Geotechnical Risk Manager

PCL Construction; Phoenix (AZ); On-site; USD 130,000 - 190,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Employee ownership

Annual performance bonuses

401(k) with company match

Comprehensive benefits

Job summary

PCL Construction, Inc. is seeking a Geotechnical Risk Manager to lead geotechnical risk assessments across preconstruction, estimating, and design coordination for large-scale civil projects in the Phoenix area.

The role emphasizes translating subsurface data into reliable estimates, risk mitigation, and collaboration with design teams. The position requires extensive experience in heavy civil/geotechnical work, strong leadership, and the ability to manage complex subsurface conditions to

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Civil Engineering, Geotechnical Engineering, Construction Engineering, or related discipline.
• Minimum 10–15 years of experience in heavy civil construction, geotechnical engineering, or major underground/site work projects.
• Demonstrated experience with preconstruction, estimating, and risk management.
• Strong understanding of subsurface variability and uncertainty in conditions.
• Ability to translate technical geotechnical data into practical construction and cost decisions.

Responsibilities

• Geotechnical Due Diligence & Interpretation: review, interpretation, and qualification of reports and subsurface data.
• Preconstruction Estimating & Means and Methods: develop estimating approaches for earthwork, deep foundations, underground installations, and dewatering.
• Design & Stakeholder Coordination: collaborate with designers and geotechnical engineers to validate constructability and support design development.
• Transition to Construction: handoff from preconstruction with clear documentation and risk ownership strategies, provide setup support to project teams.

Skills

Geotechnical risk management

Estimating

Preconstruction planning

Leadership

Education

Bachelor's degree in Civil/Geotechnical/Construction Engineering

Job description

Career Opportunities: Geotechnical Risk Manager (14337)

The future you want is within reach. Let’s build it together.

At PCL Construction, Inc., part of the PCL Family of Companies (PCL), we don’t just build projects—we build opportunities, careers and communities. We are 100% employee-owned, every employee has a stake in our success, and that shared commitment drives how we work, grow and lead in the construction industry.

We’re a team of builders who care deeply about what we create and who we build it with. That includes you. We are not only investing in what’s next in construction, we are investing in what’s next for your career.

The Geotechnical Risk Manager is responsible for all geotechnical-related scope during preconstruction, providing technical leadership, risk evaluation, and cost certainty for site work and underground construction. This role serves as the subject matter expert for intrepreting geotechnical information and translating subsurface conditions into accurate estimates, means and methods, projectivity assumptions, and risk mitigation strategies. The position plays a critical role in managing geotechnical risk across estimating, planning, and work packaging to protect schedule, cost, and constructability.

Why Choose PCL?

Choose a career with rewards that matter. PCL’s total rewards are designed to support your growth, well-being and future success—because when you succeed, we all do.

Our offerings could include:

• Employee ownership opportunities that build long-term value
• Annual discretionary performance bonuses
• 401(k) with company match
• Industry-leading medical, dental and vision benefits
• Prescription drug coverage and telemedicine services
• Life, AD&D and disability insurance
• Paid parental leave and family care support
• HSA or FSA for healthcare, dependent care and transportation
• Mental health and wellness support, including Employee Assistance Programs
• Career growth pathways, leadership development and mentorship programs
• Access to world-class training through PCL’s College of Construction and professional development courses
• Ongoing opportunities to learn new skills, explore different roles and grow your career across sectors and regions

Here's how a Geotechnical Risk Manager for PCL Construction, Inc. within Civil West contributes to our team:

Responsibilities

Geotechnical Due Diligence & Interpretation

• Lead the review, intrepretation, and qualification of: Geotechnical, geologic, and geophysical reports. Historical borings and as-built records. Environmental and demolition-related subsurface data.
• Identify gaps, inconsistencies, and ambiguities in soils reports and coordinate requests for clarification, supplemental investigations, or risk allowances.
• Develop clear geotechnical narratives and assumptions for estimates and proposals.

Preconstruction Estimating & Means and Methods

• Develop estimating approaches and construction means and methods for: Earthwork and mass excavation. Deep foundations and shoring systems. Underground utility and large-diameter pipe installation. Trenching, tunneling, and shaft construction. Demolition with geotechnical influence. Dewatering systems (temporary and permanent). Ground improvement techiques (e.g., over-excavation, stabilization, grouting, soil mixing).
• Establish production rates, crew compositions, sequencing logic, and equipment assumptions based on subsurface conditions.
• Support risk-based estimating, including probabilistic cost impacts where appropriate.
• Identify, quantify, and actively manage geotechnical risks affecting: cost, schedule, safety and constructability.
• Develop geotechnical risk registers and mitigation plans during preconstruction.
• Contribute to contingency, allowances, and escalation decisions related to subsurface uncertainity.
• Support qualifications, exclusions, and clarifications tied to geotechnical risk in proposals.

Design & Stakeholder Coordination

• Collaborate with designers, third-party geotechnical engineers, and speciality subcontractors to: validate contructability of proposed designs. Influence design development to reduce construction risk.
• Support Alternative Technical Concepts (ATCs) and value engineering related to geotechnical solutions.
• Participate in owner, designer, and risk review meetings as the geotechnical solutions.
• Participate in owner, designer, and risk review meetings as the geotechnical authority.

Transistion to Construction

• Supprot handoff from preconstruction to operations with: Clear documentation of geotechnical assumptions and risks. Defined risk ownership strategies. Constructability recommendations.
• Provide consultative support to project teams during early construction as needed.

Qualifications

Required:

• Bachelor's degree in Civil Engineering, Geotechnical Engineering, Construction Engineering, or related discipline.
• Minimum 10-15 years of experience in heavy civil construction, geotechnical engineering, or major underground/site work projects.
• Demonstrated experience with preconstruction, estimating, and risk management.
• Strong understanding of: subsurface variability and uncertainity. Construction productivity impacts due to soil and groundwater conditions.
• Ability to translate technical geotechnical data into practical construction and cost decisions.

Preferred:

• Professional Engineer (PE) license.
• Experience on water/wastewater, transportation, or large-scale infrastructure projects.
• Background spanning both design and construction environments.
• Experience iwth alternative delivery (DB, CMAR, P#).

Core Competencies:

• Geotechnical risk identification and mitigation.
• Heavy civil and underground construction methods.
• Cost and schedule risk management.
• Constructability analysis.
• Clear technical communication with non-technical audiences.
• Leadership and cross-discipline collaboration.

Your Work Has Purpose Here

PCL projects are where life happens, where communities connect, careers begin, and progress is made. Regardless of the type of project, we are building something bigger: a future that's inclusive, resilient and full of opportunity.

At PCL Construction, Inc., we are committed to creating a workplace where everyone belongs. We value the diverse experiences, identities and perspectives our employees bring. Employment decisions are based on merit, potential and the drive to make a difference, regardless of race, gender, age, ability or background.