Geotech and Pavement Bureau Chief

State of Montana; Helena (MT); Hybrid; USD 120,000 - 150,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid remote work

Health, Dental, and Vision Insurance

State Retirement plan and deferredcomp

Paid vacation, sick leave and holidays

Relocation assistance

Job summary

Montana Department of Transportation is seeking a Geotech & Pavement Bureau Chief to oversee the Geotechnical, Pavement Analysis, and Field Investigation sections. The role leads subsurface investigations, laboratory testing, and engineering analysis and design, and develops agency policies for geotechnical engineering and pavement design strategies.

The Bureau Chief will supervise 5 employees, coordinating with the Pavement Management Section for statewide data collection and reporting to the

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Geotechnical Engineering, Civil Engineering, Geology, or related field.
• 5 years of progressively responsible geotechnical subsurface investigations, engineering analysis, and design.
• 3 years of supervision experience.
• Registration as a Professional Engineer (PE) in Montana.

Responsibilities

• Lead Geotech & Pavement Bureau sections and supervise 5 employees.
• Direct subsurface investigations, testing, and design work.
• Develop geotechnical and pavement policies and procedures.
• Coordinate with MDT Pavement Management for statewide data collection.

Skills

Geotechnical engineering

Project planning

Analytical thinking

Project management

Reading plans

Leadership

Education

Bachelors in Geotechnical/Civil Engineering or Geology

Tools

PE License Montana

Job description

The Montana Department of Transportation (MDT) is recruiting for a Geotech & Pavement Bureau Chief. The Geotech & Pavement Bureau Chief oversees the Bureau's Geotechnical, Pavement Analysis, and Field Investigation sections and provides leadership and administrative management for all geotechnical and pavement engineering functions. The position directs subsurface investigation activities, laboratory testing, and engineering analysis and design. The Bureau Chief also develops and maintains agency policies and procedures for geotechnical engineering and pavement design strategies, serves as the primary point of contact for related technical inquiries, and acts as a liaison with the MDT Pavement Management Section to support statewide pavement condition assessment and data-collection efforts. This position reports to the Statewide Project Delivery Engineer and directly supervises 5 employees.

Key Responsibilities

The key responsibilities include establishing project guidelines, procedures, and technical parameters; planning and supervising investigation, sampling, and analytical work; and providing advanced technical assistance to internal staff, consultants, and external agencies involved in road construction projects.

Benefits

• Culture of public service and a commitment to work/life balance
• Potential hybrid remote work arrangement available
• Health, Dental, and Vision Insurance
• Access to Montana Health Centers, low-cost clinics for state employees and their families
• State Retirement plan and additional savings opportunities (deferred compensation)
• Employees in this position receive overtime compensation or compensatory time for all time in a pay status over 40 hours in a workweek
• Paid vacation, sick leave, and holidays
• Eligibility for Public Service Student Loan Forgiveness
• Benefits apply on first day of employment
• Relocation assistance may be offered to the successful candidate at the time of offer

Required Application Materials

• A resume detailing your qualifications and work history.
• A cover letter of no more than two pages addressing your qualifications for the position.

Required Education and Experience

• Bachelor's Degree in Geotechnical Engineering, Civil Engineering, Geology, or other closely related field
• 5 years of progressively responsible experience in geotechnical subsurface investigations, engineering analysis, and design
• 3 years of supervision experience
• Registration as a Professional Engineer (PE) in Montana

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Extensive knowledge of the concepts and theories of geotechnical engineering, geology, mathematics, the physical sciences
• Strong understanding of Project Development & Delivery goals project planning processes, research methods, and analytical techniques
• Knowledge of state, federal, AASHTO, and FHWA requirements and standards; project specifications; the Montana Geotechnical, Surfacing Design, Materials and Construction manuals
• Skill in reading and interpreting complex plans, specifications, and contract documents
• Ability to plan and manage numerous phases of multiple projects

Other Information

The Montana Department of Transportation is an equal opportunity employer. Women, racial and ethnic minorities, people with disabilities, and veterans and disabled veterans are encouraged to apply. People with disabilities needing assistance in the application process, or those needing this job announcement in an alternative format may call the Human Resources and Occupational Safety Division, at 406.444.6054.

The Montana Department of Transportation (MDT) is committed to continuous improvement of our employee safety program and our safety and health processes, and to achieving an injury-free workplace.

Proof of eligibility to work in the United States must be provided if selected for hire. Generally, sponsorship for work authorization is not available through the State of Montana.

Effective 5/26/2026, MDT is participating in E-Verify to confirm employment eligibility. After accepting a job offer and completing Form I-9, your information will be submitted to the Department of Homeland Security and Social Security Administration for verification.