Project Manager- Geotechnical

Position Summary

The Project Manager is responsible for managing geotechnical engineering projects from initiation through completion. This position oversees project execution, client communication, field and laboratory coordination, financial performance, and regulatory compliance while ensuring projects are delivered safely, on time, and within budget.

The Project Manager serves as the primary liaison between clients, contractors, field technicians, drilling crews, field engineers, laboratory personnel, and internal engineering teams and is responsible for maintaining high levels of quality, responsiveness, and client satisfaction.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Project Management

• Manage geotechnical projects including public and private sector developments, transportation, utilities, commercial, industrial, and infrastructure projects.
• Develop project scopes, budgets, schedules, staffing plans, and report deliverables.
• Coordinate drilling operations, field testing, laboratory testing, inspection services, and engineering analyses.
• Monitor project progress and ensure compliance with contract requirements, project specifications, and quality standards.
• Review and manage project documentation including proposals, reports, field logs, laboratory results, and testing summaries.
• Ensure projects are completed safely, efficiently, and profitably.
• Oversight and responsibility for geotechnical design aspects including but not limited to:
  • Shallow and deep foundations.
  • Tunnels (lined and unlined) and earth and rockfill dams.
  • Pavement evaluations, engineering analyses and design, pavement management experience a plus.
  • Shoring and bracing systems for deep excavations.
  • Earth retaining structures.
  • Pipe/culvert foundations and machine foundations in water/wastewater, power, and chemical plants.
  • Ground improvement and ground modification systems.
  • Groundwater dewatering and analysis, pump, and slug tests.
  • Pile driving including knowledge in Pile Driving Analysis (PDA) and Case Pile Wave Equation Analysis Program (CAPWAP).
  • Instrumentation systems and evaluation of data therefrom.
  • Geo-forensic evaluations.

Financial Management

• Manage project budgets, forecasting, invoicing, and profitability.
• Monitor labor utilization, subcontractor costs, equipment usage, and project expenses.
• Review and approve project billing and assist with collections and accounts receivable management.
• Track project performance against revenue and margin goals.

Client and Contractor Coordination

• Serve as the primary client contact throughout the project lifecycle.
• Attend client meetings, pre-construction meetings, and project progress meetings.
• Coordinate with contractors, developers, architects, engineers, and regulatory agencies.
• Respond to client requests and resolve project-related issues in a timely manner.
• Develop and maintain strong client relationships to support repeat business opportunities.

Technical Oversight

• Review geotechnical data, construction testing data, and engineering recommendations for accuracy and completeness.
• Coordinate field exploration programs including soil borings, sampling, and site investigations.
• Oversee construction materials testing activities including soils, concrete, asphalt, aggregate, and structural inspections.
• Ensure compliance with ASTM, AASHTO, ICC, DOT, and project-specific standards and procedures.
• Support quality assurance and quality control (QA/QC) processes.

Staff Leadership and Operations

• Coordinate and supervise field technicians, inspectors, laboratory personnel, and project engineers.
• Assist with scheduling field staff and managing workload distribution.
• Mentor junior staff and support technical development and training.
• Promote and enforce company safety policies and procedures.

Business Development

• Assist with proposal preparation, fee estimates, and contract negotiations.
• Identify opportunities for additional services and client expansion.
• May participate in networking, industry associations, and business development activities.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering or Geotechnical Engineering; Masters preferred.
• Minimum of 5+ years of experience in geotechnical engineering and Project Management.
• Professional Engineer (PE) license preferred[TG1] ; EIT required.
• Deep understanding of Earned Value Management
• Experience with Deltek Vantagepoint, or similar ERP/project management systems preferred.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Strong understanding of geotechnical engineering.
• Ability to manage multiple projects and deadlines simultaneously.
• Strong financial management and forecasting skills.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to lead multidisciplinary teams in fast-paced project environments.
• Strong problem-solving and client management abilities.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and project management software.

Performance Expectations

• Deliver projects safely, on schedule, and within budget.
• Maintain high levels of client satisfaction and responsiveness.
• Achieve utilization, revenue, and profitability targets.
• Ensure accurate and timely invoicing and project reporting.
• Maintain quality and compliance with applicable testing and engineering standards.
• Support company growth through client retention and business development.

Work Environment

This position involves a combination of office, laboratory, and field environments. Occasional travel to project sites and outdoor work in varying weather conditions may be required.