Geotechnical and Pavement Bureau Chief

The Montana Department of Transportation (MDT) is recruiting for a Geotech & Pavement Bureau Chief. The Geotech & Pavement Bureau Chief oversees the Bureau’s Geotechnical, Pavement Analysis, and Field Investigation sections and provides leadership and administrative management for all geotechnical and pavement engineering functions. The position directs subsurface investigation activities, laboratory testing, and engineering analysis and design. Key responsibilities include establishing project guidelines, procedures, and technical parameters; planning and supervising investigation, sampling, and analytical work; and providing advanced technical assistance to internal staff, consultants, and external agencies involved in road construction projects.

The Bureau Chief also develops and maintains agency policies and procedures for geotechnical engineering and pavement design strategies, serves as the primary point of contact for related technical inquiries, and acts as a liaison with the MDT Pavement Management Section to support statewide pavement condition assessment and data‑collection efforts. This position reports to the Statewide Project Delivery Engineer and directly supervises 5 employees.
 

For a full job description, please contact Morgan Stibi at [email protected]. 

Benefits of working for MDT and the State of Montana include\:

• Culture of public service and a commitment to work/life balance
• Potential hybrid remote work arrangement available 
• Health, Dental, and Vision Insurance
• Access to Montana Health Centers, low-cost clinics for state employees and their families
• State Retirement plan and additional savings opportunities (deferred compensation)
• Employees in this position receive overtime compensation or compensatory time for all time in a pay status over 40 hours in a workweek
• Paid vacation, sick leave, and holidays
• Eligibility for Public Service Student Loan Forgiveness
• Benefits apply on first day of employment
• Relocation assistance may be offered to the successful candidate at the time of offer

For information on the Montana Department of Transportation’s mission, vision, and values, please visit our website\: https\://www.mdt.mt.gov/about.aspx#values

Required Application Materials\:

• A resume detailing your qualifications and work history.
• A cover letter of no more than two pages addressing your qualifications for the position. 
• Your online application and all required materials must be submitted before midnight on the closing date. Ensure all materials submitted are selected as “Relevant.”

If you need an accommodation with the application process, please contact the HR representative listed below.

Required Education and Experience\: 

• Bachelor’s Degree in Geotechnical Engineering, Civil Engineering, Geology, or other closely related field
• 5 years of progressively responsible experience in geotechnical subsurface investigations, engineering analysis, and design
• 3 years of supervision experience 
• Registration as a Professional Engineer (PE) in Montana

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities\: 

• Extensive knowledge of the concepts and theories of geotechnical engineering, geology, mathematics, the physical sciences
• Strong understanding of Project Development & Delivery goals project planning processes, research methods, and analytical techniques
• Knowledge of state, federal, AASHTO, and FHWA requirements and standards; project specifications; the Montana Geotechnical, Surfacing Design, Materials and Construction manuals
• Skill in reading and interpreting complex plans, specifications, and contract documents
• Ability to plan and manage numerous phases of multiple projects 

Other Information\:

• The Montana Department of Transportation is an equal opportunity employer. Women, racial and ethnic minorities, people with disabilities, and veterans and disabled veterans are encouraged to apply. People with disabilities needing assistance in the application process, or those needing this job announcement in an alternative format may call the Human Resources and Occupational Safety Division, at 406.444.6054.
• The Montana Department of Transportation (MDT) is committed to continuous improvement of our employee safety program and our safety and health processes, and to achieving an injury-free workplace.
• Proof of eligibility to work in the United States must be provided if selected for hire. Generally, sponsorship for work authorization is not available through the State of Montana. 
• Effective 5/26/2026, MDT is participating in E-Verify to confirm employment eligibility. After accepting a job offer and completing Form I-9, your information will be submitted to the Department of Homeland Security and Social Security Administration for verification. For more information about E-Verify, please visit the E-Verify website found here, https\://www.e-verify.gov

Anyone who needs to request a reasonable accommodation in the application or hiring process should contact the HR staff identified on the job listing or by dialing the Montana Relay at 711. Montana Job Service Offices also offer services including assistance with submitting an online application.

State government does not discriminate based on race, color, national origin, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, pregnancy, childbirth or medical conditions related to pregnancy or childbirth, age, physical or mental disability, genetic information, marital status, creed, political beliefs or affiliation, veteran status, military service, retaliation, or any other factor not related to merit and qualifications of an employee or applicant.