Geotechnical Engineer

Dar Al Riyadh Group; Saudi Arabia; On-site; SAR 360,000 - 540,000; Full time

Job summary

Dar Al Riyadh Group seeks a senior Geotechnical Engineer to lead field investigations for dams and related infrastructure across Saudi Arabia. You will plan boreholes, pits, geophysical surveys, in-situ testing, instrumentation and laboratory tests, and review logs and reports to assess engineering properties.

You will develop ground models, review maps and imagery, and advise on dam safety risks and remediation strategies.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Geotechnical Engineering or related discipline.
• Minimum 16 years of professional experience in geological and geotechnical investigations and assessments.
• Substantial experience with dams, reservoirs and major infrastructure projects.
• Proven ability to interpret borehole data, test results and monitoring records.

Responsibilities

• Plan and supervise geotechnical field investigations for dams and associated facilities.
• Develop investigation scopes covering boreholes, pits, geophysical surveys, in-situ testing, instrumentation and laboratory testing.
• Review borehole logs, test results and geotechnical reports.
• Analyze soil, rock and groundwater samples and assess engineering properties.
• Develop ground models showing geological units, discontinuities and groundwater conditions.
• Review geological maps, aerial imagery and remote-sensing information for site assessment.
• Advise on dam safety risks and remediation strategies.
• Coordinate with multi-disciplinary teams and stakeholders.
• Prepare clear daily to annual technical reports and presentations.

Skills

Soil mechanics

Rock mechanics

Geotechnical field investigations

Engineering judgment

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Geotechnical Engineering or related discipline

Job description

• Plan and supervise geotechnical and geological field investigations for dams and associated facilities.
• Develop investigation scopes covering boreholes, trial pits, geophysical surveys, in-situ testing, instrumentation and laboratory testing.
• Review borehole logs, test results and geotechnical factual and interpretive reports.
• Analyze soil, rock and groundwater samples and assess their engineering properties.
• Develop ground models showing geological units, discontinuities, groundwater conditions and potential geotechnical hazards.
• Review geological maps, topographical data, aerial imagery and remote-sensing information for site assessment.
• Assess the geological and geotechnical conditions of dam foundations, abutments, reservoirs, spillways, outlets and access roads.
• Evaluate seepage, internal erosion, piping, settlement, deformation, cracking, uplift pressure and foundation stability.
• Assess the stability of natural slopes, excavations, embankments, cuttings and reservoir margins.
• Analyze geological characteristics associated with rainfall, flooding, erosion, landslides and reservoir-level fluctuations.
• Review dam instrumentation data, including piezometers, settlement markers, inclinometers, extensometers and seepage-monitoring systems.
• Interpret monitoring trends and identify abnormal behavior requiring investigation or corrective action.
• Perform or review slope-stability, bearing-capacity, settlement, seepage and deformation analyses.
• Review geotechnical design parameters, calculations, specifications, drawings and method statements.
• Assess dam safety risks arising from adverse ground conditions, geological structures or foundation deficiencies.
• Recommend appropriate stabilization, drainage, grouting, anchoring, excavation, foundation treatment and remediation solutions.
• Provide technical surveillance during construction, drilling, grouting, crack treatment and rehabilitation works.
• Review grouting plans, trial-grouting results, injection pressures, grout takes and completion records.
• Monitor remediation works and verify compliance with approved designs, specifications, quality requirements and safe working methods.
• Review contractors’ and consultants’ technical submissions and respond to requests for information.
• Participate in dam inspections, site investigations, technical audits, testing and acceptance activities.
• Investigate geotechnical defects, non-conformances and unexpected ground conditions.
• Conduct root-cause analyses and recommend corrective and preventive measures.
• Maintain organized records of investigation data, geological models, instrumentation readings and technical decisions.
• Coordinate with dam, civil, structural, hydraulic, hydrological, environmental, mechanical and risk specialists.
• Prepare clear daily, weekly, monthly, annual and technical reports as required by the assignment.
• Present geotechnical findings, risks, recommendations and required actions to senior stakeholders.
• Coordinate with government stakeholders, consultants, contractors and multidisciplinary teams.
• Attend meetings, inspections and site visits anywhere in Saudi Arabia as required.
• Comply with Saudi laws, applicable codes, Client procedures, quality requirements and occupational health and safety obligations.
• Bachelor’s degree in Geotechnical Engineering, Geological Engineering, Civil Engineering, Engineering Geology or another closely related discipline from a recognized university.
• Minimum 16 years of professional experience in geological and geotechnical investigations, studies and engineering assessments.
• Substantial experience with dams, reservoirs, water-retaining structures or major infrastructure projects.
• Demonstrated knowledge of soil mechanics, rock mechanics, engineering geology, groundwater and foundation engineering.
• Experience assessing dam foundations, abutments, embankments, slopes, seepage and geological hazards.
• Practical experience with geotechnical field investigations, laboratory testing and instrumentation.
• Experience overseeing grouting, foundation treatment, crack remediation and ground-improvement works.
• Ability to interpret geological maps, aerial imagery, borehole data, test results and monitoring records.
• Experience reviewing geotechnical designs, calculations, specifications, drawings and contractor submissions.
• Strong technical-reporting, engineering-judgment and problem-solving capabilities.
• Relevant experience must be supported by verifiable employment records, project references, reports or studies when requested.