Staff Engineering Geologist
Note: This position will be filled at the Transportation Engineer 2, or entry level. Salary range for this level is $56,580 to $76,092. This is an in-training position that offers a career path and on-the job training. This position allows the selected applicant to progress through the Transportation Engineering field, and achieve a goal class of Transportation Engineer 4.
The Opportunity:
The Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) Geotechnical Office is currently seeking an entry-level engineering geologist to fill a position in the Headquarters Geotechnical Office. This position, which is located in Tumwater, will be responsible for statewide geotechnical design and construction-support work related to unstable rock slopes, landslides, and transportation projects throughout the state. This position will also include work within the Unstable Slope Management Program, performing field and office work related to statewide inventory and assessment of unstable slopes and related constructed geotechnical assets. This work requires frequent statewide travel and also requires traversing steep and uneven terrain, often during inclement weather. The work requires utilization of rope-access techniques on steep and potentially unstable slopes (training provided).
At WSDOT, we value the importance of creating an environment in which all employees can feel respected, included and empowered to bring unique ideas to the agency. Our diversity and inclusion efforts include embracing different cultures, backgrounds and perspectives while fostering growth and advancement in the workplace. To learn more, please watch the following video: Why WSDOT?
This position will perform the following work:
- Field mapping and collection of geotechnical/engineering geology data.
- Geotechnical analysis to support the design of unstable slope mitigation projects.
- Development of geotechnical reports and other documentation.
- Provide geotechnical support to construction projects.
- Respond to transportation-related unstable slope emergencies statewide.
- Inventorying and assessing statewide geotechnical rockslope and landslide assets and unstable slopes.
Requirements for this position include:
- A Bachelor's Degree in Geology or Geoscience.
- A valid driver's license.
- The ability to travel overnight on an as-needed and potentially frequent basis.
- The ability to access steep slopes and traverse difficult terrain, utilizing rope access methods, where necessary.
An ideal candidate for this position will have:
- Strong letters of recommendation from professional or academic references provided as part of this application. Up to three may be used.
- A Master's Degree in Engineering Geology.
- Completion of the ASBOG Fundamentals of Geology Examination.
- The ability to complete work assignments with minimal supervision.
- Proficiency with applying GIS to geologic problems.
- Experience with unstable slope rating systems.
- Experience with evaluation of constructed geotechnical rockslope assets.
- Experience with rope-access techniques.
- Experience with rock slope mapping and rock cut design.
- Experience with landslide mapping and mitigation.
- Experience with subsurface exploration techniques, including geotechnical drilling and test pits.