A geotechnical engineer plans and designs structures for buildings, roads, embankments, canals, and other infrastructure projects. They advise civil and structural engineers, architects, and construction workers throughout projects.
The demand for geotechnical engineers varies by location, industry, and project type. Therefore, some regions might have a high demand for geotechnical engineers due to natural hazards, environmental issues, and urban development.
Understanding how to find skilled geotechnical engineers for infrastructure projects helps complete projects on time and within budget. These tips can help.
Identify Your Hiring Needs
Determine whether you require a temporary or full-time geotechnical engineer and the necessary skills and industry experience. These factors impact the engineer’s viewpoints and comfort with the role’s seniority level.
Create a Candidate Profile
Typical geotechnical engineer skills include:
- Engineering analysis
- Geotechnical analysis
- Geotechnical design
- Cost estimates
- OpenGround
- Autodesk computer-aided design software (AutoCAD)
- Project management
- Engineering reports
- Technical reports
Common geotechnical engineer responsibilities include:
- Incorporating the American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE), American Institute of Steel Construction (AISC), International Building Code (IBC), and other standards
- Using Ansys tools and technologies
- Implementing National Aeronautics and Space Administration Structure Analysis (NASTRAN)
- Executing finite element analysis (FEA), such as thermal, static structural, modal, harmonic response, and random vibration
- Preparing hydrology and hydraulic studies
- Reviewing environmental assessments using geographic information system (GIS) analysis and map preparation
- Assisting with data management and review
Develop a Budget
Consider the required education, certifications, and experience level along with the project location to create a budget for hiring a geotechnical engineer. Remember that a higher experience level requires a higher salary.
Write the Job Description
Summarize the geotechnical engineer’s role, required skills, duties, and responsibilities. Include the salary range and the hiring manager’s name to encourage applications.
Post the Job
Use diverse methods to share the geotechnical engineer job posting:
- Request employee referrals
- Post the job on the company’s social media pages
- Recruit at local colleges and universities
- Ask professional engineering associations to post the opening on their job board
- Share the job on websites focused on engineering
Interview Candidates
Streamline the interview process to find the right geotechnical engineer:
- Conduct a phone or virtual interview to introduce the company and role and learn about each geotechnical engineer’s background and interest in the job.
- Share technical details of the role and ask behavioral questions during the second interview to evaluate hard and soft skills and cultural fit.
- Conduct technical interviews to determine which candidate is best for the role.
Extend a Job Offer
Include the salary, benefits, perks, start day and time, and other relevant details in the geotechnical engineer’s job offer letter. Prepare to negotiate and finalize the agreement with a formal contract.
Get Help Finding Skilled Geotechnical Engineers in Colorado
Job Store Staffing can provide geotechnical engineer candidates with local expertise and industry-specific skills to help complete your Colorado business’s infrastructure projects. Find out more today.
