Early Career Geotechnical Engineer

WSP in the U.S.; Birmingham (AL); On-site; USD 50,000 - 70,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical benefits

Dental benefits

Vision benefits

Disability insurance

Life insurance

Retirement savings plans

Job summary

WSP in the U.S. is seeking an Early Career Geotechnical Engineer for the Birmingham, Alabama office. This role includes assisting in geotechnical engineering for infrastructure projects while ensuring compliance with industry standards.

The ideal candidate will have a Bachelor’s degree in Geotechnical Engineering, excellent research and analytical skills, and familiarity with relevant software tools. A comprehensive benefits package is offered to support employees throughout their careers.

Qualifications

• 0 to 1 years of relevant post-education experience.
• Familiarity with design/build processes and concepts.
• Competent interpersonal skills for interacting with diverse audiences.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.

Responsibilities

• Assist with data collection and site analysis.
• Generate accurate documentation using electronic systems.
• Ensure compliance with safety guidelines and procedures.

Skills

Research skills

Analytical mindset

Interpersonal skills

Communication skills

Attention to detail

Multitasking

Technical writing

Education

Bachelor’s Degree in Geotechnical Engineering or closely related discipline

Tools

MicroStation

AutoCAD

Civil 3D

ArcGIS

InRoads

GeoSlope

ANSYS

STADD

HEC-RAS

HEC-HMS

Job description

WSP is currently initiating a search for an Early Career Geotechnical Engineer for our Birmingham, Alabama office. This role involves providing local geotechnical engineering assistance for the design, development, and construction of infrastructure projects and systems in the public and private sector. Tasks may include basic assistance with research, design, analysis, concept development, and construction of roads, buildings, tunnels, dams, canals, levees, bridges, water supply systems, underground storage, and sewage treatment. The engineer will generate accurate and concise documentation and ensure that responsibilities are delivered with a level of quality that meets or exceeds industry standards for design, safety, and functionality.

Responsibilities

• Assist with collecting, compiling, and analyzing data from the physical work site, including soil, water, sludge, rock samples, surveys, blueprints, GIS data, subsurface information, maps and geotechnical data.
• Maintain quality control standards and procedures for accurate and precise measurements.
• Perform basic professional geotechnical engineering work related 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, and transportation projects.
• Perform routine geotechnical engineering functions and provide entry‑level technical assistance on various design requirements, operating strategies to ensure the safety and functionality of end‑users and infrastructure.
• Assist with verifying site characteristics and providing basic technical assistance on environmental, design, and construction issues involving rock and soil mechanics, and investigating subsurface and geological conditions to design and build foundations, earth structures, and pavement sub‑grades.
• Generate complete, accurate, and concise documentation using electronic systems, drawings, and field/work‑site notebooks.
• Comply with safety guidelines and site‑specific procedures, including location data, statistical documentation, engineering studies, surveys, and construction.
• Complete training on assigned tasks and exercise responsible and ethical decision‑making regarding company funds, resources, and conduct, while adhering to WSP’s Code of Conduct and related policies.
• Perform additional responsibilities as required by business needs.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree in Geotechnical Engineering or closely related discipline.
• 0 to 1 years of relevant post‑education experience.
• Excellent research skills and analytical mindset.
• Familiarity with design/build processes and concepts.
• Knowledge of relevant remediation, permitting, improvement, and construction laws, codes, regulations, compliance practices, and record‑keeping requirements.
• Competent interpersonal and communication skills for interacting with engineering and non‑engineering audiences.
• Self‑leadership with attention to detail, multitasking, and prioritization in a dynamic work environment.
• Ability to work independently under general supervision and as part of a team.
• Basic proficiency with technical writing, office automation, software, spreadsheets, technology, and tools.
• Familiarity with discipline‑specific design software such as MicroStation, AutoCAD, Civil 3D, ArcGIS, InRoads, Geopak, GeoSlope, ANSYS, STADD, HEC‑RAS, and HEC‑HMS.
• Proven track record of upholding workplace safety and ability to comply with WSP’s health, safety, drug/alcohol, and 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.
• Authorized to work in the United States.

Preferred Qualifications

• Engineer in Training certification.
• Prior internship related to the degree of study and the specific engineering discipline.
• Active membership or participation in local professional practice organizations.

Benefits

Employees are afforded a comprehensive suite of benefits including medical, dental, vision, disability, life, and retirement savings plans focused on providing health and financial stability throughout the employee’s career.

WSP USA (and all of its U.S. companies) is an Equal Opportunity Employer, Race/Age/Color/Religion/Sex/Sexual Orientation/Gender Identity/National Origin/Disability or Protected Veteran Status. The selected candidate must be authorized to work in the United States.