Geotechnical Project Engineer (Hollister/Salinas)

EARTH SYSTEMS; Hollister (CA); On-site; USD 85,000 - 125,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Bundled Medical/Vision/Dental Plan options

401(k) retirement plan with employer matching

Generous PTO

Paid holidays

Job summary

A leading geotechnical consulting firm is seeking a Geotechnical Project Engineer to manage projects in Hollister or Salinas, CA. Responsibilities include project planning, client relationship management, and technical analysis. Candidates should possess a B.S. in Civil Engineering, 5+ years of experience, and relevant CA licenses. The role offers a competitive salary and comprehensive benefits, emphasizing a collaborative work environment and professional development opportunities.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of experience in geotechnical consulting.
• Experience interacting with clients and initiating business development.
• Ability to manage multiple complex projects simultaneously.

Responsibilities

• Manage small to medium-sized geotechnical projects.
• Evaluate geologic and seismic hazards and provide recommendations.
• Conduct comprehensive engineering analyses and develop reports.

Skills

Project management

Geotechnical analysis

Client communication

Technical report writing

Safety protocols

Education

B.S. Degree in Civil Engineering with Geotechnical Engineering concentration

M.S. Degree in Geotechnical Engineering

CA Licensed Professional Engineer (PE)

CA Licensed Geotechnical Engineer (GE)

Tools

Microsoft Office Suite

Project management software

AutoCAD

Job description

Overview

Earth Systems is a trusted partner in geotechnical excellence with a rich history of providing geotechnical, geology, environmental consulting, materials testing, and special inspection services since 1969. Our foundation is our people: a diverse staff of highly skilled professionals with a wide range of backgrounds and experiences. With 10 offices throughout California, we foster a collaborative teamwork environment and empower our employees to steer their projects and career paths.

Position Overview

Earth Systems is seeking a leadership‑driven, self‑motivated Geotechnical Project Engineer for our Hollister and/or Salinas, CA offices. The Geotechnical Project Engineer is responsible for planning, interpreting, organizing, scheduling, and managing projects through all phases of development, establishing and monitoring budgets, managing the project team, assisting with scheduling and billing, and maintaining client relationships. This position has authority to direct, control, and monitor all project activities.

Education and Qualifications

• B.S. Degree in Civil Engineering with Geotechnical Engineering concentration (required)
• M.S. Degree in Geotechnical Engineering (preferred)
• CA Licensed Professional Engineer (PE) (required)
• CA Licensed Geotechnical Engineer (GE) (preferred)

Required Experience

• 5+ years of experience in geotechnical consulting
• Experience and familiarity with local engineering practice
• Experience interacting with clients and initiating business development

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Manage small to medium‑sized geotechnical, forensic, and construction projects, including consulting with clients, design professionals, and contractors
• Plan and supervise soil exploration, logging, and classification
• Schedule laboratory testing to evaluate soil types, behavior, and engineering properties
• Evaluate geologic and seismic hazards, including liquefaction, lateral spreading, and dry sand settlement; provide mitigation recommendations when needed
• Analyze natural, fill, and reinforced slopes
• Evaluate distressed structures and failed slopes and give mitigation recommendations
• Conduct comprehensive engineering analyses, develop appropriate geotechnical recommendations, and produce detailed engineering reports documenting findings and recommendations
• Prepare proposals, schedules, and reports to achieve project goals while managing budgets, reviewing billing, and preparing change orders
• Serve as a technical advisor to staff‑level professionals and field technicians
• Work under the supervision of an authorized project reviewer
• Contribute to business development efforts by identifying and pursuing new opportunities and building relationships with potential clients
• Demonstrate the company’s safety behaviors by following safety protocols and promoting a safety culture among team members

Knowledge and Skills

• Thorough understanding of project work plans, schedules, staffing, and budgets
• Ability to read and properly interpret project plans
• Ability to perform engineering calculations and analyses and understand the validity of findings
• Knowledge of federal, state, and local laws, codes, and regulations pertinent to geotechnical engineering
• Advanced knowledge of testing and inspection of construction materials, standards, and codes
• Ability to manage multiple complex projects simultaneously
• Proficiency in project management software (preferred)
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite
• Ability to effectively meet deadlines and complete tasks with accuracy and strong attention to detail
• Ability to work with integrity, trust, and commitment
• Ability to communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing
• Understanding of AutoCAD and other design software
• Understanding of terminology, methods, practices, and techniques used in technical reports and project preparation
• Able to receive and execute the direction of Principal Engineers and/or Managers

Availability to Commute/Relocate

• Reliably commute or plan to relocate prior to starting work (required)

What We Offer

• Competitive salary
• Bundled Medical/Vision/Dental Plan options (including a 100% employer‑paid plan option & up to 50% dependent paid)
• Employer‑sponsored life and AD&D coverage
• Employer‑sponsored long‑term disability insurance
• Generous PTO
• Paid holidays
• Employee Assistance Program
• 401(k) retirement plan with employer matching
• Flexible Spending Accounts
• Health Savings Account
• License/continuing education reimbursement

Additional Information

The expected pay range for this position is $85k‑125k. The exact rate is dependent on several factors such as experience, skills, education, licenses, certifications, and geographic location.

Employment is conditioned upon the satisfactory completion of a background check, review of motor vehicle records, drug screening, and a medical evaluation appropriate to the position.

Earth Systems is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer under Section 503 and VEVRAA. We provide equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibit discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws.