Lead Engineering Geologist

WSP; Irvine (CA); On-site; USD 106,000 - 157,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health and retirement benefits

Paid time off

Parental leave

Bereavement/voting/time off

Job summary

WSP Global Inc. in Irvine, CA is seeking a Lead Engineering Geologist to lead geotechnical and engineering geology projects within the Earth & Environment Team.

The role offers mentorship of staff and collaboration across multidisciplinary teams to deliver innovative transportation, infrastructure, and development solutions. You will evaluate geologic conditions, conduct investigations, manage field programs, and prepare technical reports while ensuring safety, quality, and client service.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering Geology, Geological Engineering, or a related field.
• 7-10+ years of experience in engineering geology, geotechnical consulting, subsurface investigations, and project management.
• Professional Geologist (PG) licensure in California.
• Experience leading geohazard assessments and investigations.
• Strong understanding of soil and rock mechanics and infrastructure design.
• Proven ability to manage multiple projects, budgets, and client relationships.
• Excellent communication skills and willingness to travel for field work.
• Commitment to safety and quality project delivery.

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage engineering geology and geotechnical investigation projects from planning and field exploration through design support and construction.
• Conduct and oversee subsurface investigations, geologic mapping, rock and soil characterization, and seismic hazard evaluations.
• Evaluate site geology and geotechnical conditions to support foundations, slopes, and infrastructure projects.
• Direct field programs including drilling, test pits, instrumentation installation, and construction observation.
• Analyze and interpret geologic data to develop practical engineering recommendations.
• Prepare and review geotechnical evaluations and construction support documentation.
• Manage project schedules, budgets, scopes, and deliverables while ensuring quality and client satisfaction.
• Serve as a primary contact for clients, regulators, and project stakeholders.
• Mentor junior geologists and project staff.
• Support business development through proposals and client engagement.
• Promote safety, quality, and continuous improvement across project teams.

Skills

Engineering geology

Geotechnical consulting

Subsurface investigations

Project management

Field work

Communication skills

Mentoring staff

Education

Bachelor's degree in Engineering Geology or Geological Engineering

Job description

This Opportunity

WSP is seeking a highly motivated and experienced Lead Engineering Geologist to join our growing Earth & Environment Team in Irvine, CA. This is an exciting opportunity to lead complex geotechnical and engineering geology projects, mentor technical staff, and collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to deliver innovative solutions for transportation, infrastructure, land development, energy, and public-sector clients.

As a trusted technical leader, you will play a key role in evaluating geologic conditions, mitigating geohazards, supporting infrastructure development, and helping clients navigate complex engineering challenges. This position offers the opportunity to contribute to impactful projects while advancing WSP's commitment to technical excellence, safety, and client service.

Your Impact

• Lead and manage engineering geology and geotechnical investigation projects from planning and field exploration through design support and construction.

• Conduct and oversee subsurface investigations, geologic mapping, rock and soil characterization, fault and seismic hazard evaluations, and geohazard assessments.

• Evaluate site geology and geotechnical conditions to support foundations, slopes, retaining structures, transportation corridors, and infrastructure projects.

• Direct field programs including drilling operations, test pit investigations, instrumentation installation, construction observation, and subcontractor management.

• Analyze and interpret geologic, geotechnical, hydrogeologic, and laboratory data to develop practical engineering recommendations.

• Prepare and review technical reports, geotechnical evaluations, engineering recommendations, and construction support documentation.

• Manage project schedules, budgets, scopes, and deliverables while ensuring quality and client satisfaction.

• Serve as a primary point of contact for clients, contractors, regulatory agencies, and project stakeholders.

• Mentor and develop junior geologists, engineering geologists, geotechnical professionals, and project staff.

• Support business development initiatives through proposal preparation, client engagement, and identification of growth opportunities.

• Promote a culture of safety, quality, and continuous improvement across project teams.

Who You Are

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering Geology, Geological Engineering, or a related field.

• 7-10+ years of experience in engineering geology, geotechnical consulting, subsurface investigations, and project management.

• Professional Geologist (PG) licensure in California.

• Experience performing and managing geologic hazard assessments, slope stability evaluations, rockfall and landslide studies, and geotechnical investigations.

• Strong understanding of soil and rock mechanics, engineering geology principles, and infrastructure design considerations.

• Proven experience managing multiple projects, budgets, schedules, subcontractors, and client relationships.

• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with the ability to develop practical, cost-effective engineering solutions.

• Excellent verbal, written, and interpersonal communication skills.

• Ability and willingness to perform field work and travel as required to support project needs.

• Commitment to safety, technical excellence, and quality project delivery

Preferred Qualifications:

• Certified Engineering Geologist (CEG) or Professional Engineer (PE) licensure in California.

• Master's degree in Engineering Geology, Geology, Geological Engineering, or a related discipline.

• Current 40-Hour OSHA HAZWOPER Certification and annual refreshers.

• Experience supporting transportation, water, energy, or large-scale infrastructure projects.

• Experience mentoring staff and leading multidisciplinary technical teams.

• Established client relationships and business development experience.

• Basic First Aid and Adult CPR certification.
  

WSP Benefits:

WSP provides a comprehensive suite of benefits focused on a providing health and financial stability throughout the employee’s career. These benefits include coverage related to medical, dental, vision, disability, and life; retirement savings; paid sick leave; paid vacation (or other personal time); paid parental leave; and paid time off for purposes of bereavement, voting, and/or attendance at naturalization proceedings.

Compensation:

Expected Salary (all locations): $105,700 - $157,00

WSP USA is providing the compensation range that the company in good faith believes it might pay and offer for this position, based on the successful applicant’s education, experience, knowledge, skills, abilities in addition to internal equity and specific geographic location. WSP USA reserves the right to ultimately pay more or less than the posted range and offer additional benefits and other compensation, depending on circumstances not related to an applicant’s sex or other status protected by local, state, and/or federal law.

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