Project Geologist/Projec

NV5•Nevada City, CA

2d•$90,000 - $120,000•Hybrid

About The Position

NV5 is seeking a Project Geologist or Project Engineer to support our geotechnical engineering and engineering geology practice while taking primary responsibility for the day-to-day operation of our soil and materials laboratory. This is a hands-on project-level position combining laboratory management, field investigation, construction observation and testing, engineering/geologic analysis, report preparation, and project coordination. The ideal candidate is comfortable moving between the field, laboratory, and office and can independently manage routine geotechnical assignments while working under the direction of senior licensed professionals. The position will support a wide range of projects including residential, commercial, municipal, transportation, utility, retaining wall, slope stabilization, pavement, and infrastructure projects throughout Northern California and the Sierra Nevada region. The strongest candidate will be a practical, technically capable geologist or engineer who enjoys varied work and does not want to spend every day performing only one function.

Requirements

B.S. or M.S. in Geology, Engineering Geology, Geological Engineering, or a related geoscience field; or B.S. or M.S. in Civil Engineering, Geological Engineering, Geotechnical Engineering, or a related engineering discipline.
Approximately 3 to 7+ years of relevant geotechnical engineering, engineering geology, construction materials testing, or consulting experience preferred.
Prior experience working in a geotechnical consulting environment strongly preferred.
Experience independently performing field investigations and preparing technical reports.
Experience with soil laboratory testing and interpretation of laboratory data.
Experience with construction observation and field density testing.
Demonstrated ability to manage multiple projects and work with limited day-to-day supervision.
California Professional Geologist (PG) preferred, or ability to obtain PG registration in the near future.
Experience working toward a California Certified Engineering Geologist (CEG) is a plus.
California Engineer-in-Training (EIT) certification preferred.
California Professional Engineer (PE – Civil) registration strongly preferred for more experienced candidates, or ability to obtain registration in the near future.
Experience with some of the following is desirable: Unified Soil Classification System (USCS), Soil and rock logging, ASTM and Caltrans geotechnical testing procedures, Nuclear density gauge operation, Earthwork and compaction testing, Geotechnical foundation recommendations, Retaining wall and lateral earth pressure evaluation, Pavement design using R-value and Traffic Index, Slope stability evaluation, Seismic and liquefaction evaluation, ArcGIS / GIS mapping, AutoCAD or Civil 3D, GEO5, Slide2, CLiq, LPile, or similar geotechnical software, Microsoft Excel, Word, and standard engineering calculation/documentation tools.
Must be willing and able to work outdoors in varying terrain and weather conditions.
Must be willing and able to walk undeveloped sites, slopes, construction sites, and uneven terrain.
Must be willing and able to perform fieldwork throughout Northern California and the Sierra Nevada region.
Must be willing and able to occasionally work early mornings or extended days to accommodate drilling or construction schedules.
Must be willing and able to lift and transport soil samples and field equipment.
Must be willing and able to operate a company vehicle and maintain a valid driver's license.
Must be willing and able to obtain applicable nuclear density gauge and other field-testing certifications as required.

Nice To Haves

Experience working toward a California Certified Engineering Geologist (CEG) is a plus.
California Professional Engineer (PE – Civil) registration strongly preferred for more experienced candidates, or ability to obtain registration in the near future.
Experience with all of these programs is not required. The ability to understand geotechnical principles and learn new analytical tools is more important.

Responsibilities

Plan and perform geotechnical and geologic field investigations.
Coordinate drilling, excavation, sampling, and subcontractors.
Log soil and rock encountered in borings, test pits, trenches, and excavations.
Perform geologic mapping and evaluate site geology, geomorphology, groundwater, bedrock conditions, and geologic hazards.
Develop subsurface profiles and engineering interpretations from field and laboratory data.
Assist with evaluation of foundation conditions and allowable bearing pressures, settlement, expansive and collapsible soils, slope stability, retaining walls and lateral earth pressures, seismic hazards and liquefaction, pavement sections, cut and fill slopes, excavation and temporary construction conditions, drainage and groundwater conditions, and rock and weathered-bedrock conditions.
Perform calculations and analyses using appropriate engineering methods and software.
Prepare geotechnical engineering reports, engineering geology reports, technical memoranda, letters, field reports, and construction recommendations.
Assist with preparation of plans, details, specifications, and construction recommendations.
Review grading plans, foundation plans, retaining wall designs, civil plans, and other project documents for conformance with geotechnical recommendations.
Provide construction-phase geotechnical consultation and respond to contractor, client, and design-team questions.
Observe foundation excavations, retaining wall excavations, subgrades, cuts, fills, and other earthwork.
Take primary responsibility for operation and organization of the local geotechnical soils laboratory, including scheduling and prioritizing laboratory testing, performing and/or overseeing routine geotechnical laboratory testing, reviewing laboratory results for accuracy and engineering reasonableness, maintaining laboratory equipment, calibration records, test forms, sample logs, and quality-control documentation, maintaining proper sample identification, storage, and disposal procedures, training and overseeing technicians, coordinating equipment calibration, maintenance, and repair, maintaining laboratory supplies and identifying equipment needs, and helping to maintain laboratory procedures consistent with applicable ASTM, AASHTO, Caltrans, and company standards.
Perform and oversee earthwork observation and compaction testing.
Evaluate subgrade and foundation excavation conditions.
Observe fill placement and verify compliance with project recommendations.
Perform field density and moisture testing.
Document field conditions through photographs, sketches, field notes, and Daily Field Reports.
Communicate effectively with contractors, inspectors, clients, and design professionals regarding field conditions.
Recognize conditions that differ from those anticipated in the geotechnical report and elevate significant issues to the project manager or responsible licensed professional.
Assist with preparation of final compaction reports, construction observation summaries, and geotechnical completion letters.
Manage small to moderately sized geotechnical projects with limited oversight.
Develop scopes of work, budgets, and schedules.
Track project budgets and communicate potential scope or budget changes.
Coordinate field staff, laboratory testing, drilling contractors, and other subcontractors.
Communicate directly with clients, contractors, architects, civil engineers, structural engineers, and public agencies.
Assist with preparation of proposals and cost estimates.
Review work performed by staff-level geologists, engineers, and technicians.
Maintain organized project files and documentation.
Balance multiple active projects and changing field priorities.