Title: Engineer, Senior - Geotechnical
State Role Title: Architect Engineer II
Hiring Range: $95,353 - $154,948
Pay Band: 6
Agency: VA Dept of Transportation
Location: Dept of Transportation
Agency Website:
Recruitment Type: General Public - G
Job Duties
What drives you? Whether it's knowing the work you do makes a difference, having a great work/life balance, working on exciting and challenging projects, leading innovation, and championing change or simply working with a great group of people who are committed to professionalism. At the Virginia Department of Transportation, we have something for you.
Our Materials Division is seeking an Engineer Technician, Senior - Geotechnical to join our team.
The selected candidate will be responsible for:
• Responsible Charge Engineer: Fulfill duties as responsible charge engineer in compliance with policies, procedures and the Code of Virginia.
• Policies and Procedures: Assist in the development of policies, procedures and practices reflecting proactive management of the assigned engineering program area.
• Project Management and Documentation: Organize work and monitor work tasks such that projects and documentation are completed within schedule using VDOT's standards, policies and procedures.
• Process Improvements: Develop, recommend and implement process and policy improvements as needed. Assist in monitoring compliance to ensure conformance to the policy, procedures and state and federal laws and regulations.
• Geotechnical Support: Interpret state and federal regulations and support and or perform geotechnical research for the development of standards, specifications and design techniques. Provide recommendations to designers in the areas of geotechnical investigation, testing, analysis, design and construction. Conduct analysis and evaluation of information and determine impact of geologic conditions. Develop alternate solutions related to geotechnical projects and recommend solutions. Provide forensic evaluations when geotechnical problems develop during or after construction.
• Project Team Participation: Participate or lead project teams as assigned. Ensure timely communications between project team members and stakeholders. Ensure information is technically accurate and effectively disseminated. Review and resolve challenges to enhance team performance.
• Geotechnical Analysis: Perform complex geotechnical analysis and develop designs for geotechnical features to be incorporated into project documents.
• Consultant Oversight: Evaluate consultant designs and reports. Provide technical oversight of consultant prepared plans and recommendations, specifically focusing on geotechnical aspects of complex projects.
• Project Support: Respond to problems and questions from construction and maintenance staff specific to geotechnical project aspects. Visit projects as necessary to evaluate conditions, provide guidance and instruction to field staff. Participate in partnering and value engineering meetings. Provide advice to geologists and engineering staff in resolution of critical project design issues.
• Conduct Engineering Studies: Participate in or oversee engineering studies. Collect, analyze and process data and information. Develop written reports, recommendations, and solutions that are technically accurate and compliant. Prepare business correspondence and technical letters with recommendations for suggested corrective measures as a result of studies. Prepare or present formal presentations for VDOT staff, or other organizations.
Communications: Communicate effectively with customers internal and external to VDOT including local governments, elected officials, citizen groups, and FHWA.
Minimum Qualifications
• Experience in geotechnical analysis and design practices.
• Valid driver's license.
• Ability to develop complex, technical reports.
• Demonstrated ability to lead and oversee complex geotechnical projects.
• Ability to oversee and assess the work of consultants.
• Valid Professional Engineer's license.
• Experience applying FHWA and AASHTO specifications and guidelines for geotechnical exploration and design.
• Degree in Civil Engineering, Geotechnical Engineering or related field.
• Ability to provide guidance on policy and procedure interpretation relating to program areas.
• Ability to communicate effectively orally and in writing.
• Experience applying geotechnical and civil engineering principles and practices.
• Ability to conduct complex analysis of geotechnical designs and develop alternative solutions to project designs.
Additional Considerations
• Knowledge of project management processes.
• Skill in negotiating.
• Knowledge on database management systems and Geographic Information Systems (GIS).
• Experience in geotechnical engineering software including gINT, OpenGround, Rocscience and Plaxis.
• Experience in rock mechanics, rock-fall mitigation and geohazard management.
• Experience in leading and managing geotechnical engineering projects and resolving complex issues.
Special Instructions
You will be provided a confirmation of receipt when your application and/or résumé is submitted successfully. Please refer to “Your Application” in your account to check the status of your application for this position.
This position requires a fingerprint based Criminal History Background Check, DMV Record Check and Work History Verification with references.
VDOT is an emergency operation agency. Positions physically working within Central Office locations may be designated upon request and coordination among the respective District Engineer or Administrator and Chief. Assignments are updated annually. Not all designated employees are provided an emergency operations assignment.
Once onboarded, this position may be eligible for telework opportunities; availability, hours, and duration of telework shall be approved as outlined in the Commonwealth telework policy.
We are a “Virginia Values Veterans” (V3) official certified company and state agency that provides hiring preference to Veterans and Members of the Virginia National Guard in support of Executive Order 29, (2010). If you are a Veteran or Virginia National Guard Member, we urge you to respond accordingly on your state application.
VDOT utilizes a market-based pay program, which has been approved by DHRM. Therefore, advertised rates of pay may or may not align with the Commonwealth pay bands.
Contact Information
Name: Shiron Haskins
Email:
In support of the Commonwealth’s commitment to inclusion, we are encouraging individuals with disabilities to apply through the Commonwealth Alternative Hiring Process. To be considered for this opportunity, applicants will need to provide their AHP Letter (formerly COD) provided by the Department for Aging & Rehabilitative Services (DARS), or the Department for the Blind & Vision Impaired (DBVI). Service-Connected Veterans are encouraged to answer Veteran status questions and submit their disability documentation, if applicable, to DARS/DBVI to get their AHP Letter. Requesting an AHP Letter can be found at AHP Letter or by calling DARS at 800-552-5019.
Note: Applicants who received a Certificate of Disability from DARS or DBVI dated between April 1, 2022- February 29, 2024, can still use that COD as applicable documentation for the Alternative Hiring Process.