Lead Geotechnical Engineer

Position Overview

About Our Company

WSP is a prominent global entity in environmental consultancy, bolstered by the recent integration of Wood's Environment & Infrastructure division and Golder. Our expertise spans environmental, social, and governance (ESG) matters, climate resilience and sustainability (CRS), as well as earth sciences.

With a workforce exceeding 20,000 multidisciplinary professionals worldwide, we collaborate daily to safeguard and enhance natural environments, establish robust foundations for communities, and advocate for sustainable development to address climate change challenges.

Joining our team grants you access to an extensive network of resources and limitless opportunities to engage in stimulating projects alongside diverse colleagues from around the globe.

Role Responsibilities
WSP is currently seeking a
Lead Geotechnical Engineer to join our team. The successful candidate will engage in various projects within our Geotechnical Engineering division as part of the Earth & Environment Group. This role requires a presence in the office, either full-time or in a hybrid capacity.

This position offers involvement in a wide range of projects, including pipeline alignments, transportation corridors, dams, mining operations, and infrastructure development.

The ideal candidate will possess substantial educational, engineering, and managerial experience in geotechnical projects throughout the United States, particularly focusing on the Appalachian Basin.

This senior role presents an opportunity to be part of a dynamic team that delivers solutions for geological, civil, and geotechnical engineering initiatives.

The work encompasses a mix of office-based tasks, including engineering and project management, as well as outdoor activities, necessitating a commitment to quality that meets or surpasses industry standards for design, safety, accuracy, and functionality.

Your Contributions

• Serve as the design engineer and oversee projects, emphasizing geotechnical engineering, design, and geohazard identification and monitoring.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams on engineering projects that involve multiple sectors, fields, clients, regulators, and project sites.
• Prepare and review documents produced by junior staff, including engineering drawings, specifications, work plans, calculations, and cost estimates.
• Define, budget, execute, and interpret fieldwork, reconnaissance, geotechnical instrumentation, and subsurface explorations, with senior technical guidance and review.
• Conduct professional geotechnical engineering work and perform research and inspections of proposed and existing site conditions, including subsurface investigations, soil foundation engineering, settlement analysis, soil erosion, lateral earth pressures, geological hazards, earth retention, and slope stability.
• Generate geotechnical recommendation reports.
• Develop construction plans, specifications, and cost estimates; prepare construction safety and phasing plans requiring coordination with owners, other disciplines, sub-consultants, and clients.
• Create data visualizations such as tables, charts, accurate reports, sketches, calculations, and illustrations for data interpretation or presentation.
• Engage with regulatory agencies, subcontractors, clients, drillers, and laboratory personnel in a confident and professional manner.
• Stay updated on the latest geotechnical engineering techniques and practices.
• Provide technical direction, oversight, mentoring, and training to junior-level staff in all aspects of project delivery.
• Interact with clients, including preparation for and participation in meetings, progress reports, proposals, and other correspondence, while maintaining positive relationships.
• Support national and regional client programs across various sectors through active participation with relevant national and global technical teams.
• Contribute to the development and execution of business plans related to the growth of our sector services; provide market and industry insights and assist in developing marketing strategies.
• Participate in identifying regional technical needs and collaborating with senior colleagues on recruitment for these skills.
• Oversee equipment/tool performance, calibration, troubleshooting of malfunctions, and inventory management.
• Adhere to safety guidelines and client/site-specific procedures, which may include safety plans, PPE, and maintenance of sample collection, location data, laboratory documentation, and logbooks.
• Complete training on assigned tasks.
• Exercise responsible and ethical decision-making regarding company resources and conduct, adhering to WSP's Code of Conduct and related policies and procedures.
• Perform additional responsibilities as required by business needs.

Candidate Profile

Essential Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in civil engineering with a specialization in geotechnical practice.
• 5 to 7 years of experience as a geotechnical engineer.
• Familiarity with engineering research techniques and protocols.
• Ability to coordinate with clients, colleagues, and third-party groups while understanding requirements.
• Analytical mindset, attention to detail, and experience with geological research techniques.
• Proficient in computer skills and experienced with software including Microsoft Office and geotechnical specialty software.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills for effective interaction with diverse audiences.
• Self-motivated with attention to detail, capable of multitasking and prioritizing responsibilities in a dynamic environment.
• Ability to work independently under general supervision, as well as collaboratively within a team to achieve business objectives.
• Proficient in technical writing and familiar with office automation and communication tools.
• Commitment to WSP's health, safety, and drug/alcohol and harassment policies.
• Willingness to travel locally and nationally (up to 50% of the time) to project sites.
• Must successfully complete WSP's Motor Vehicle screening.

Desirable Qualifications:

• Master's degree in geotechnical engineering.
• Professional Licensure/Certification in Appalachian States or ability to obtain comity.
• Experience with geomorphology and surface processes.
• Project management experience leading teams on complex or multi-project programs.
• Client-focused with experience in client management and effective project/program delivery skills.
• Strong verbal communication, writing, analytical, and organizational skills combined with a positive attitude and ability to work independently and within teams.
• Comprehensive understanding of geotechnical engineering practices and principles.
• Active participation in local professional practice organizations.

About WSP

WSP USA is the U.S. operating company of WSP, one of the world's foremost engineering and professional services firms. Committed to serving local communities, we are engineers, planners, technical experts, strategic advisors, and construction management professionals. WSP USA designs enduring solutions across the buildings, transportation, energy, water, and environmental sectors.

With over 15,000 employees in more than 300 offices nationwide, we collaborate with our clients to foster community prosperity.

WSP offers a flexible and agile workplace model while meeting client needs. Employees benefit from a comprehensive suite of offerings, including medical, dental, vision, disability, life, and retirement savings aimed at ensuring health and financial stability throughout their careers.

At WSP, we aim to provide our employees with the challenges they seek to advance their careers and knowledge base. Your daily contributions will be vital in achieving client objectives and overcoming challenges. Are you ready to embark on this journey?

WSP USA (and all its U.S. companies) is an Equal Opportunity Employer, committed to diversity and inclusion.

The selected candidate must be authorized to work in the United States.

NOTICE TO THIRD PARTY AGENCIES:
WSP does not accept unsolicited resumes from recruiters, employment agencies, or other staffing services. Unsolicited resumes will become the property of WSP, and WSP reserves the right to hire that candidate without obligation to the recruiter.

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