Geotechnical Specialist

Job-ID: 97330Category: Project and Program ManagementLocation: Columbia, MD, United StatesPosted: 2026-10-12This OpportunityWSP USA is seeking a Geotechnical Specialist for our Construction Management team in Columbia, Maryland. Be involved in projects throughout Montgomery County and Prince George's County with our Construction Management Team and be a part of a growing organization that meets our client’s objectives and solves their challenges.The Geotechnical Specialist will perform geotechnical engineering work in the field and office with emphasis on compliance with client specifications, standard details and project contract documents. This person will provide technical support to the PCD Quality Assurance Compaction Oversight Program and ensure good engineering practices are used. You will be working with PCD Technical Contracts Supervisors/Contract Managers to provide geotechnical review of water and sewer projects and verifies specification compliance on these projects.Your ImpactJob responsibilities (including but not limited to):Verify compaction requirements for pipe embedment zone and final backfill zone per client's specificationsEnsure density tests are performed at required intervalsMonitor settlement compliance Review and approve Proctor reports, soil classification, Atterberg limits, moisture correction reports, etc.Confirm trench backfill and borrow materials comply with WSSC specifications.Oversee flowable fill placement and recycled concrete restrictions.Maintain logs of compaction deficiencies and resolutions.Other geotechnical related assignments as required.Who You AreMinimum RequirementsBachelor of Science degree in Civil Engineering from an accredited university.Must be registered in the State of Maryland as a Professional Engineer.Minimum 5 years of geotechnical experience, including time spent working in a geotechnical laboratory and in the field.Proficiency in ASTM standards (D698, D1557, D6938, D2216, D4318, D6913, C33).Ability to interpret jurisdictional requirements for MSHA highways and local roads.Experience troubleshooting trench excavation issues (unsuitable soils, seepage, settlement).Must possess the ability to diagnose complex geotechnical issues and propose practical engineering solutionsThe following certifications are required: WACEL for foundations or MARTCP for soils and aggregates; Nuclear Gauge Safety Certification; Confined Space Entry; MOSH trench safety complianceMust pass client background checkAbout the companyAbout WSPWSP USA is the U.S. operating company of WSP, one of the world's leading engineering and professional services firms. Dedicated to serving local communities, we are engineers, planners, technical experts, strategic advisors and construction management professionals. WSP USA designs lasting solutions in the buildings, transportation, energy, water and environment markets. With more than 15,000 employees in over 300 offices across the U.S., we partner with our clients to help communities prosper.WSP provides a flexible and agile workplace model while meeting client needs. Employees are also afforded a comprehensive suite of benefits including medical, dental, vision, disability, life, and retirement savings focused on providing health and financial stability throughout the employee’s career.At WSP, we want to give our employees the challenges they seek to grow their careers and knowledge base. Your daily contributions to your team will be essential in meeting client objectives, goals and challenges. Are you ready to get started?WSP USA (and all of its U.S. companies) is an Equal Opportunity Employer Race/Age/Color/Religion/Sex/Sexual Orientation/Gender Identity/National Origin/Disability or Protected Veteran Status.The selected candidate must be authorized to work in the United States.NOTICE TO THIRD PARTY AGENCIES:WSP does not accept unsolicited resumes from recruiters, employment agencies, or other staffing services. Unsolicited resumes include any resume or hiring document sent to WSP in the absence of a signed Service Agreement where WSP has expressly requested recruitment/staffing services specific to the position at hand. Any unsolicited resumes, including those submitted to hiring managers or other business leaders, will become the property of WSP and WSP will have the right to hire that candidate without reservation – no fee or other compensation will be owed or paid to the recruiter, employment agency, or other staffing service.