Geotechnical Engineer/Geologist

Job Description

Job Description

We are seeking a geotechnical project engineer or project geologist with four to six years of relevant experience to support our growing geotechnical engineering and construction materials testing practice in our Lynchburg office. This position is well suited for a professional ready to take greater ownership of subsurface investigations, engineering evaluations, technical reporting, and construction-phase services.

The selected candidate will work with experienced engineers, geologists, laboratory personnel, and field technicians on commercial, institutional, industrial, transportation, utility, and energy projects. The position is centered on technical execution and project coordination rather than immediate responsibility for full project management, while providing a clear path toward project management as technical judgment, client relationships, and leadership capabilities develop.

Key Responsibilities

• Plan and coordinate subsurface investigations with project managers, including review of project plans, development of boring locations and depths, and coordination of access, utility clearance, drilling, and field schedules.
• Lead and help conduct field investigations; classify soil and rock core samples; collect groundwater readings; communicate field conditions and prepare detailed boring logs.
• Coordinate and assign laboratory testing for soil and rock core samples and interpret the resulting data.
• Perform geotechnical calculations and evaluations involving shallow and deep foundations, settlement, earthwork, retaining walls, slope stability, seismic site classification, and pavement systems.
• Develop practical recommendations and prepare geotechnical engineering reports.
• Support construction-phase services by assisting project managers with coordinating field technicians.
• Review daily field and test reports for accuracy, completeness, and consistency with project requirements.
• Provide day-to-day technical guidance to field technicians and junior staff and review their work for quality and consistency.
• Coordinate routine technical and field matters with clients, contractors, drillers, and other project team members, and communicate findings promptly and professionally.
• Assist project managers with proposal preparation, scope development, scheduling, budget tracking, and identification of changed conditions while supporting H&P's commitment to safety, responsive service, practical solutions, and quality work.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in civil engineering, geological engineering, geology, or a closely related field.
• Four to six years of progressively responsible geotechnical engineering or engineering geology experience.
• Professional Engineer or Professional Geologist licensure. Engineering candidates who are eligible and committed to obtaining PE licensure within approximately 12 months will also be strongly considered.
• Demonstrated experience planning or performing subsurface investigations, describing soil and rock conditions, and coordinating field and laboratory testing.
• Experience interpreting field and laboratory data and assisting with the development of soil and rock parameters for engineering evaluation.
• Demonstrated ability to perform geotechnical evaluations and prepare organized, accurate, and professional technical reports under the direction of a project manager or senior technical professional.
• Experience contributing to recommendations involving one or more of the following: foundations, settlement, earthwork, retaining walls, slopes, pavements, or ground-improvement systems.
• Ability to coordinate assigned project activities, communicate with clients, contractors, drillers, technicians, and other project personnel, and manage multiple assignments while maintaining technical quality and schedule commitments.
• Strong written and verbal communication, organization, judgment, and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to work outdoors at active construction sites, travel to project locations, and accept out-of-town assignments that may last several weeks.
• Prior hands-on experience working as a construction materials testing technician, including independently performing and documenting soil compaction testing, proof-roll observations, concrete testing, and reinforcing steel inspections.
• Demonstrated proficiency in reading and interpreting civil and structural plans, details, and specifications and applying project requirements during field testing and inspection.
• Valid driver’s license with at least 3 years driving experience with an acceptable driving record.
• Ability to lift and carry field equipment weighing approximately 50 pounds.

Preferred Qualifications

• Master’s degree in geotechnical engineering, geological engineering, or geology.
• Experience independently planning subsurface investigations, developing laboratory testing programs, interpreting geotechnical data, and preparing engineering recommendations.
• Experience developing recommendations for multiple geotechnical applications, including shallow or deep foundations, settlement, earthwork, retaining walls, slopes, pavements, or ground-improvement systems.
• Familiarity with ASTM, AASHTO, VDOT, FHWA, and other standards applicable to geotechnical investigations and construction materials testing.
• Experience with geotechnical engineering software such as gINT, LPILE, MFAD, SHAFT, APILE, Slide, or comparable programs.
• Experience with Metafield, Bluebeam, Procore, or similar technical-documentation and construction-management platforms.
• Experience coordinating field personnel, reviewing technical work prepared by others, or mentoring entry-level engineers, geologists, and technicians.
• Experience assisting with proposals, scopes of work, project schedules, budget tracking, changed conditions, and construction-phase technical support.
• Familiarity with consulting-business key performance indicators, including utilization, labor and billing multipliers, project profitability, backlog, work-in-progress, and accounts receivable.
• Experience coordinating construction materials testing services and assisting with the resolution of unexpected field or construction conditions.
• Current certification or documented training in one or more of the following: ACI Concrete Field Testing Technician Grade I; VDOT Soils and Aggregate Compaction; VDOT Asphalt Field Level II; nuclear moisture-density gauge operation and radiation safety; or applicable USDOT hazardous materials (HAZMAT) transportation requirements.
• Familiarity with the geology and construction practices of Virginia’s Piedmont, Blue Ridge, and Valley and Ridge regions.
• Experience supporting the AASHTO Resource accreditation process for soil, concrete, and masonry testing, including quality-system documentation, proficiency testing, and laboratory assessments.

What This Position Offers

This position offers meaningful involvement throughout the complete geotechnical project lifecycle, from initial project review and investigation planning through field exploration, laboratory testing, engineering analysis, reporting, and construction-phase services. The successful candidate will be trusted to apply prior experience and exercise increasing technical judgment while continuing to receive direct mentorship from experienced professionals.

The role provides broad project exposure, opportunities to strengthen specialized technical skills, and increasing responsibility for coordinating work and supporting project delivery. The near-term focus of this position is strong technical execution, sound engineering judgment, field coordination, and dependable project support. As the successful candidate demonstrates competency and initiative, responsibilities are expected to expand into investigation planning, technical task leadership, staff mentoring, proposal development, and more direct client communication. Over time, the position can develop into a project management role with responsibility for project scope, schedule, budget, client relationships, and team coordination.

Estimated Base Pay Range: $85,000 - $110,000 Annual Salary.

How We Determine Pay: Final compensation within this range is determined in good faith and is based on objective factors. These include the candidate’s specialized skills, level of experience, geographic location, and specific educational background or certifications.

Additional Compensation: This position will be eligible for 401(k) matching and ownership through our ESOP and may also be eligible for incentive pay subject to company performance and performance-based raises.

We value diversity and are committed to hiring the best applicants for our engineering practice, and therefore we encourage minorities, women and other underserved groups to apply. Hurt & Proffitt is 100% employee-owned, allowing us to focus on our customers and staff rather than shareholders. We are committed to our clients, and committed to performing meaningful work that impacts our communities. If you feel you meet these requirements, please submit your cover letter, completed application and resume here.