Geotechnical Engineer

Spicer Group • Manistee, MI

7d • Hybrid

About The Position

Spicer Group is seeking a Geotechnical Engineer to support Dam Safety projects within the Water Resources / Surface Water Service Line and other Spicer Group projects throughout all service lines. This role will provide technical engineering support for the inspection, evaluation, analysis, design, rehabilitation, and construction of dams, levees, embankments, spillways, and related water-retaining structures, as well as bridges, buildings, and retaining walls. The Geotechnical Engineer will apply soil mechanics, seepage, slope stability, foundation, instrumentation, and risk-informed engineering principles to help deliver practical, technically sound solutions that protect public safety, improve infrastructure performance, and support regulatory compliance. This position will work closely with project managers, dam safety specialists, hydrologic and hydraulic engineers, structural engineers, survey staff, environmental professionals, regulatory agencies, and clients. Responsibilities include performing field inspections, coordinating and conducting subsurface investigations, developing geotechnical design parameters, completing engineering analyses, preparing technical reports and construction documents, assisting with permitting and emergency planning documentation, and providing construction-phase engineering support.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering, Geotechnical Engineering, Geological Engineering, or a closely related engineering field
• Engineer-in-Training (EIT) certification required
• Working knowledge of geotechnical engineering principles, including subsurface investigations, laboratory testing, soil mechanics, seepage, slope stability, foundation engineering, earthwork, and construction materials
• Ability to support field investigations, dam inspections, construction observation, engineering analyses, technical reporting, and preparation of design documents
• Ability to travel as needed for client meetings, dam inspections, subsurface investigations, construction observation, and project-related field work

Nice To Haves

• Master’s degree in Geotechnical Engineering or closely related field
• 2+ years of geotechnical engineering experience with exposure to dams, levees, embankments, reservoirs, surface water infrastructure, or other water-retaining structures
• Professional Engineer (PE) license preferred or ability to obtain licensure within an agreed-upon timeframe
• Experience with dam safety inspections, embankment evaluations, seepage and slope stability analyses, instrumentation review, rehabilitation design, and construction-phase services
• Familiarity with geotechnical analysis software, laboratory testing procedures, subsurface exploration planning, construction specifications, and dam safety regulatory requirements
• Strong written and verbal communication skills with the ability to prepare clear technical documentation, collaborate with multidisciplinary teams, and support client-facing project work

Responsibilities

• Supports dam safety projects within the Water Resources / Surface Water Service Line, including inspections, evaluations, rehabilitation design, permitting, and construction-phase services
• Supports other Spicer Group service lines by providing geotechnical investigations, analyses, and design
• Performs and supports geotechnical analyses for dams, levees, embankments, foundations, slopes, seepage conditions, filters, drains, and related hydraulic structures
• Reviews subsurface exploration data, laboratory testing results, historical records, instrumentation data, and field observations to develop engineering conclusions and recommendations
• Assists with planning and performing geotechnical field investigations, including borings, test pits, sampling, instrumentation installation, and laboratory testing activities
• Contributes to dam safety inspections, condition assessments, potential failure mode evaluations, risk-informed recommendations, and rehabilitation alternatives analyses
• Prepares technical memoranda, inspection reports, engineering calculations, geotechnical reports, design documentation, specifications, cost opinions, and construction plans under the direction of senior technical staff
• Supports design solutions for seepage control, embankment stability improvements, slope repairs, outlet works improvements, spillway improvements, erosion protection, retaining walls, and dam rehabilitation measures
• Provides construction-phase engineering support, including shop drawing and submittal review, field observation, contractor coordination, construction documentation, and resolution of field issues
• Coordinates with multidisciplinary project teams to integrate geotechnical recommendations with hydrologic, hydraulic, structural, environmental, survey, and civil design components
• Supports quality control processes by checking calculations, documenting assumptions, reviewing deliverables, and incorporating feedback from project managers and senior technical reviewers
• Communicates technical findings, field observations, analysis results, design considerations, and project risks to project managers, clients, internal teams, and regulatory stakeholders
• Assists with agency coordination, permit applications, dam safety documentation, emergency action planning support, and regulatory submittals related to dam safety projects
• Supports project managers with scope development, schedules, level-of-effort estimates, proposal materials, and technical approaches for dam safety and geotechnical services
• Maintains organized project records, calculation files, field notes, photographs, inspection documentation, and design support materials in accordance with company and project standards
• Builds strong working relationships with clients, dam owners, contractors, regulatory representatives, and internal project teams through responsive communication and reliable technical support
• Participates in client meetings, site visits, project kickoffs, progress meetings, and construction meetings as needed to support project delivery
• Stays current with dam safety guidance, geotechnical engineering practices, state regulatory requirements, industry publications, and professional development opportunities
• Supports business development efforts by contributing project experience, technical content, and service line knowledge for proposals, presentations, and client discussions
• Provides guidance to interns, technicians, and junior staff on field procedures, documentation standards, engineering calculations, and project deliverable preparation when appropriate

Benefits

• Competitive Pay
• Health, Dental, and Vision Insurance Options
• 401(k)-match program
• Paid Holidays
• Sick and Vacation Days
• Profit Sharing
• Tuition Reimbursement
• Professional Development
• Excellent Working Conditions
• Work-Life Balance
• Fitness Reimbursement

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level