Geotechnical Department Manager

At UES, we’re a team of more than 4,000 engineers, scientists, geologists, inspectors, technicians, and drillers united by a shared purpose—to make a meaningful impact in the communities we serve. As a national leader in geotechnical engineering, environmental consulting, and materials testing and inspection, we collaborate on transformative projects across transportation, energy, water, healthcare, and more. Learn more about the benefits of joining Team UES and our core values at careers.teamues.com.

We are seeking an experienced Geotechnical Department Manager to lead, manage and provide technical engineering oversight for geotechnical projects from planning through completion for new and existing clients. The Geotechnical Department Manager will manage both projects, clients and geotechnical personnel.  This role is also responsible for leading, designing and streamlining daily engineering operations, project scopes, budgets, and schedules, overseeing technical execution, risk assessments, and regulatory compliance, to ensure they align with the business objectives set forth by senior management.  

The ideal candidate will have a strong background in materials testing/geotechnical investigations, engineering design, and construction oversight, along with proven experience managing multidisciplinary teams, coordinating with clients and subcontractors, and mentoring junior staff. If you're a proactive leader with a passion for delivering results and driving technical excellence, we want to hear from you.

• Oversee the geotechnical department to include projects, personnel and P&L.
• Provide senior technical oversight and expertise on complex proposals and projects.
• Staff geotechnical field work and provide guidance and oversight for collection of field data.
• Provide on-site project management to complete field testing ensuring accurate and detailed daily field activity and/or diagrams and report findings to clients and supervisors.
• Classify soils per ASTM standards.
• Complete proof roll observations and undercuts as needed.
• Review engineering reports, lot letters and field recommendations produced by field staff.
• Generate reports, recommendations and other documentation needed by clients, including engineering and design.
• Develop and implement project scopes, site meetings, estimates, budgets, schedules, and deliverables to meet client and business objectives.
• Ensure projects are completed on time, within budget, and in compliance with industry standards and regulatory requirements.
• Oversee quality control and adherence to best practices, industry standards (ASTM, AASHTO, ASCE, etc.), and regulatory guidelines to ensure compliance with materials testing and geotechnical best practices.
• Lead risk assessments and geotechnical hazard evaluations for infrastructure, environmental remediation and construction projects.
• Coordinate with internal teams, subcontractors and external stakeholders to ensure seamless project execution.
• Create, prepare and update project proposals and technical reports.  
• Participate in business development, networking and marketing efforts with new and existing clients. 
• Review, update and approve invoices weekly for on-going projects.
• Maintain excellent communication both verbally and electronically with senior management, other project managers and colleagues to improve consistency and efficiency in reporting procedures. 
• Provide mentorship and training to project managers regarding engineering problems or client interactions, fostering technical skill development.
• Work independently and collaboratively within office and field environments, adapting to dynamic project needs.
• Travel to project sites as needed to conduct inspections, assessments, and provide engineering support.
• Ensure strict adherence to company safety protocols, OSHA regulations, and environmental requirements, promoting a culture of workplace safety and compliance.
• Aid in quality control of geotechnical lab testing performed by the in-house laboratory.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

• Bachelor’s Degree in Civil Engineering, Geological Engineering, Geology, or similar is required.
• 10+ years of work experience in geotechnical engineering is required.
• Engineering Intern (EI/EIT) License with the ability to obtain a Professional Engineering (PE) license is preferred.
• Proven track record of managing mid-to-large scale engineering projects from inception to completion.
• Knowledge and familiarity with industry standards and regulations in geotechnical and construction materials testing methods, ASTM standards, AASHTO, DOT, ASCE, OSHA, laboratory testing, soil classifications, and construction oversight.
• Experience developing project scopes, budgets, schedules, and risk assessments for infrastructure or construction projects.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to make data-driven decisions.
• Ability to write technical reports, proposals, business correspondences and/or procedure manuals as needed. 
• Ability to lead project teams, mentor junior engineers, and coordinate multidisciplinary efforts.
• Proven experience in client communication, engagement, and presentation to others.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills for technical reporting, proposal writing, and presentations.

• Days and hours for this position are typically Monday-Friday.
• Some overtime work and/or overnight work and travel may be required.
• You may be required to drive hundreds of miles per day within the Mid-Atlantic region.
• Regularly exposed to outside weather conditions such as wet and/or humid environments, extreme cold and/or heat, dusty and noisy work environments.
• Field work on outside construction sites involving long-term standing, sitting and potentially repetitive motions.
• Typically, this position involves 25% field work, 75% office work, depending on the week/work.
• Ability to use your senses to see (including close, distant and peripheral vision, depth vision and ability to focus), smell, hear and touch (use your hands to reach, climb or balance, crouch, stoop, crawl, kneel and sit).
• Ability to regularly lift and/or move/shake up to 40lbs. (soil and/or concrete tests and related apparatus); frequently lift and/or move up to 60lbs. (soil and sand samples); and occasionally move more than 100lbs. (such as a loaded wheelbarrow of test equipment).

UES is an Equal Opportunity Employer and is proud to recruit the most qualified candidates. Please see our full EEO Statement here.

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