Geotechnical Risk Manager

Geotechnical Risk Manager

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The Geotechnical Risk Manager is responsible for all geotechnical-related scope during preconstruction, providing technical leadership, risk evaluation, and cost certainty for site work and underground construction. This role serves as the subject matter expert for interpreting geotechnical information and translating subsurface conditions into accurate estimates, means and methods, projectivity assumptions, and risk mitigation strategies. The position plays a critical role in managing geotechnical risk across estimating, planning, and work packaging to protect schedule, cost, and constructability.

Here's how a Geotechnical Risk Manager for PCL Construction, Inc. within Civil West contributes to our team:

Responsibilities

• Geotechnical Due Diligence & Interpretation
  • Lead the review, interpretation, and qualification of: Geotechnical, geologic, and geophysical reports. Historical borings and as-built records. Environmental and demolition-related subsurface data.
  • Identify gaps, inconsistencies, and ambiguities in soils reports and coordinate requests for clarification, supplemental investigations, or risk allowances.
  • Develop clear geotechnical narratives and assumptions for estimates and proposals.
• Preconstruction Estimating & Means and Methods
  • Develop estimating approaches and construction means and methods for: Earthwork and mass excavation. Deep foundations and shoring systems. Underground utility and large-diameter pipe installation. Trenching, tunneling, and shaft construction. Demolition with geotechnical influence. Dewatering systems (temporary and permanent). Ground improvement techniques (e.g., over-excavation, stabilization, grouting, soil mixing).
  • Establish production rates, crew compositions, sequencing logic, and equipment assumptions based on subsurface conditions.
  • Support risk-based estimating, including probabilistic cost impacts where appropriate.
• Risk Identification & Management
  • Identify, quantify, and actively manage geotechnical risks affecting: cost, schedule, safety and constructability.
  • Develop geotechnical risk registers and mitigation plans during preconstruction.
  • Contribute to contingency, allowances, and escalation decisions related to subsurface uncertainty.
  • Support qualifications, exclusions, and clarifications tied to geotechnical risk in proposals.
• Design & Stakeholder Coordination
  • Collaborate with designers, third-party geotechnical engineers, and specialty subcontractors to: validate constructability of proposed designs. Influence design development to reduce construction risk.
  • Support Alternative Technical Concepts (ATCs) and value engineering related to geotechnical solutions.
  • Participate in owner, designer, and risk review meetings as the geotechnical solutions.
  • Participate in owner, designer, and risk review meetings as the geotechnical authority.
• Transition to Construction
  • Support handoff from preconstruction to operations with: Clear documentation of geotechnical assumptions and risks. Defined risk ownership strategies. Constructability recommendations.
  • Provide consultative support to project teams during early construction as needed.

Qualifications

• Required
  • Bachelor's degree in Civil Engineering, Geotechnical Engineering, Construction Engineering, or related discipline.
  • Minimum 10-15 years of experience in heavy civil construction, geotechnical engineering, or major underground/site work projects.
  • Demonstrated experience with preconstruction, estimating, and risk management.
  • Strong understanding of: subsurface variability and uncertainty. Construction productivity impacts due to soil and groundwater conditions.
  • Ability to translate technical geotechnical data into practical construction and cost decisions.
• Preferred
  • Professional Engineer (PE) license.
  • Experience on water/wastewater, transportation, or large-scale infrastructure projects.
  • Background spanning both design and construction environments.
  • Experience with alternative delivery (DB, CMAR, P#).
• Core Competencies
  • Geotechnical risk identification and mitigation.
  • Heavy civil and underground construction methods.
  • Cost and schedule risk management.
  • Constructability analysis.
  • Clear technical communication with non-technical audiences.
  • Leadership and cross-discipline collaboration.

Your Work Has Purpose Here PCL projects are where life happens, where communities connect, careers begin, and progress is made. Regardless of the type of project, we are building something bigger: a future that's inclusive, resilient and full of opportunity. At PCL Construction, Inc., we are committed to creating a workplace where everyone belongs. We value the diverse experiences, identities and perspectives our employees bring. Employment decisions are based on merit, potential and the drive to make a difference, regardless of race, gender, age, ability or background. We know everyone's needs are different, if you require accommodation during the application process, please contact View email address on click.appcast.io and include the position and location of interest.