Early Career Geological Engineer

WSP; Holland (MI); On-site; USD 55,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

WSP is seeking an Early Career Geotechnical Engineer for its Holland, MI office. Join our Earth & Environment Team and contribute to projects across solid waste, transportation, and infrastructure while gaining hands-on geotechnical exposure.

You will assist with data collection, site investigations, and basic design tasks, supported by mentors. Travel may be required as projects progress, and the role emphasizes safety, quality, and client-focused outcomes.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in geotechnical or civil engineering or a closely related discipline.
• 0–1 year of post-education experience preferred.
• Strong research and analytical capabilities.
• Familiarity with design and construction processes.
• Effective written and verbal communication for engineering audiences.
• Attention to detail and ability to multi-task in a dynamic team.

Responsibilities

• Assist with collecting, compiling, and analyzing site data, samples, surveys, maps, and GIS data for project development.
• Maintain quality control standards for accurate measurements.
• Support geotechnical and civil engineering work on site conditions and investigations.
• Perform routine geotechnical tasks and provide entry-level technical assistance.
• Verify site characteristics and assist with environmental and construction issues.
• Prepare clear documentation using electronic systems and field logs.
• Adhere to safety guidelines and project procedures.
• Complete assigned training and exercise ethical decision-making.

Skills

Research skills

Communication skills

Self-leadership

Attention to detail

Team collaboration

Technical writing

MS Office / spreadsheets

Education

Bachelor’s Degree in Geotechnical/Civil Engineering

Tools

MicroStation

AutoCAD

Civil 3D

ArcGIS

GeoSlope

HEC-RAS

HEC-HMS

Job description

This Opportunity

WSP is currently initiating a search for a full-time Early Career Geological Engineer for our Holland, MIoffice. This role will allow you to be involved in projects with our Earth & Environment Team and be a part of a growing organization that meets our clients’ objectives and solves their challenges.

In this role, you will join our waste industry services team and focus on projects related to solid waste, power, transportation, stormwater, infrastructure, and agriculture. The successful candidate will be able to support a diverse range of areas including, but not limited to, geotechnical design and analysis, civil design, earthworks construction, piping systems, surface water management, erosion and slope stability, and landfill permitting and design. An appreciation for high quality, effective communication, and client-focused work products in essential. Some travel will be required.

Your Impact

• Under general supervision, assist with collecting, compiling, and analyzing data from the physical work site, soil/water/sludge/rock/liner samples, surveys, blueprints, GIS data, subsurface information, maps, geotechnical data, and other matrices for project development, design, and construction.

• Maintain quality control standards and procedures for accurate and precise measurements.

• Assist with performing basic professional geotechnical and/or civil engineering work relating to proposed and existing site conditions, including subsurface investigations, soil foundation engineering, settlement analysis, soil erosion, lateral earth pressures, geological hazards, underground water, and slope stability for commercial, industrial, building, environmental, infrastructure, solid waste, and transportation projects.

• Perform routine geotechnical engineering functions and provide entry-level technical assistance on various design requirements, operating strategies to account for the safety and functionality of end-users, systems, and infrastructure.

• Assist with verifying the characteristics of a site and providing basic technical assistance on various environmental, design, and construction issues, and investigating subsurface and geological conditions.

• Generate complete, accurate, and concise documentation using electronic systems, drawings, and field/work site notebook/logs.

• Comply with safety guidelines and site-specific procedures which include but are not limited to, location data, statistical documentation, engineering studies and surveys, and construction.

• Complete training on assigned tasks.

• Exercise responsible and ethical decision-making regarding company funds, resources and conduct, and adhere to WSP’s Code of Conduct and related policies and procedures.

• Perform additional responsibilities as required by business needs.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree in Geotechnical Engineering, Civil Engineering or closely related discipline.

• 0 to 1 years of relevant post education experience.

• Excellent research skills with analytical mindset.

• Familiarity with process and concepts for design and construction.

• Competent interpersonal and communication skills when interacting with others, expressing ideas effectively and professionally to an engineering and non-engineering audience.

• 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.

• Basic proficiency with technical writing, office automation, software, spreadsheets, technology, and tools.

• Familiarity with discipline-specific design software (i.e., MicroStation, AutoCAD, Civil 3D, ArcGIS, , GeoSlope, , HEC-RAS, HEC-HMS).

• Proven track record of upholding workplace safety and ability to abide by WSP’s health, safety and drug/alcohol and anti-harassment policies.

• Ability to work schedules conducive to project-specific requirements that may extend beyond the typical workweek.

• Occasional travel may be required depending on project-specific requirements.

• The selected candidate must have the ability to work in the United States immediately.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Engineer in Training Certification.

• Prior internship related to the degree of study and the specific engineering discipline.

• A member of and/or actively participate in local professional practice organizations.