A Geotechnical Engineer specializes in understanding and assessing the physical, mechanical and chemical properties of earth materials. They study the properties of these materials to assess their suitability for construction projects and to design foundations, slopes, retaining walls, and other structures to ensure stability and safety. Investigates geological conditions, conducts tests on rock and soil, and provides recommendations to mitigate risks, ensuring the integrity and longevity of infrastructure projects.
GAI Consultants, Inc. (GAI) is seeking a Project Technical Specialist 1 (Power Generation) to work out of our Louisville, KY office. Under the direction of a Geotechnical Engineering Manager, this individual will provide geotechnical engineering and project site support for projects in the Energy, Transportation and Community Development business units.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities:
Perform geotechnical engineering assignments involving investigations for a variety of facilities including, but not limited to: foundations for transmission lines, buildings, roadways, bridges, retaining walls, dams, and other structures; designs for embankments and cut slopes for roadways and other developments; designs for natural gas pipelines and compressor stations; design of waste landfills and impoundments; and development of geotechnical monitoring and laboratory testing programs.
rock/soil slope stability; cut slope and fill embankment design; landslide stabilization and remediation (reinforcement with rock anchors/soil nails, GRS slopes); geotechnical field instrumentation; soil reinforcement and ground improvement techniques (CMCs, compaction grouting, stone columns); sheet pile/retaining walls (gravity walls, soldier pile, and lagging walls, MSE walls, T-walls); shallow and deep foundations (spread footings, driven piles, micropiles, drilled shafts). Geotechnical Investigation and Construction Support Services including, but not limited to: test boring monitoring and logging; site reconnaissance; foundation and retaining structure construction monitoring and inspection. The successful candidate will be responsible for interpreting specifications and construction drawings, evaluating site conditions based on construction excavations, monitoring and reporting on construction activities, and performing field testing of soils. Prepare proposals, budgets, schedules, calculations, specifications, and reports. Travel can be expected in the form of fieldwork, which can be daily local travel or weekly out-of-town travel,
Physical Requirements:
Ability to work in outdoor environments under varying weather conditions, including extreme heat, cold, rain, and rugged terrain. Exposure to active construction sites. Capable of walking, hiking, or standing for extended periods during field and site visits. Must be able to lift and carry tools, equipment, technical samples, documents, and other materials weighing up to 40-50 pounds. Frequent bending, crouching, and climbing may be required during fieldwork and sample collection. Ability to safely operate and wear personal protective equipment (PPE), such as helmets, safety glasses, gloves, hearing protection, and boots as required by site safety protocols. Visual acuity and manual dexterity to handle technical tools, read maps and instruments, observe site conditions, and document findings accurately. Comfortable working in remote or isolated locations, sometimes for extended durations. Comfortable working in confined spaces and/or at heights, as required by specific project sites. May require driving long distances to field sites and operating vehicles on unpaved or uneven roads. Technical Responsibilities Serves as the technical advisor for the organization in the application of advanced concepts and methods in an assigned area. Keeps informed of new developments and requirements affecting the organization for the purpose of recommending changes in programs or applications. Develops new techniques and/or improved processes, materials, or products. Serves as the technical advisor for the organization in the application of advanced concepts and methods in an assigned area. Keeps informed of new developments and requirements affecting the organization for the purpose of recommending changes in programs or applications. Develops new techniques and/or improved processes, materials, or products. Values and analyzes sustainable performance of complex engineering projects from a systems perspective. Values and analyzes sustainable performance of complex engineering projects from a systems perspective. Project and Task Management Oversees a project team of engineers and technicians. Plans, schedules, and coordinates the preparation of documents or activities for multiple major projects or is responsible for an entire program of an organization. Analyzes project management plans for complex engineering projects. Oversees a project team of engineers and technicians. Plans, schedules, and coordinates the preparation of documents or activities for multiple major projects or is responsible for an entire program of an organization. Analyzes project management plans for complex engineering projects. Understands project delivery uncertainties and uses risk management principles to address them. Reviews operational procedures to ensure compliance with applicable policies and performance measures. Understands project delivery uncertainties and uses risk management principles to address them. Reviews operational procedures to ensure compliance with applicable policies and performance measures. General Characteristics Applies thorough knowledge of current principles and practices of engineering related to the variety of aspects affecting their organization. Applies thorough knowledge of current principles and practices of engineering related to the variety of aspects affecting their organization. Applies progressively acquired expertise to resolve crucial issues and/or unique conditions. Keeps informed of new methods and developments affecting their organization and recommends new practices or changes in emphasis of programs. Leads programs of moderate complexity and scope or leads a major project. Analyzes complex problems across specialty areas appropriate to the practice of engineering. Analyzes ethical dilemmas to determine appropriate courses of action. Applies progressively acquired expertise to resolve crucial issues and/or unique conditions. Keeps informed of new methods and developments affecting their organization and recommends new practices or changes in emphasis of programs. Leads programs of moderate complexity and scope or leads a major project. Analyzes complex problems across specialty areas appropriate to the practice of engineering. Analyzes ethical dilemmas to determine appropriate courses of action. Communication, Teamwork and Leadership Applies principles of formal strategic and persuasive communications. Represents their area of specialty within the organization and liaises with related individuals and organizations. Routinely interacts with organizational leaders, clients, officials, contractors, and others. Integrates concepts of effective teamwork and leadership, including justice, equity, diversity, and inclusion, and advocates for application of these concepts. Applies principles of formal strategic and persuasive communications. Represents their area of specialty within the organization and liaises with related individuals and organizations. Routinely interacts with organizational leaders, clients, officials, contractors, and others. Integrates concepts of effective teamwork and leadership, including justice, equity, diversity, and inclusion, and advocates for application of these concepts. Considers social equity and environmental impact of engineering decisions. Considers social equity and environmental impact of engineering decisions. Management, Supervision and Guidance Receives administrative supervision with assignments given in terms of broad general objectives and limits. Provides continued mentored experience to senior staff. Receives administrative supervision with assignments given in terms of broad general objectives and limits. Provides continued mentored experience to senior staff. Integrates professional attitudes relevant to the practice of engineering and fosters creativity, curiosity, flexibility, and dependability in staff. Integrates professional attitudes relevant to the practice of engineering and fosters creativity, curiosity, flexibility, and dependability in staff. Education B.S. Engineering or other technical degree B.S. Engineering or other technical degree Certification/Licensure n/a n/a Experience 10+ years of experience. 10+ years of experience. Why GAI? GAI offers skilled professionals like you an exceptional place to work, grow, lead, and achieve. Explore an array of opportunities in locations across the U.S. and join accomplished colleagues in tackling challenging projects for a range of markets. Enjoy work location and scheduling flexibility; your choice of comprehensive, personalized benefits; a range of employee wellness programs and discounts; and more. Feel good about being part of a collaborative team that's committed to supporting the communities we serve. Join GAI and distinguish yourself in a company poised for unlimited growth. Benefits To Working at
GAI Include:
Competitive Pay & Recognition Market based, competitive compensation Performance driven recognition and development bonuses Comprehensive Health & Wellness Medical, dental, and vision plans Company paid short-term and long-term disability Company paid life insurance Employee Assistance Program and wellness resources Meaningful Work-Life Balance Generous paid time off + 7 paid holidays An additional floating holiday—use it for what matters to you Paid maternity, paternity, and adoption leave Growth, Learning & Financial Security 401(k) with company match Tuition reimbursement Support and rewards for professional development and certifications Bachelors or better in Engineering or related field. Driver's License Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.