Project (Technical) Specialist 1

About the role

GAI Consultants, Inc. (GAI) is seeking a Project Technical Specialist 1 (Power Generation) to work out of our Louisville, KY office. Under the direction of a Geotechnical Engineering Manager, this individual will provide geotechnical engineering and project site support for projects in the Energy, Transportation, and Community Development business units.

Responsibilities

• Perform geotechnical engineering assignments involving investigations for a variety of facilities including, but not limited to: foundations for transmission lines, buildings, roadways, bridges, retaining walls, dams, and other structures; designs for embankments and cut slopes for roadways and other developments; designs for natural gas pipelines and compressor stations; design of waste landfills and impoundments; and development of geotechnical monitoring and laboratory testing programs.
• Prepare geotechnical engineering designs involving: rock/soil slope stability; cut slope and fill embankment design; landslide stabilization and remediation (reinforcement with rock anchors/soil nails, GRS slopes); geotechnical field instrumentation; soil reinforcement and ground improvement techniques (CMCs, compaction grouting, stone columns); sheet pile/retaining walls (gravity walls, soldier pile, and lagging walls, MSE walls, T-walls); shallow and deep foundations (spread footings, driven piles, micropiles, drilled shafts).
• Provide Geotechnical Investigation and Construction Support Services including, but not limited to: test boring monitoring and logging; site reconnaissance; foundation and retaining structure construction monitoring and inspection. Interpret specifications and construction drawings, evaluate site conditions based on construction excavations, monitor and report on construction activities, and perform field testing of soils.
• Prepare proposals, budgets, schedules, calculations, specifications, and reports.
• Serve as the technical advisor for the organization in the application of advanced concepts and methods in an assigned area. Keep informed of new developments and requirements affecting the organization for the purpose of recommending changes in programs or applications. Develop new techniques and/or improved processes, materials, or products.
• Analyze sustainable performance of complex engineering projects from a systems perspective.
• Oversee a project team of engineers and technicians. Plan, schedule, and coordinate the preparation of documents or activities for multiple major projects or an entire program of an organization. Analyze project management plans for complex engineering projects. Understand project delivery uncertainties and use risk management principles to address them. Review operational procedures to ensure compliance with applicable policies and performance measures.
• Apply thorough knowledge of current principles and practices of engineering related to the variety of aspects affecting their organization. Resolve crucial issues and/or unique conditions. Recommend new practices or changes in emphasis of programs based on new methods and developments.
• Lead programs of moderate complexity and scope or major projects. Analyze complex problems across specialty areas appropriate to the practice of engineering. Analyze ethical dilemmas to determine appropriate courses of action.
• Apply principles of formal strategic and persuasive communications. Represent their area of specialty within the organization and liaise with related individuals and organizations. Routinely interact with organizational leaders, clients, officials, contractors, and others.
• Integrate concepts of effective teamwork and leadership, including justice, equity, diversity, and inclusion, and advocate for application of these concepts. Consider social equity and environmental impact of engineering decisions.
• Provide continued mentored experience to senior staff. Integrate professional attitudes relevant to the practice of engineering and foster creativity, curiosity, flexibility, and dependability in staff.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to work in outdoor environments under varying weather conditions, including extreme heat, cold, rain, and rugged terrain.
• Exposure to active construction sites.
• Capable of walking, hiking, or standing for extended periods during field and site visits.
• Must be able to lift and carry tools, equipment, technical samples, documents, and other materials weighing up to 40–50 pounds.
• Frequent bending, crouching, and climbing may be required during fieldwork and sample collection.
• Ability to safely operate and wear personal protective equipment (PPE), such as helmets, safety glasses, gloves, hearing protection, and boots as required by site safety protocols.
• Visual acuity and manual dexterity to handle technical tools, read maps and instruments, observe site conditions, and document findings accurately.
• Comfortable working in remote or isolated locations, sometimes for extended durations.
• Comfortable working in confined spaces and/or at heights, as required by specific project sites.
• May require driving long distances to field sites and operating vehicles on unpaved or uneven roads.

Requirements

• B.S. in Engineering or other technical degree.
• 10+ years of experience.

Benefits

• Competitive Pay & Recognition
  • Market-based, competitive compensation.
  • Performance-driven recognition and development bonuses.
• Comprehensive Health & Wellness
  • Medical, dental, and vision plans.
  • Company-paid short-term and long-term disability.
  • Company-paid life insurance.
  • Employee Assistance Program and wellness resources.
• Meaningful Work–Life Balance
  • Generous paid time off + 7 paid holidays.
  • An additional floating holiday—use it for what matters to you.
  • Paid maternity, paternity, and adoption leave.
• Growth, Learning & Financial Security
  • 401(k) with company match.
  • Tuition reimbursement.
  • Support and rewards for professional development and certifications.