Early Career Geotechnical Engineer

WSP is currently seeking an Early Career Geotechnical Engineer for our Birmingham, Alabama office to provide local geotechnical engineering assistance for the design, development, and construction of infrastructure projects in the public and private sector.

About the role

Under general supervision, you will assist with collecting, compiling, and analyzing data from physical work sites, samples, surveys, blueprints, GIS data, and other matrices for project development, design, and construction. This role involves basic geotechnical engineering work related to site conditions, including subsurface investigations, soil foundation engineering, settlement analysis, slope stability, and more for commercial, industrial, building, environmental, infrastructure, and transportation projects.

Responsibilities

• Assist with research, design, analysis, concept development, and construction of infrastructure projects such as roads, buildings, tunnels, dams, bridges, water supply systems, and sewage treatment.
• Collect, compile, and analyze data from soil/water/sludge/rock samples, surveys, blueprints, GIS data, subsurface information, maps, and geotechnical data.
• Maintain quality control standards for accurate and precise measurements.
• Perform basic geotechnical engineering tasks related to subsurface investigations, soil foundation engineering, settlement analysis, soil erosion, lateral earth pressures, geological hazards, underground water, and slope stability.
• Provide entry-level technical assistance on design requirements, operating strategies, and safety considerations for end-users, systems, and infrastructure.
• Verify site characteristics and provide technical assistance on environmental, design, and construction issues involving rock and soil mechanics.
• Generate accurate and concise documentation using electronic systems, drawings, and field/work site logs.
• Comply with safety guidelines and site-specific procedures, including location data, statistical documentation, engineering studies, and surveys.
• Complete training on assigned tasks and adhere to WSP’s Code of Conduct and related policies.
• Perform additional responsibilities as required by business needs.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s Degree in Geotechnical Engineering or a closely related discipline.
• 0 to 1 years of relevant post-education experience.
• Excellent research skills with an analytical mindset.
• Familiarity with design/build processes and concepts.
• Knowledge of relevant remediation, permitting, improvement, and construction laws, codes, regulations, compliance practices, and record-keeping requirements.

Skills

• Competent interpersonal and communication skills for interacting with engineering and non-engineering audiences.
• Self-leadership with attention to detail, multi-tasking, and prioritization in a dynamic work environment.
• Ability to work independently under general supervision and as part of a team.
• Basic proficiency with technical writing, office automation, software, spreadsheets, and tools.
• Familiarity with discipline-specific design software (e.g., MicroStation, AutoCAD, Civil 3D, ArcGIS, InRoads, Geopak, GeoSlope, ANSYS, STAAD, HEC-RAS, HEC-HMS).
• Proven track record of upholding workplace safety and adhering to health, safety, and drug/alcohol policies.
• Ability to work schedules conducive to project-specific requirements, which may extend beyond the typical workweek.
• Occasional travel may be required depending on project-specific needs.

Preferred Qualifications

• Engineer in Training (EIT) Certification.
• Prior internship related to the degree of study and specific engineering discipline.
• Active membership and participation in local professional practice organizations.

Benefits

• Comprehensive suite of benefits including medical, dental, vision, disability, life, and retirement savings.
• Flexible and agile workplace model to meet client needs.

About WSP

WSP USA is the U.S. operating company of WSP, a global engineering and professional services firm. We design lasting solutions in buildings, transportation, energy, water, and the environment. With over 15,000 employees in more than 300 offices across the U.S., we partner with clients to help communities prosper.