Geotech and Pavement Bureau Chief

State of Montana•Helena, MT

About The Position

The Montana Department of Transportation is recruiting a Geotech & Pavement Bureau Chief to oversee the Bureau’s Geotechnical, Pavement Analysis, and Field Investigation sections and provide leadership and administrative management for geotechnical and pavement engineering functions. The position directs subsurface investigations, laboratory testing, and engineering analysis and design. The Bureau Chief establishes project guidelines, procedures, and technical parameters; plans and supervises investigation, sampling, and analytical work; and provides advanced technical assistance to internal staff, consultants, and external agencies involved in road construction projects. The position develops and maintains agency policies and procedures for geotechnical engineering and pavement design strategies, serves as the primary contact for related technical inquiries, and liaises with the MDT Pavement Management Section to support statewide pavement condition assessment and data-collection efforts. The position reports to the Statewide Project Delivery Engineer and directly supervises five employees. A potential hybrid remote work arrangement is available. Employees receive overtime compensation or compensatory time for time in pay status exceeding 40 hours in a workweek.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Geotechnical Engineering, Civil Engineering, Geology, or another closely related field.
Five years of progressively responsible experience in geotechnical subsurface investigations, engineering analysis, and design.
Three years of supervision experience.
Registration as a Professional Engineer (PE) in Montana.
Extensive knowledge of geotechnical engineering, geology, mathematics, and 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; and 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.
Resume detailing qualifications and work history.
Cover letter of no more than two pages addressing qualifications for the position.

Responsibilities

Oversee the Geotechnical, Pavement Analysis, and Field Investigation sections.
Provide leadership and administrative management for geotechnical and pavement engineering functions.
Direct subsurface investigation activities, laboratory testing, and engineering analysis and design.
Establish project guidelines, procedures, and technical parameters.
Plan and supervise investigation, sampling, and analytical work.
Provide advanced technical assistance to internal staff, consultants, and external agencies involved in road construction projects.
Develop and maintain agency policies and procedures for geotechnical engineering and pavement design strategies.
Serve as the primary point of contact for geotechnical and pavement technical inquiries.
Liaise with the MDT Pavement Management Section to support statewide pavement condition assessment and data-collection efforts.
Directly supervise five employees.

Benefits

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 through deferred compensation.
Overtime compensation or compensatory time for time in pay status over 40 hours in a workweek.
Paid vacation, sick leave, and holidays.
Eligibility for Public Service Student Loan Forgiveness.
Benefits apply on the first day of employment.
Relocation assistance may be offered to the successful candidate at the time of offer.
Potential hybrid remote work arrangement.
Culture of public service and commitment to work/life balance.