Senior Geotechnical Engineering Manager

This Opportunity

WSP is currently initiating a search for a Senior Geotechnical Engineering Manager for our Merrimack, NH office. Candidate will be involved in projects with our Geotechnical Engineering Team as part of the Earth & Environment Group. Expectation is for the candidate to work full-time in the Merrimack, NH office either fully in-person or on a hybrid in-person and remote schedule. Alternative office locations include Eliot, ME, Portland, ME, Chelmsford, MA, Worchester, MA, or Boston, MA.

This position will include opportunities to contribute to a variety of projects such as foundations, soil & rock slopes, and retaining walls related to transportation (bridge and highway), pipelines, dams, mining, buildings, and private development.  The ideal candidate will have demonstrated education, engineering, and management experience in geotechnical & geologic projects across the United States with a focus on New England. This lead position provides an opportunity to join a fast-paced team that provides solutions on geotechnical, geological, and civil engineering projects.  The work entails a variety of office-related tasks including engineering and project management, and “hands-on” field activities, with a need to deliver and adhere to a level of quality that meets or exceeds acceptable industry standards for design, safety, accuracy, and functionality.

Your Impact

• Provide senior geotechnical/geological engineering review and technical assistance for evaluations, design, report preparation, contract document development, and construction of projects involving the following: soil and rock mechanics; geohazards; soil/structure interaction; subsurface exploration and field testing programs; laboratory testing; geophysical methods; foundations for transportation structures; slope stability; retaining walls, excavation support systems, dewatering systems, instrumentation systems, pavement systems and earthwork operations.
  • Provide oversight with collecting, compiling, and analyzing data from the physical work site, soil/rock samples, surveys and LiDAR, blueprints, GIS data, subsurface utility information, maps, hydrologic analysis, geologic and geotechnical data, and other matrices for project development, design, and construction. 
  • Apply high-level geotechnical/geological engineering techniques and processes to identify improvements for various project phases involving more complex infrastructure and engineering work including concept development, preliminary design, final design, design/build partnerships, procurement, construction, and operation.
  • Proficiency and familiarity with rock mass characterization and rock and soil logging processes.
  • Develop construction plans, specifications, and cost estimates; preparing construction safety and phasing plans, and updating layout plans that require coordination with owners, other disciplines, sub-consultants, and clients.
  • Involved from proposal to project inception to completion in the management of design and construction of infrastructure projects, including rehabilitation and reconstruction, grading, drainage, laying out installations, foundations, slopes, retaining structures, embankments, and other systems that are made or supported by soil or rock.
  • Oversees the development and implementation of advanced technologies, monitoring devices, building materials, modeling techniques, design requirements, and operating strategies to account for the safety and functionality of end-users, transportation systems, structures, and the implementation of future-ready solutions with geotechnical engineering design standards.
  • Lead larger-scale geotechnical/geological engineering projects ensuring contributors know what they are required to do and by when, preparing and overseeing relevant project budgets, monitoring external events, tracking hours and expenses, ensuring satisfactory performance, and supervising subcontractors, contract work, and employees.
  • Work with cross-functional teams on engineering projects that involve multiple sectors, fields, clients, regulators, and project sites.
  • Assist with engineering review of permit applications, engineering design plans and specifications, standby plans and engineering contracts, and periodic construction inspections, to ensure that they comply with applicable state and/or federal regulations and sound engineering practice and standards.
  • Meet with various public or private entities or individuals to discuss issues relating to a variety of engineering/construction challenges and programs.
  • Prepare documents and review those prepared by junior staff, including engineering drawings, specifications, work plans, calculations, and cost estimates. Ensure technical reports and presentations explain research, findings, and recommendations to prevent, control, restore, or address design, and/or construction issues or opportunities.
  • Develop construction plans, specifications, and cost estimates; preparing construction safety and phasing plans that require coordination with owners, other disciplines, sub-consultants, and clients.
  • Prepare data and visualizations such as tables, charts, accurate reports, sketches, calculations, and illustrations for the interpretation or presentation of data, findings, or analyses.
  • Interact with colleagues, regulatory agencies, subcontractors, clients, drillers, and laboratory staff, in a confident and professional manner.
  • Have, or demonstrably can develop, a client base for providing high level geotechnical/geological engineering services including identifying additional business development opportunities.
  • Provide technical direction, oversight, mentoring, and training to junior-level staff in all aspects of project delivery to support their growth and professional development.
  • Remain current in latest geotechnical/geological engineering techniques and practices.
  • Support national and regional client programs for the various sectors through active participation with appropriate 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 insight and facilitate development of marketing strategies.
  • Participate in identification of regional technical needs and recruiting for these skills in collaboration with other senior colleagues.
  • Exercise responsible and ethical decision-making regarding company funds, resources and conduct, and adhere to WSP’s Code of Conduct and related policies and procedures.
  • Perform additional responsibilities as required by business needs.   

Who You Are

Required Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in civil engineering or geological engineering with a focus on geotechnical or geological practice.
• 10+ years of relevant post education experience in geotechnical/geological engineering and design.
• Engineer Licensure in one or more New England states or ability to receive comity (multi-state preferred).
• Knowledge of engineering and geologic research techniques and protocols.
• Ability to coordinate with clients, colleagues, and third-party groups and understand requirements.
• Analytical mindset, detail oriented, and experience with geological research techniques required.
• Possess computer skills and have experience with computer software including Microsoft Office and geotechnical specialty software.
• Possess competent interpersonal and communication skills when interacting with others, expressing ideas effectively and professionally to a professional and non-professional audience.
• Proficient self-leadership with attention to detail, multi-tasking, and prioritization of responsibilities in a dynamic work environment.
• Ability to lead a team to meet business objectives under general supervision.
• Proficiency with technical writing, office automation and communication software, technology, and tools.
• Ability to abide by WSP’s health, safety and drug/alcohol and harassment policies.
• Ability to be comfortable in remote settings and a willingness to perform a variety of tasks as needed to complete an assignment. Occasional travel will be required depending on project-specific requirements.
• Must successfully complete and pass WSP’s Motor Vehicle screening. 

Preferred Qualifications:

• Master’s degree in geotechnical or geological engineering.
• Experience with rock mechanics and design and inspection of rock slope stabilization
• Experience with geomorphology and surface processes.
• Project management skills with experience leading teams on complex or multi-project programs.
• Client focus with experience in client management and effective project/program delivery skills.
• Possess strong verbal communication, writing, analytical, and organizational skills combined with a positive attitude and an ability to work both independently and within groups, including with technical peers across the company, client contacts, and subcontractors.
• Command of geotechnical engineering practices and principles.
• A member of and/or actively participate in local professional practice organizations.
  
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