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Job Description
Buckhorn Engineering Inc. (BEI)
Location:
Montrose, CO Job Type:
Full-Time Salary:
Competitive, based on experience PE Preferred |
EIT Considered FLSA Status:
Exempt - Professional About the Role We are seeking a Geotechnical Engineer to join our geotechnical engineering team in Western Colorado. This position is ideal for an engineer with 3-10 years of geotechnical experience who enjoys a mix of technical design, field investigation, project management, client coordination, and construction support. The successful candidate will support a wide range of civil, structural, transportation, utility, and development projects by performing geotechnical analyses, coordinating field investigations, preparing engineering reports, and providing practical recommendations to clients and internal project teams. Our firm also operates an in-house geotechnical and construction materials testing laboratory , allowing our engineers to work closely with lab staff, review test results efficiently, and provide integrated recommendations from investigation through construction. Key Responsibilities Responsibilities include, but are not limited to: Perform geotechnical engineering analyses and calculations for civil and structural design projects. Assist with project management, scheduling, budgeting, and coordination. Prepare proposals, scopes of work, fee estimates, and project correspondence. Conduct geotechnical modeling and analysis, including slope stability, foundation design, settlement, and earth-retention considerations. Plan and perform geotechnical field investigations, including drilling observation, test pit logging, sampling, and instrumentation monitoring. Coordinate with and provide technical support to our in-house geotechnical and construction materials testing laboratory. Coordinate with clients, contractors, government agencies, and other design professionals. Conduct site visits during construction to observe conditions, monitor quality, and evaluate progress. Prepare, review, and edit geotechnical reports, construction specifications, and technical recommendations. Exercise sound engineering judgment and professional discretion in all aspects of the work. Required Qualifications Bachelor's degree in civil engineering, geological engineering, geotechnical engineering, or a closely related ABET-accredited engineering program. 3-10 years of experience in geotechnical engineering or a closely related field. Engineer-in-Training certification or Professional Engineer licensure preferred; Colorado PE licensure is strongly preferred for more senior candidates. Valid driver's license and acceptable driving record. Ability to travel to project sites, including mountainous terrain and seasonal driving conditions. Ability to occasionally lift or move up to 50 pounds. Preferred Qualifications Experience working in Western Colorado or similar mountainous/intermountain geologic conditions. Current Colorado Professional Engineer license, or ability to obtain licensure in Colorado. Experience with geotechnical investigations for roads, bridges, buildings, pipelines, powerlines, dams, retaining structures, and related infrastructure. Familiarity with expansive clays, elastic silts, collapsible soils, rock conditions, and practical engineering solutions for challenging subsurface conditions. Experience supporting both design-phase and construction-phase geotechnical services. Experience coordinating with a geotechnical or construction materials testing laboratory. Technical Skills The ideal candidate will have experience with some or all of the following: Slope stability analysis using GSTABL, SLOPE/W, or similar industry-standard software. Foundation recommendations, including shallow foundations, deep foundations, settlement calculations, and post-tensioned slab considerations. Deep foundation analysis, including tools such as LPILE or similar software for micropiles, driven piles, auger-cast piers, and related systems. Soil and rock logging, laboratory testing interpretation, and geotechnical report preparation. Microsoft Word, Outlook, Excel, PowerPoint, and Project. Desired Professional Skills Strong written and verbal communication skills. Ability to explain technical recommendations clearly to clients, coworkers, agencies, and contractors. Ability to manage multiple priorities and complete work efficiently. Strong problem-solving skills and sound engineering judgment. Collaborative attitude with a practical, client-focused approach to engineering. Ability to collect, interpret, and apply field and laboratory data to real-world design and construction challenges. Work Environment This position includes both office and field work. Field assignments may involve observing drilling or excavation activities, collecting soil and rock samples, visiting active construction sites, and coordinating with our in-house materials testing laboratory. Project sites are generally located throughout Western Colorado and surrounding areas. Most are within a few hours' drive, though occasional longer travel or overnight stays may be required. Why Join Us This is an opportunity to work on diverse and meaningful engineering projects throughout Western Colorado while contributing to a growing multidisciplinary engineering team. You will have the opportunity to take ownership of projects, work directly with clients, collaborate closely with our in-house laboratory, and help deliver practical engineering solutions for complex site conditions. Compensation will be based on experience level, technical capabilities, project management experience, Colorado licensure status, and ability to independently manage geotechnical projects. Benefits include 401(k) match, HSA or Wellness Plan. Application deadline is 2 weeks from posting. Life in Montrose, Colorado This position is based in Montrose, Colorado , a growing Western Slope community known for its quality of life, outdoor access, and small-town feel. Montrose offers access to good schools, healthcare, restaurants, local events, and year-round recreation. The area is a great fit for those who enjoy hiking, biking, fishing, hunting, skiing, camping, and exploring public lands. With the Black Canyon of the Gunnison, the San Juan Mountains, Ouray, Ridgway, Telluride, and the Uncompahgre Plateau nearby, Montrose is an excellent place to build a career while enjoying the lifestyle that western Colorado has to offer. How to Apply Please submit your resume and a brief cover letter describing your geotechnical engineering experience, licensure status, and relevant project background. About Buckhorn Engineering Inc. Buckhorn Engineering Inc. (BEI) is a growing civil engineering firm dedicated to delivering high-quality engineering solutions for public and private sector clients. We pride ourselves on technical excellence, responsive client service, and fostering a collaborative work environment where professionals can develop and advance their careers. Buckhorn Engineering Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer and values diversity in the workplace.
