Geologist/Geotechnical Engineer

Minimum Qualifications

Education

• Bachelor's degree in Geotechnical Engineering, Engineering Geology or related engineering or scientific discipline
  • In lieu of a Bachelors degree, a high school diploma and four (4) years of experience in engineering geology and/or geological specialties, in addition to the experience stated below, will be considered

Experience

• Five (5) years of practical experience in engineering geology and/or geological specialties such as ground water hydrology, remote sensing or soil/rock mechanics and demonstrated competence in the field

Certification/Licensure

• Valid Drivers License
• Roadway Worker Protection (RWP) Certification Level 2 within 3 months of hire

Preferred

• N/A

Medical Group

Satisfactorily complete the medical examination for this position, if required. The incumbent must be able to perform the essential functions of this position either with or without reasonable accommodations.

Job Summary

The Geologist/Geotechnical Engineer performs engineering tasks which relate to monitoring soils, geologic and geotechnical aspects of the Authoritys construction projects and the resolution of geotechnical problems evolving during construction of Authority facilities or Joint Development/Adjacent Construction projects. The incumbent works with and under the guidance of the Senior Geologist/Geotechnical Engineer. This work directly impacts a complete range of WMATA Rail and Bus construction programs and long-term facilities maintenance programs. The incumbent also conducts or implements field investigations dealing with the physical properties and characteristics of geological conditions encountered during construction.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Conducts or reviews technical field investigations of soil and rock conditions encountered during construction at or adjacent to WMATA to determine, in advance, the safety, structural integrity, construction schedules and other requirements of the areas being examined. Establishes that safety, structural integrity, and construction schedules and conflicts related to geotechnical issues are addressed.
• Analyzes loading of geologic structures (earth and rock) resulting from proposed construction on foundation systems or below-grade structures and from changed/differing site conditions to include effects of vibratory forces on underlying earth and rock formations and recommends changes in design or construction practices. Establishes that integrity of foundation design criteria has been preserved and produces the desired structural characteristics.
• Collects, records and examines geologic conditions as they are encountered and recommends how to proceed; recommends how to counteract reactions and protect facilities. Provides recommendations to protect facilities from harmful effects of stresses, strains or failures, subsurface hydrology and corrosive characteristics of materials encountered during construction.
• Participates in project constructability reviews, giving special attention to the associated geotechnical reports and those portions of the plans and specifications pertaining to construction and precautionary measures directly associated with geotechnical aspects of the project.
• Reviews contractor submitted shop and working drawings and associated computations relative to earth and/or rock support structures. Participates in defense of Differing Site Condition Claims when requested by WMATA COUN or the Senior Geologist /Geotechnical Engineer.
• Reviews and approves contractor plans for grouting, slurry-wall construction, excavation support, rock support systems, ground water control during tunneling and other excavation operations, and related geotechnical matters. Reviews and approves contractor proposals for soil and rock instrumentation systems and subsequent data collection and reporting procedures.
• Monitors tunnel instrumentation program data, analyzes resulting collected data and makes recommendations associated with the data results and trends. Monitors data provided during construction on a daily basis to establish that the instrumented WMATA facilities are not being adversely impacted by the work.
• Assists the Senior Geologist-Geotechnical Engineer in providing rapid-response field investigations and analysis, and interim recommendations when problems arise relative to sink holes, water intrusion, structure settlement or displacement, flooding, grouting, slurry-wall construction, excavation support, rock support systems, ground water control and all related geotechnical matters.

The essential duties listed are not intended to limit specific duties and responsibilities of any particular position. Nor is it intended to limit in any way the right of managers and supervisors to assign, direct and control the work of employees under their supervision.

Evaluation Criteria

Consideration will be given to applicants whose resumes demonstrate the required education and experience. Applicants should include all relevant education and work experience.

Evaluation criteria may include one or more of the following:

• Skills and/or behavioral assessment
• Personal interview
• Verification of education and experience (including certifications and licenses)
• Criminal Background Check (a criminal conviction is not an automatic bar to employment)
• Medical examination including a drug and alcohol screening (for safety sensitive positions)
• Review of a current motor vehicle report

Closing

WMATA is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, status as a protected veteran, or any other status protected by applicable federal law.

This posting is an announcement of a vacant position under recruitment. It is not intended to replace the official job description. Job descriptions are available upon confirmation of an interview.