Engineering Geologist (TE4) | In-Training

State of Washington•Thurston County – Tumwater, WA

14h•Hybrid

About The Position

The Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) is seeking two skilled and motivated Transportation Engineers to serve as Engineering Geologists within the State Geotechnical Office’s Engineering Geology section. These positions are first responders and technical experts that assess and mitigate unstable slopes and geologic hazards that impact Washington’s transportation infrastructure. As part of the Engineering Geology section, these positions will provide expert technical guidance and support to region project offices, Materials Engineers, Maintenance, and other WSDOT partners on emergency and complex geotechnical design and construction projects across the state. The successful candidates will demonstrate strong analytical and problem-solving abilities, proficiency in geological and geotechnical investigation methods, and experience conducting field assessments and developing comprehensive geotechnical design recommendations. Strong candidates will also bring sound engineering judgment, the ability to manage multiple projects independently, and engineering geology technical expertise. These positions require outdoor field work utilizing numerous types of scientific equipment. Field work often occurs during inclement weather, generally on or near a roadway, and can be in daytime or nighttime. Additional responsibilities include sample review in the State Materials Laboratory (Tumwater, WA), in person meetings at the HQ Materials Laboratory, and computer office work at home or in the HQ Materials Laboratory. Exposure hazards include steep or uneven terrain, unstable slopes, geohazards (rockfall, landslides, debris flows, floods, etc.), rugged outdoor environmental conditions, adverse weather conditions, high-speed traffic, exhaust, drill rigs, and construction equipment.

Requirements

Core Geologic and Geotechnical Knowledge: Demonstrated understanding of geologic, engineering geology, hydrogeology, and geotechnical principles, including interpretation of subsurface conditions and the application of geological sciences to design and construction activities, typically obtained through formal education.
Regulatory and Licensing Awareness: Knowledge of state and professional standards governing geological and geotechnical practice, with the ability to meet licensure requirements as a Licensed Engineering Geologist in Washington State.
Technical Proficiency and Field Expertise: Skilled in conducting detailed field investigations, site characterizations, and stability assessments using specialized geotechnical and geological tools, techniques, and equipment.
Project Management and Collaboration: Proven ability to coordinate and negotiate project scopes, schedules, deliverables, and budgets with consultants, regional offices, and internal customers to meet project goals and deadlines.
Analytical and Problem-Solving Skills: Ability to perform geotechnical analyses, such as limit equilibrium and kinematic slope stability assessments, and to develop sound design recommendations based on field data and engineering judgment.
Communication and Reporting: Strong written and verbal communication skills with the ability to prepare clear, detailed geotechnical reports and effectively convey technical findings to diverse audiences.
Growth Mindset: Actively demonstrates a commitment to learning and growth.
Service-Oriented: Takes action to meet the needs of others.
A valid driver’s license and the ability to operate state-owned vehicles.
Ability to travel overnight and work outside in adverse conditions.
Ability to pick up and drop off equipment, review samples, and attend in-person meetings at the State Materials Laboratory (Tumwater, WA) on a regular basis, and to perform computer-based office work at home or in the State Materials Laboratory (Tumwater, WA).
Ability to perform multiple concurrent tasks and duties.
Ability to obtain high angle rope access training/certification within 12 months and the willingness to utilize such training/certification within the In-Training period.
Ability to obtain FAA Part 107 sUAS Remote Pilot Certificate within 12 months and the willingness to utilize licensure within the In-Training period.

Nice To Haves

Field Geology Methods: Strong background in applying advanced field geology methods.
Geotechnical Software Proficiency: Experience and proficiency using GIS, limit equilibrium analysis software, and other geotechnical modeling and data analysis programs.
Steep Slope and Rope Access: Experience or familiarity with rope access methods and safety protocols for working on steep or unstable slopes.
FAA Part 107 sUAS Remote Pilot Certificate.

Responsibilities

Develop field exploration plans, instrumentation plans, and specialized laboratory testing plans for geotechnical engineering design and construction projects.
Lead and/or direct drill inspectors, laboratory technicians, and instrumentation technicians to ensure appropriate and correct data is obtained.
Perform emergency responses for slope-related highway closures, conduct risk assessments, and provide short-term recommendations to Maintenance and emergency personnel.
Perform field data collection for unstable slope stabilization projects and earthwork projects.
Compile, organize, research, and review historical records, geologic mapping, field data and laboratory data.
Perform various geotechnical analyses (limit-equilibrium analysis, kinematic analysis, settlement analysis, liquefaction analysis, etc.) for earthwork and slope stabilization projects (i.e., cuts, fills, landslides).
Write memoranda and/or geotechnical reports summarizing the work conducted, data, analyses, interpretation, and make final recommendations.
Prepare Plans, Specifications & Estimates (PS&E) level geotechnical engineering design documents.
As a subject matter expert (SME), provide geotechnical construction support for construction projects including developing solutions to geotechnical construction problems.
Track geotechnical design project costs and schedule.