Geotechnical Engineer

Ayres Associates Inc.; Saint Paul (MN); On-site; USD 135,000 - 198,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health, dental, and vision Insurance

Employee stock ownership plan (ESOP)

Flexible work schedule

Job summary

Ayres Associates Inc. in Saint Paul is seeking a Senior Geotechnical/Geological Engineer to manage dam rehabilitation and analysis projects. The ideal candidate will hold a PE license and have over 10 years of relevant experience, particularly with FERC-related work.

This role entails marketing opportunities, managing design projects, and mentoring staff within an award-winning workplace known for its people-first leadership and collaboration.

Competitive benefits, including health insurance and a 401K plan, are provided.

Qualifications

• Minimum 10 years of experience in geotechnical/geological engineering.
• Registered professional engineer in a US state.
• Ability to independently manage projects with budgets of 250 to 2000 hours.

Responsibilities

• Lead marketing efforts for risk assessments and related FERC projects.
• Manage projects, ensuring quality and schedule adherence.
• Support mentorship and development of staff.

Skills

Project Management

Geotechnical Engineering

Communication Skills

Client Relationship Management

FERC Regulations Knowledge

Education

Bachelor's degree in civil engineering

Master's degree in geotechnical/geological engineering

Tools

GeoStudio SLOPE/W

Microsoft Office Suite

Job description

St. Paul
1700 Highway 36 West
Suite 700
St. Paul, MN 55113, USA

Ayres’ team of national dam safety experts is seeking a senior geotechnical/geological engineer with a proven track record of managing and successfully executing dam rehabilitation and dam analysis projects, particularly for dams regulated by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC). This position desires an entrepreneurial mindset to support our growing national practice in FERC Part 12D inspections, comprehensive assessments with risk analyses, and dam rehabilitation projects.

The successful candidate will be a registered professional engineer in geotechnical/geological engineering (civil in states not having a separate geotechnical/geological engineering registration) and have demonstrated expertise in completing saturated and unsaturated slope stability analyses, seepage analyses, settlement and crest deformation analyses, seismic and static liquefaction screening analyses, filter compatibility checks, bearing capacity analyses, and other similar advanced geotechnical computations.

Join Ayres – a USA TODAY Top Workplace recognized in both 2025 and 2026 – where people-first leadership, collaboration, and professional growth create an environment where great teams do their best work.

Responsibilities

• Take the lead in identifying marketing opportunities and work collaboratively to win projects from utilities with FERC hydropower licenses, especially risk assessments and Part 12D related work.
• Manage projects, oversee design and production of plans and specifications, and ensure that the work is produced on schedule, profitably, and in conformance with the quality standards of Ayres.
• Build and maintain respectful working relationships with Project Managers and other leaders within the company.
• Support and participate in the development and mentorship of staff.
• Actively engage in professional organizations.

Required Qualifications

• A bachelor’s degree in civil engineering (geotechnical or geological engineering emphasis) from an accredited university is the minimum requirement. A master’s degree in geotechnical/geological engineering is preferred.
• Registered professional engineer (PE) in a US state with ability to become licensed by comity in multiple states where Ayres has offices.
• A minimum of 10 years of experience in the field of geotechnical/geological engineering. Previous experience in completing designs and submitting approved analyses for dams at FERC projects is highly desirable.
• Ability to independently manage projects with budgets of 250 to 2000 hours of engineering time.
• Working knowledge of FERC, US Army Corps of Engineers, Bureau of Reclamation, and similar industry standards for geotechnical analyses of dam and spillway structures.
• Experience providing geotechnical engineering support for structural design.
• Proficient in GeoStudio SLOPE/W and SEEP/W, or other industry-standard slope stability and seepage modeling tools.
• Experience overseeing geotechnical field exploration and laboratory testing programs, especially for embankment dams.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, PowerPoint, Word).
• Proven communication skills, including great client relationships and a willingness to market services to internal and external clients.
• A valid driver’s license and good driving record.

Desired Skills and Experiences

• A professional geologist registration and experience with dam foundations in various terrains.
• Experience participating in FERC PFMA and L2RA workshops.
• Experience establishing mutually respectful, collaborative relationships with utility owners, contractors, and staff representing the FERC Division of Dam Safety.
• Located within commuting distance of Ayres’ Eau Claire, Green Bay, Roseville, Madison, Fort Collins, or Waukesha offices.

Benefits

• Health, dental, and vision Insurance.
• Short and long-term disability and life insurance.
• Employee stock ownership plan (ESOP) and 401K with company match.
• PTO, paid holidays including two floating holidays, and a flexible work schedule.

Our good-faith compensation approach is fair and equitable, and takes into consideration only permissible factors including, but not limited to, market data, education, training, skills, and experience, and geographic location where the work is performed. A salary range for this posting is $135,000 - $198,000. The foregoing salary range represents what the company believes, in good faith, it will pay for the posted opportunity. The individual selected for this role will be evaluated with the compensation factors in mind and placed appropriately.

Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer

Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.