Geotechnical and Blasting Engineer - Entry Level - 2+ Years (Hybrid)

Geotechnical Engineer

Barr is seeking a geotechnical engineer to join our innovative and collaborative team of 90+ geotechnical engineers and geologists. In this hybrid role, you will work on a variety of geotechnical projects that involve traditional geotechnical and civil analysis and design related to foundations, slope stability, seepage, bearing capacity, settlement, and earth retention. Services will include consulting with clients and supporting projects in construction, quarrying, and mining related to rock excavation, blast design, vibration analysis, rock fragmentation analysis, and technical troubleshooting. Work will also include project management, mine planning, reporting and documentation, and training.

The ideal candidate for this position is intrinsically motivated and emphasizes client service. They enjoy working independently and as part of a team, using their technical ability and project management expertise for a variety of projects. They are flexible in working with their project teams and are willing to occasionally modify schedules to meet project deadlines and/or client needs. This person is also relationship-focused, as the role involves serving both internal and external clients.

Your impact – key responsibilities

• Project leadership: support engineering investigation and design support tasks from the conceptual phase through design with an emphasis on analyses, testing, and modeling. Support the project team in advancing work. Execute and support work as identified by the project team.
• Field work: conduct geotechnical field investigations, and perform site visits, including at construction, quarrying and mine sites, assign geotechnical laboratory tests, analyze lab and field data, and support development of geotechnical reports. Perform fieldwork such as construction observation, instrumentation installation and monitoring, and field oversight and inspections.
• Technical analysis: assist in the preparation of plans and specifications, reports, and cost estimates. Conduct geotechnical analyses.
• Reporting and documentation: prepare daily communications, develop technical reports, support proposal development, and support design recommendations.
• Team and client engagement: support the project team and the client in the execution of project work.

About the opportunity

• Work location: a hybrid work arrangement refers to splitting time worked between a Barr office and a home office. This hybrid arrangement can be based out of our Duluth, Minneapolis, or Hibbing, Minnesota; Bismarck, North Dakota; Salt Lake City, Utah; or Reno, Nevada offices.
• Travel expectation: up to 70 percent domestic and international fieldwork, with an average of one week to two weeks including weekends of continuous job site presence.
• Work environment: ability to work in locations that feature rough terrain typical of construction sites with limited accessibility, moving machinery, and other conditions typical of industrial facilities. Candidates must be able to perform job duties with or without reasonable accommodation.
• Physical requirements for the role may include lifting or moving field testing equipment. Candidates must be able to perform job duties with or without reasonable accommodation.

About you – required core competencies

• Education: bachelor's degree in civil engineering (geotechnical emphasis), mining engineering, and geological engineering.
• Experience: 2+ years of related experience.
• Willingness and ability to regularly travel.
• Technical skills: experience with geotechnical analysis and design, geotechnical investigation, blast design, instrumentation, vibration measurement and analysis, specification preparation, mine planning, blast plans, blast permit process, training, and investigations. Experience with mine subsidence assessment, underground design, and construction oversight.
• Driver's license: possession of a current, valid driver's license and acceptable driving record
• Must be legally authorized to work in the United States without the need for sponsorship by Barr, now or in the future.

Helpful additional experience (not required)

• Graduate degree in civil engineering, mining engineering, or geological engineering with a focus in rock excavation, geotechnical engineering, or blasting; master's degree is preferred
• Engineering-in-training certification

Compensation: Anticipated range of $83,000–$95,000 annually. Compensation will vary based on relevant experience, education, skill level, and other compensable factors. Employees in this position may also be eligible for a discretionary cash bonus based on team and individual performance. This position is classified as exempt (salaried) under the Fair Labor Standards Act.

Benefits - what we offer

We are committed to providing an employee experience that attracts and retains top talent. That's why we offer a competitive package of employee benefits - including some unique offerings not found at other companies. At Barr, we also believe that learning doesn't stop when you get your degree, which is why we provide coaching, mentoring, and support for ongoing educational opportunities to foster professional development at every stage of your career.

• Competitive, affordable insurance plans: Medical, dental, vision, life, disability, accidental death insurance, and flexible spending accounts for medical and dependent care
• Retirement benefits: 401(k) retirement savings plan with company contribution and an Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP) with company contribution in Barr stock
• Profit distribution: Barr has a "no retained earnings" model and distributes all profit to our employees through our annual bonus distribution plan, ESOP, and dividends to shareholders
• Professional development benefits: Annual time and expense allowances, mentorship program, and many internal training opportunities
• Work/life balance: Paid time off, holidays, overtime for non-exempt/hourly staff, and compensatory time for exempt/salaried staff (time off or pay for extra time worked), paid family leave
• Wellness focus: Ergonomic analysis and equipment, Personal Protective Equipment allowance, wellbeing-focused educational opportunities

Please note that benefits eligibility is determined and may change based on part-time, reduced-time, or full-time status.

About us - why choose Barr

At Barr, you'll join a community of engineers, scientists, and professionals who will help you achieve your ambitions and build a meaningful, rewarding career. You'll serve as a trusted advisor to clients who value Barr's tailored solutions and commitment to exceptional service.

As part of our employee-owned firm, you'll contribute to a culture of commitment and camaraderie where staff can thrive as professionals. We value diverse perspectives and experiences and believe an inclusive workplace is critical to our success.