Mid-Level Geotechnical/Dam Engineer

Schnabel is an employee-owned, professional engineering and consulting firm specializing in geotechnical, geostructural, tunnel, and dam engineering. Our high standards for quality, business ethics, and community concern are integral to our identity. As an ENR Top 500 Design Firm with over 700 employees across 31 U.S. offices, Schnabel is recognized as one of the Best Engineering Firms to Work for.

About the Role

Our Boise, Idaho, office is seeking a Project Geotechnical/Dam Engineer to join our engineering group. This role involves creative and innovative problem-solving within a multidisciplinary team of civil, structural, hydraulic, geotechnical, and mechanical engineers; geologists; designers; and support professionals. The Boise office focuses on the evaluation and design of dams, structures, and facilities, providing high-end engineering consultation to public and private sector clients nationwide.

Example projects include inspection, evaluation, and design of dams and spillways; dam safety risk assessments; and design of fish hatcheries, surface water intakes, pump stations, outlet works, pipelines, and fabricated gates and valves.

Responsibilities

• Analyze and design components related to dams and water infrastructure.
• Perform slope stability and seepage analyses.
• Conduct filter compatibility analyses and evaluate internal erosion.
• Analyze settlement, lateral earth pressures, liquefaction, and seismic performance of embankment dams.
• Prepare reports, plans, and specifications.
• Learn risk-informed approaches for evaluating dams and potential failure modes.
• Assist with risk assessments for dams and hydraulic structures.
• Develop engineering recommendations and write technical reports.
• Scope and perform geotechnical explorations and laboratory testing programs.
• Perform inspections of dams and hydraulic structures, collecting field data and measurements.
• Assist in preparing complete engineering plans and specifications for construction documents.
• Perform construction inspection with opportunities for short and/or longer-term field assignments.
• Assist project managers with project coordination and administrative tasks.
• Collaborate as a team member within the Boise office and across other Schnabel offices.
• Engage in mentoring through on-the-job opportunities and Schnabel’s internal programs.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in civil engineering from an ABET-accredited institution (required).
• Master’s degree in civil or geotechnical engineering (preferred but not required).
• 4+ years of design- and/or construction-oriented consulting engineering experience.
• PE licensure or EIT certification with the ability to become a Licensed Professional Engineer.
• High proficiency in writing and reviewing reports in English.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills; ability to work independently or as part of a team.
• Ability to lift 60 pounds and physically navigate construction sites, trenches, ladders, and outdoor environments.
• Willingness and ability to perform field work and travel.
• Experience or interest in projects involving embankment and concrete dams, spillways, hydropower plants, fish hatcheries, geotechnical instrumentation, and dam safety risk assessments.
• Experience with AutoCAD & AutoCAD Civil 3D (beneficial but not required).
• Positive attitude, strong work ethic, and desire to perform professionally at a high level.
• Ability to pass a background check (may include criminal history, motor vehicle record, and credit check).
• Ability to pass a pre-employment drug screening.

A cover letter articulating your interest in joining Schnabel and our Boise office is required with your resume.

Benefits

• Medical and dental insurance
• Flexible spending accounts
• Employee life & ADD insurance (100% company-paid)
• Short-term disability (100% company-paid)
• Long-term disability
• Supplemental life insurance
• 401(k) and profit-sharing plan
• Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP)
• Bonus program
• Paid time off and 9 paid holidays
• Wellness program
• Professional development and tuition reimbursement
• Maternity leave

Pay

The compensation range for this position is $73,000 to $110,000, varying based on geographic location and other factors. Schnabel is committed to providing competitive and equitable compensation to all employees, regardless of location.