Associate Geotechnical Engineer: Field & Lab Impact

WSP in the U.S.; Irvine (CA); On-site; USD 81,000 - 102,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Benefits package

Job summary

WSP is seeking an Associate Geotechnical Engineer to work in our Southern California region (Irvine, San Diego and Los Angeles). The entry level position involves limited scope with supervision; candidate should have 1–3 years post-degree experience and strong communication skills.

Expect travel to field sites and collaboration with project managers and clients. The role includes planning subsurface explorations, coordinating with field personnel, and preparing geotechnical reports and

Qualifications

• Bachelor's Degree in Geotechnical Engineering, or closely related discipline (or equivalent experience).
• 1 to 3 years of relevant post education experience.
• Experience with desktop and industry-specific software (e.g., MSOffice, AutoCAD, and MSProject) required.
• Hands on knowledge on the use of field equipment.
• Must have strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to establish effective internal and external working relationships.
• Ability to communicate clearly with on-site contractors, supervisor or project manager regarding work assignments required.
• Proficient self-leadership with attention to detail, multi-tasking, and prioritization of responsibilities in a dynamic work environment.
• Ability to work independently under general supervision, as well as part of a team to meet business objectives.
• Proven track record of upholding workplace safety and ability to abide by WSP’s health, safety and drug/alcohol and harassment policies.
• Ability to work schedules conducive to project-specific requirements that may extend beyond the typical workweek.
• Frequent local travel and occasional out-of-town travel may be required depending on project-specific requirements.

Responsibilities

• Plan and support subsurface explorations (e.g., borings, test pits, CPTs) and coordinate with drillers, surveyors, and utility locators as needed.
• Identifying ways to improve our field data collection or reporting templates to make our team more efficient and competitive.
• Log soil and rock in the field; document groundwater, sampling, and drilling conditions; and maintain organized field notes and photo records.
• Coordinate laboratory testing programs (index, strength, consolidation, corrosion, etc.) and review results for completeness and reasonableness.
• Perform engineering calculations and analyses (e.g., bearing capacity, settlement, lateral earth pressures, slope stability screening, and seismic site considerations) using accepted methods and software tools.
• Peer-reviewing the work of junior staff and technicians to ensure our deliverables are error-free and professionally presented.
• Develop preliminary and final geotechnical recommendations for foundations, slabs, earthwork, excavations, temporary support, and earth retention systems, as applicable to the project.
• Prepare geotechnical reports, memoranda, figures, and tables that clearly communicate findings, assumptions, and recommendations.
• Support construction-phase services such as grading/excavation observations, footing subgrade evaluations, pile installation monitoring support, and documentation of nonconformance and corrective actions.
• Apply QA/QC practices to calculations and deliverables; follow internal standards, checklists, and peer review processes.
• Communicate with project managers, design team members, contractors, and clients to address technical questions and field issues in a timely manner.
• Follow health, safety, and environmental requirements; help identify hazards and implement appropriate controls during field activities.
• Track assigned tasks, budgets, and schedules; provide status updates and proactively raise risks or scope changes.

Skills

Strong written and verbal communicate

Independent work

Team collaboration

Education

Bachelor's Degree in Geotechnical Engineering

Master’s Degree in Geotechnical Engineering

Tools

MSOffice

AutoCAD

MSProject

Job description

WSP is seeking an Associate Geotechnical Engineer to work in our Southern California region (Irvine, San Diego and Los Angeles). The entry level position involves limited scope with supervision; candidate should have 1–3 years post-degree experience and strong communication skills.

Expect travel to field sites and collaboration with project managers and clients. The role includes planning subsurface explorations, coordinating with field personnel, and preparing geotechnical reports and