Senior Geotechnical Engineer (Civil Engineer, Senior)

City of Seattle•Seattle, WA

4d•Hybrid

About The Position

Seattle Public Utilities (SPU) is seeking a Senior Geotechnical Engineer to lead engineering for SPU’s Landslide and Spot Drainage Programs. The position serves as engineering lead for SPU’s Landslide Program, the City’s Interdepartmental Landslide Coordination Team, and SPU’s public-facing Spot Drainage Program, which assists property owners affected by drainage issues originating from City rights-of-way. The role may coordinate with the Seattle Department of Transportation on small drainage projects and works with professionals in engineering, planning, operations, and other City departments. The engineer develops and delivers drainage projects, supports property owners, coordinates the City’s landslide preparedness, and provides engineering support during landslide emergencies. The position also mentors junior engineers and coordinates with operations crews, project and program managers, surveyors, geotechnical engineers, and other City counterparts. Most work is performed in a City office environment, with a hybrid schedule that may allow remote work two or three days per week. Fieldwork involves exposure to varied weather, traffic, hazardous or toxic substances, and construction sites. The role may require lifting over 50 pounds, standing, walking, or bending for extended periods, working nights, evenings, weekends, or holidays, and responding to emergencies.

Requirements

At least five years of professional civil engineering experience and a bachelor’s degree in civil engineering or civil engineering technology, or an equivalent combination of nine years of professional civil engineering experience.
Registration as a Professional Engineer in Washington State.
Current Washington State driver license.

Nice To Haves

Strong experience in slope stability analysis, including use of slope stability modeling or analysis software.
Background or experience in slope stability analysis, mitigation of active landslides, and/or emergency response.
Experience with design and construction in landslide-prone areas.

Responsibilities

Develop, design, and execute small-scale drainage projects to mitigate landslide-prone areas and assist property owners through the Spot Drainage Program.
Arrange surveys, geotechnical investigations, design, drafting, project coordination, and construction support for small projects built by crews and larger capital improvement projects built under public works contracts.
Work with property owners to address slope stability and drainage concerns and explain SPU programs and their capabilities and limitations.
Plan, schedule, and lead the annual Interdepartmental Landslide Coordination Meeting to coordinate City landslide preparedness.
Respond to landslide emergencies and assist SPU Field Operations in identifying and stabilizing affected SPU infrastructure.
Track landslide risk using USGS criteria, Seattle precipitation history, and forecasts; send weekly landslide risk updates to City stakeholders during landslide season.
Share emergency standby engineering support duties during approximately 25% of weekends and holidays during the November-to-May landslide season.
Coach, mentor, and review the work of junior engineers in SPU’s Engineering and Systems Section.
Conduct site visits and evaluate landslide and drainage project sites to develop design options, drawings, and specifications.
Coordinate with SPU operations crews, project and program managers, surveyors, geotechnical engineers, and counterparts in other City departments.
Respond to public inquiries about issues and data related to supported programs and projects.
Support Race and Social Justice initiatives and model inclusive, respectful, and equitable treatment of customers; support related SPU programs as required.
Perform other civil engineering duties or tasks within the job class specifications as assigned.