Geotechnical Risk Manager

PCL Construction • Tempe, AZ

2d • Onsite

About The Position

The Geotechnical Risk Manager is responsible for all geotechnical-related scope during preconstruction, providing technical leadership, risk evaluation, and cost certainty for site work and underground construction. This role serves as the subject matter expert for interpreting geotechnical information and translating subsurface conditions into accurate estimates, means and methods, productivity assumptions, and risk mitigation strategies. The position plays a critical role in managing geotechnical risk across estimating, planning, and work packaging to protect schedule, cost, and constructability.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Civil Engineering, Geotechnical Engineering, Construction Engineering, or related discipline.
• Minimum 10-15 years of experience in heavy civil construction, geotechnical engineering, or major underground/site work projects.
• Demonstrated experience with preconstruction, estimating, and risk management.
• Strong understanding of: subsurface variability and uncertainty. Construction productivity impacts due to soil and groundwater conditions.
• Ability to translate technical geotechnical data into practical construction and cost decisions.

Nice To Haves

• Professional Engineer (PE) license.
• Experience on water/wastewater, transportation, or large-scale infrastructure projects.
• Background spanning both design and construction environments.
• Experience with alternative delivery (DB, CMAR, P3).

Responsibilities

• Lead the review, interpretation, and qualification of: Geotechnical, geologic, and geophysical reports. Historical borings and as-built records. Environmental and demolition-related subsurface data.
• Identify gaps, inconsistencies, and ambiguities in soils reports and coordinate requests for clarification, supplemental investigations, or risk allowances.
• Develop clear geotechnical narratives and assumptions for estimates and proposals.
• Develop estimating approaches and construction means and methods for: Earthwork and mass excavation. Deep foundations and shoring systems. Underground utility and large-diameter pipe installation. Trenching, tunneling, and shaft construction. Demolition with geotechnical influence. Dewatering systems (temporary and permanent). Ground improvement techniques (e.g., over-excavation, stabilization, grouting, soil mixing).
• Establish production rates, crew compositions, sequencing logic, and equipment assumptions based on subsurface conditions.
• Support risk-based estimating, including probabilistic cost impacts where appropriate.
• Identify, quantify, and actively manage geotechnical risks affecting: cost, schedule, safety and constructability.
• Develop geotechnical risk registers and mitigation plans during preconstruction.
• Contribute to contingency, allowances, and escalation decisions related to subsurface uncertainty.
• Support qualifications, exclusions, and clarifications tied to geotechnical risk in proposals.
• Collaborate with designers, third-party geotechnical engineers, and specialty subcontractors to: validate constructability of proposed designs. Influence design development to reduce construction risk.
• Support Alternative Technical Concepts (ATCs) and value engineering related to geotechnical solutions.
• Participate in owner, designer, and risk review meetings as the geotechnical authority.
• Support handoff from preconstruction to operations with: Clear documentation of geotechnical assumptions and risks. Defined risk ownership strategies. Constructability recommendations.
• Provide consultative support to project teams during early construction as needed.

Benefits

• Employee ownership opportunities that build long-term value
• Annual discretionary performance bonuses
• 401(k) with company match
• Industry-leading medical, dental and vision benefits
• Prescription drug coverage and telemedicine services
• Life, AD&D and disability insurance
• Paid parental leave and family care support
• HSA or FSA for healthcare, dependent care and transportation
• Mental health and wellness support, including Employee Assistance Programs
• Career growth pathways, leadership development and mentorship programs
• Access to world-class training through PCL’s College of Construction and professional development courses
• Ongoing opportunities to learn new skills, explore different roles and grow your career across sectors and regions

What This Job Offers

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