Lead Geotechnical Engineer

WSP•Anchorage, AK

11h

About The Position

WSP is seeking a Lead Geotechnical Engineer for its geotechnical team in Anchorage, Alaska. The role supports the Alaska Earth and Environment Team and provides geotechnical engineering guidance for small to large programs across transportation, power, oil and gas, property and buildings, and mining. Work includes geohazard identification, field reconnaissance, subsurface exploration management, engineering design, construction support, geohazard monitoring, and geotechnical instrumentation. The position produces clear reports and documentation on subsurface investigations and engineering recommendations, and ensures work meets or exceeds industry standards for design, safety, and functionality. The Lead Geotechnical Engineer contributes throughout infrastructure project development, design, procurement, construction, and operation. The role conducts engineering analysis and site investigations, develops plans and specifications, oversees multidisciplinary teams and project execution, reviews design plans and technical reports, and works with clients, agencies, subcontractors, drillers, and other professionals. The role also supports risk mitigation, health and safety planning, quality assurance, and proposal and business development activities.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Geotechnical Engineering or a closely related discipline.
7 to 10 years of relevant post-education experience in engineering and geotechnical design.
Engineer license; ability to obtain Alaska Professional Engineer registration within 12 months of hire.
Proficiency in geotechnical engineering principles, practices, processes, design/build, permitting, and project-related issues.
Extensive knowledge of infrastructure design.
Experience in infrastructure planning, design, and construction management, including rehabilitation, new design, and construction projects.
Understanding of rock and soil mechanics and their application to subsurface and geologic investigations and the design of foundations, earth structures, and pavement subgrades.
Knowledge of relevant construction laws, codes, regulations, permitting, compliance practices, and record-keeping requirements.
Ability to perform engineering computations and calculations, interpret plans and specifications, and compare facts with applicable regulations.
Ability to plan and conduct inspections and explorations related to facility and structure design and construction.
Strong interpersonal and communication skills, including the ability to communicate effectively with engineering and non-engineering audiences.
Self-leadership, attention to detail, multitasking, and prioritization skills in a dynamic work environment.
Ability to work independently with minimal oversight, guide junior team or project members, and adhere strictly to QA/QC.
Proficiency in technical writing, office automation, discipline-specific design software, technology, mathematics, predictive models, spreadsheets, and tools.
Critical thinking and problem-solving skills, including interpreting test results, collated data, calculations, and statistical analyses to reach effective, economical, and logical solutions.
Ability to coordinate and direct subcontractors and others to complete tasks safely and efficiently.
Track record of upholding workplace safety and ability to comply with WSP health, safety, drug/alcohol, and harassment policies.
Ability to work schedules that meet project-specific requirements and may extend beyond the typical workweek.
Ability to travel occasionally depending on project-specific requirements.

Nice To Haves

Experience with cold regions and/or permafrost geotechnical applications.
Master’s or doctorate degree in Engineering.
40-hour OSHA Health & Safety Training (HAZWOPER), 29 CFR 1910.120.
Basic First Aid and Adult CPR training.

Responsibilities

Guide the collection, compilation, and analysis of project-site data, samples, surveys, plans, GIS data, utility information, maps, hydrologic analysis, and geotechnical data.
Apply geotechnical engineering methods to improve infrastructure projects throughout concept development, design, procurement, construction, and operation.
Conduct geotechnical analysis, research, and inspections, including subsurface explorations, foundation engineering, settlement analysis, erosion, lateral earth pressures, geohazards, and slope stability.
Develop construction plans, specifications, cost estimates, safety and phasing plans, and infrastructure layout plans in coordination with owners, disciplines, subconsultants, and clients.
Manage design and construction of infrastructure projects from inception through completion, including rehabilitation, reconstruction, grading, drainage, foundations, slopes, retaining structures, and embankments.
Develop and incorporate technologies, monitoring devices, materials, modeling techniques, design requirements, and operating strategies that support safety, functionality, and future-ready engineering solutions.
Oversee multidisciplinary teams working on mid-level or concurrent projects, including budgets, hours and expenses, task completion, quantities, technical calculations, permits, construction, compliance documentation, and technical analysis.
Coordinate, review, and approve infrastructure design plans and ensure data integrity and compliance with applicable codes, ordinances, and regulations.
Prepare data visualizations and technical materials, including tables, charts, reports, sketches, calculations, and cross-sections.
Prepare technical reports and presentations explaining research, concepts, and recommendations for addressing design and construction issues or opportunities.
Review geotechnical and environmental reports, including Phase I and Phase II reports.
Evaluate field exploration data and contribute to action plans for moderate- to high-level risk mitigation.
Prepare and implement site Health and Safety Plans (HASPs).
Interact professionally with regulatory agencies, subcontractors, drillers, and clients.
Collaborate with engineers, planners, infrastructure authorities, and other professionals on public and private improvement and development projects, proposals, and business development opportunities.
Stay current with geotechnical engineering techniques and practices.
Make responsible and ethical decisions regarding company funds, resources, and conduct, and follow WSP policies and Code of Conduct.
Perform additional responsibilities as required by business needs.