Geotechnical Engineering Specialist

Geotechnical Engineering Specialist  

Materials and Tests Division – Geotechnical Engineering Section

Positions Available in: Chattanooga, TN; Knoxville, TN; Nashville, TN

$80,784 annually

Job Overview

The Geotechnical Engineering Specialist 3 supports Project Teams, Materials and Tests Field Services Teams and Regional Operations by providing geotechnical engineering guidance and recommendations. This position also provides recommendations on geohazard mitigation and response options. This position employs Department specifications policies, technical guidance, and procedures related to pavement design and construction to support the project delivery process.

The Geotechnical Engineering Specialist 3 is responsible for collaborating with both internal and external stakeholders, including Project Teams, TDOT Divisions, Regions, and contractors to ensure contractual requirements are met.

This position will apply acquired knowledge to improve TDOT specifications, policies, and procedures that mitigate the Department’s risk and increase performance as part of fulfilling TDOT’s strategic vision. This position must effectively articulate geotechnical concepts through training, mentoring, and collaborating as part of a matrix organization.

Essential Job Responsibilities

• Serve as a resource for TDOT Operations and Project Teams as part of a matrix organization by serving as a Subject Matter Expert (SME) for all aspects of geotechnical engineering from initial subsurface testing and condition evaluation to geotechnical designs and foundation analysis, to geohazard mitigation and/or response options. Develop in-house geotechnical-related products or manage consultant geotechnical products as appropriate. Ensure all geotechnical and foundation plans comply with TDOT specifications, design standards, policies, and procedure. Provide data-driven engineering judgment for complex issues.
• Integrate Quality Management into all deliverables, including development and maintenance of geotechnical specifications, geotechnical/foundation/retaining wall designs, technical documents, policies, procedures, and manuals.
• Proactively assess geotechnical related risk factors on projects and work with the Project Team to minimize potential impacts to the project scope, schedule, and budget.
• Participate in peer exchanges, fostering collaboration both internally and with relevant partners to share ideas, skills, and insights to get the best results. Serve as TDOT’s liaison in teaming with industry for pavements.
• Assist Project Teams and Materials & Pavements with geotechnical related construction contract and dispute resolution issues with contractors, producers, and/or suppliers.
• Assist with developing and delivering geotechnical-related training to TDOT staff, Construction Engineering and Inspection (CEI), contractors and other external stakeholders.
• Assist in the development of a Consultant Acquisition Plan (CAP) to address CEI requests and assist in the oversight of CEI consultants by serving on selection committees for professional engineering services as part of the Brooks Act, including assisting with Request For Proposal (RFP) development, attending project-specific marketing meetings, assisting with determining scoring criteria, assisting with project information sessions, when applicable, serving as a scorer as part of the consultant acquisition process, negotiating contracts, attending de-briefs for consultants where usable feedback must be provided, and monitoring contract compliance.
• Remain current on the latest geotechnical specifications, design, and construction trends. Assist and conduct pavement research to optimize designs, methods, and preservation techniques.
• Provide exceptional customer service to project stakeholders by exercising effective listening and communicating effectively.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree in Engineering
• 2 years of demonstrated competency in Geotechnical Engineering/Testing or a Highway Construction related field

OR

• Master’s Degree in Engineering
• 1 year of demonstrated competency in Geotechnical Engineering/Testing or a Highway Construction related field

Application Instructions

Applications must be submitted online in order to be considered for the position.  Please submit one application for consideration. Interested applications should apply online at:

• https://www.tn.gov/tdot/human-resources-home/tdot-careers.html
• Select TRANSPORTATION ENGINEERING SPECIALIST 3*– 09032024- 61242

Applications must be submitted by Monday, September 16th.