Geotechnical Engineer

Job Title:

Geotechnical Engineer (EIT) - U.S. Virgin Islands Job Description This field-based Geotechnical Engineer (EIT) role supports a large, FEMA-funded sewer system replacement program in the U.S. Virgin Islands. You will be stationed full-time at active drill rigs, providing real-time geotechnical monitoring and soil stratification for deep sewer alignments along existing roadways. The position focuses on continuous field observation, soil logging, and sampling rather than design work, and plays a critical role in ensuring accurate subsurface characterization that keeps construction progressing safely and efficiently. Responsibilities Be stationed full-time at an active drill rig, typically 5 days per week for 6-8 hour days, during drilling operations. Monitor drilling operations continuously while borings advance to required depths, typically around 20 feet. Stratify soils in real time as cuttings are produced, classifying soil types and changes as they appear. Identify and log soil transitions by depth, including changes in color, texture, grain size, moisture, and the presence of organics, coral, rock, fill, or debris. Observe groundwater conditions, identify when groundwater is encountered, and document any anomalies. Ensure borings reach required depths and align with project plans and quality expectations. Act as the engineer-in-charge at the drill rig, making decisions in the field rather than serving as a passive observer. Conduct geotechnical engineering evaluation and subsurface exploration in support of deep sewer alignments. Perform field work such as site visits and sampling events as part of front-end geotechnical investigation and construction support. Collect representative soil samples during drilling, including bulk samples for laboratory testing. Manage bulk soil samples, typically using 4-5 gallon buckets, and prepare them for shipment to off-island laboratories. Properly label, document, and store soil samples to maintain clear traceability and quality control. Coordinate the packaging and off-island shipment of samples, typically via FedEx, often every other day or at the end of the workday. Prepare basic field logs and boring documentation, including detailed depth-based records such as asphalt and base course, fill, silty sand, sandy clay, coral limestone, and saturated sands or groundwater hits. Support special inspections and construction materials testing services as needed for the sewer replacement program. Contribute to report preparation or review of geotechnical reports based on field observations and sample data. Provide project support and limited project management related to geotechnical field activities and subsurface investigations. Work independently at the drill rig with minimal daily supervision, taking full ownership of the geotechnical monitoring scope. Support utility, sewer, and underground infrastructure projects through accurate subsurface investigation and soil stratification. Assist in meeting FEMA documentation and quality assurance requirements by maintaining thorough and accurate field records. Essential Skills Bachelor's degree in Civil Engineering or Geotechnical Engineering. Engineer-in-Training (EIT) certification required. 2-5+ years of field geotechnical experience, including real-time soil stratification. Proven experience monitoring drill rigs in the field and observing drilling operations. Hands-on experience stratifying soils in real time while drilling is in progress. Experience with geotechnical drilling, geotechnical monitoring, and subsurface investigation. Experience in utility, sewer, or underground infrastructure projects. Experience with construction-support geotechnical work, particularly for deep excavations. Ability to work outdoors for extended periods and remain effective in varying weather conditions. Comfort working independently without daily, direct supervision while acting as the engineer on site. Willingness to be based at a drill rig daily for an extended period in a field-heavy role. Strong report writing skills and clear, professional communication abilities. Ability to manage sample collection, labeling, documentation, storage, and logistics reliably and accurately. Additional Skills & Qualifications Preferred but not required: Geologist-in-Training (GIT) certification.

Preferred but not required:

40-hour

HAZWOPER

training and 8-hour refresher courses. Experience working in remote or island environments or other locations with logistical challenges. Familiarity with special inspections and construction materials testing services. Experience preparing or reviewing geotechnical reports based on field data. Experience in subsurface utility investigations and sewer-focused subsurface work. Ability to handle the logistical aspects of packaging and shipping soil samples off-island. Willingness to travel to and within the U.S. Virgin Islands to complete field assignments. Strong observational skills for identifying subtle changes in soil properties such as color, texture, moisture, and inclusions. Organized, detail-oriented approach to field logging, depth tracking, and documentation. Work Environment This is a field-heavy, on-site role based in the U.S. Virgin Islands, working directly at drill rigs along existing roadways where deep sewer lines are being installed. You will spend most of your time outdoors, seated or standing near an operating drill rig, observing soil cuttings and logging conditions in real time as drilling progresses. Typical work is scheduled 5 days per week in 6-8 hour days, aligned with drilling operations. The environment involves variable coastal soils, groundwater conditions, and deep excavations under active roadways, with a strong focus on safety, quality, and accurate documentation. You will package and ship soil samples off-island, often every other day or at the end of the day, which can be logistically demanding. The role offers high independence with minimal day-to-day hand-holding; you are the primary engineer at the rig, with support available on island as needed. A company vehicle, lodging (apartment or house), and per diem are provided to support your stay and daily field operations. The broader program spans multiple overlapping sewer projects over several years, replacing aging, hurricane-damaged sewer systems with new mains, laterals, manholes, pump stations, and associated roadway restoration. Job Type & Location This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Tampa, FL. Pay and Benefits The pay range for this position is $38.46 - $57.69/hr. Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your job classification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may be subject to specific elections, plan, or program terms. If eligible, the benefits available for this temporary role may include the following:

• Medical, dental & vision
• Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital
• 401(k) Retirement Plan - Pre-tax and Roth post-tax contributions available
• Life Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and dependents)
• Short and long-term disability
• Health Spending Account (HSA)
• Transportation benefits
• Employee Assistance Program
• Time Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation or Sick Leave) Workplace Type This is a fully onsite position in Tampa,FL.

Application Deadline This position is anticipated to close on May 1, 2026. Diversity, Equity & Inclusion At Actalent, diversity and inclusion are a bridge towards the equity and success of our people. DE&I is embedded into our culture through: Hiring diverse talent Maintaining an inclusive environment through persistent self-reflection Building a culture of care, engagement, and recognition with clear outcomes Ensuring growth opportunities for our people Actalent is an equal opportunity employer. About Actalent Actalent is a global leader in engineering and sciences services. For more than 40 years, we've helped visionary companies advance their goals. Headquartered in the United States, our teams span 150 offices across North America, EMEA, and APAC—with four delivery centers in India led by 1,000+ extraordinary employees who connect their passion with purpose every day. Our Bangalore, Hyderabad, Pune, and Chennai delivery centers are hubs of engineering expertise, with core capabilities in mechanical and electrical engineering, systems and software, and manufacturing engineering. Our teams deliver work across multiple industries including transportation, consumer and industrial products, and life sciences. We serve more than 4,500 clients, including many Fortune 500 brands. Learn more about how we can work together at actalentservices.com.