17868 - Engineer, Senior Geotechnical

Virginia Department of Transportation•Sandston, VA

About The Position

Provide engineering expertise in assigned program areas. Provide recommendations for resolution of project issues. Communicate with internal VDOT staff, local government staff, consultants, citizens and FHWA regarding transportation projects and programs. Assist in developing, implementing and monitoring policies, procedures, guidance and practices for engineering projects and programs. To provide geotechnical engineering expertise in the areas of investigation, testing, analysis, design and construction. Serve as a geotechnical expert on construction and maintenance projects. Provide forensic evaluations when geotechnical problems develop during or after construction.

Requirements

Ability to apply advanced engineering principles and practices to a variety of complex transportation projects.
Ability to build networks and relationships with employees from other divisions, field personnel, contractors, manufacturers and FHWA representatives.
Ability to communicate effectively orally and in writing with diverse audiences and to make presentations and conduct meetings.
Ability to conduct complex analyses of geotechnical designs and develop alternative solutions to project designs.
Ability to develop effective working relationships at all organizational levels, both internally and externally.
Ability to draw rational conclusions and develop solutions from analysis; make independent decisions; and manage multiple assignments.
Ability to interpret and apply local, state and federal transportation laws, regulations and guidelines.
Ability to perform and or analyze soil tests and maintain and organize data.
Ability to plan, coordinate and manage multiple, concurrent assignments.
Ability to provide support to or conceive and or execute research in geotechnical engineering.
Ability to read and interpret plans, contracts, specifications and regulations.
Ability to research, analyze, and prepare technical reports and project correspondence.
Ability to write specifications, test procedures, and technical directives.
Ability to lead teams in these tasks.
Comprehensive knowledge of geotechnical analysis and design practices and use of companion software.
Comprehensive knowledge of geotechnical and civil engineering principles and practices.
Demonstrated ability to lead and oversee complex geotechnical projects, and the ability to oversee and assess the work of consultants.
Knowledge of FHWA and AASHTO specifications and guidelines for geotechnical design.
Knowledge of construction materials and methods, contract administration, estimating, statistical analysis and advanced mathematics.
Knowledge of federal, state and local laws, codes and ordinances and policies pertaining to transportation engineering.
Knowledge of financial management to include budgeting and cost estimation.
Knowledge of project management processes.
Knowledge of strategic, operational and financial management principles, practices and techniques.
Knowledge of transportation engineering principles, practices, standards, and specifications.
Skill and ability to positively interact with employees, citizens and government officials.
Skill in delivering exemplary customer service and the ability to interact courteously and professionally with the public and other employees.
Skill in negotiating.
Skill in the use of computers and software applications to include engineering software.
Skill in the use of geotechnical engineering software.
Ability to communicate effectively orally and in writing.
Ability to conduct complex analysis of geotechnical designs and develop alternative solutions to project designs.
Ability to develop complex, technical reports.
Ability to oversee and assess the work of consultants.
Ability to provide guidance on policy and procedure interpretation relating to program areas.
Degree in Civil Engineering, Geotechnical Engineering or related field.
Demonstrated ability to lead and oversee complex geotechnical projects.
Experience applying FHWA and AASHTO specifications and guidelines for geotechnical exploration and design.
Experience applying geotechnical and civil engineering principles and practices.
Experience in geotechnical analysis and design practices.
Valid Professional Engineer's license.
Valid driver's license.

Nice To Haves

Experience in leading and managing geotechnical engineering projects and resolving complex issues.
Knowledge of project management processes.
Skill in negotiating.

Responsibilities

Communicate effectively with customers internal and external to VDOT including local governments, elected officials, citizen groups, and FHWA.
Participate in or oversee engineering studies. Collect, analyze and process data and information. Develop written reports, recommendations, and solutions that are technically accurate and compliant. Prepare business correspondence and technical letters with recommendations for suggested corrective measures as a result of studies. Prepare or present formal presentations for VDOT staff, or other organizations.
Evaluate consultant designs and reports. Provide technical oversight of consultant prepared plans and recommendations, specifically focusing on geotechnical aspects of complex projects.
Perform complex geotechnical analysis and develop designs for geotechnical features to be incorporated into project documents.
Interpret state and federal regulations and support and or perform geotechnical research for the development of standards, specifications and design techniques. Reviews, plans, and coordinates geotechnical investigations. Provide recommendations to designers in the areas of geotechnical investigation, design and construction. Conduct analysis and evaluation of information and determine impact of geologic conditions. Develop alternate solutions related to geotechnical projects and recommend solutions.
Assist in the development of policies, procedures and practices reflecting proactive management of the assigned engineering program area.
Develop, recommend and implement process and policy improvements as needed. Assist in monitoring compliance to ensure conformance to the policy, procedures and state and federal laws and regulations.
Organize work and monitor work tasks such that projects and documentation are completed within schedule using VDOT's standards, policies and procedures.
Respond to problems and questions from construction and maintenance staff specific to geotechnical project aspects. Visit projects as necessary to evaluate conditions, provide guidance and instruction to field staff. Participate in partnering and value engineering meetings. Provide advice to geologists and engineering staff in resolution of critical project design issues.
Participate or lead project teams as assigned. Ensure timely communications between project team members and stakeholders. Ensure information is technically accurate and effectively disseminated. Review and resolve challenges to enhance team performance.
Fulfill duties as responsible charge engineer in compliance with policies, procedures and the Code of Virginia.