

Knowledge of drilling operations, pavement and soils testing, and other field data acquisition techniques.

Knowledge of geology, geotechnical engineering, regional geologic formations, soils and rocks.

Knowledge of geotechnical engineering principles and practices.

Knowledge of new technologies and procedures and the application of statistical concepts for sampling and testing various materials.

Skill in the use of computers and software applications to include engineering software.

Valid driver's license.

Additional Considerations:

A combination of training, experience, or education in Geotechnical Engineering, Geology or related field desired.

Experience in geotechnical engineering.

Knowledge of VDOT specifications, standards, programs, procedures and policies related to construction and maintenance use of materials.

Proficiency in navigation and use of web-based systems needed to perform the job.

Click below to learn more about the Competency Model associated with this Position:
Competency Model

Physical Requirements
Physical Requirements

VDOT employees must abide by VDOTs Code of Ethics and the Commonwealths Standards of Conduct.
VDOT Code of Ethics
Standards of Conduct
Physical Requirements
Physical Requirements