Assistant Geologist Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

GAI Consultants, Inc. is seeking a Geologist 3 under the direction of an Engineering Geology Manager for the Geotechnical Engineering Group in the Pittsburgh or Philadelphia, PA, Canton, OH, Charleston or Bridgeport, WV, or Richmond, VA areas. This individual will provide geological support for projects in the Energy, Transportation, and Community Development business units. The position will require travel and fieldwork generally located in Pennsylvania, Ohio, West Virginia, and Virginia.

Essential Duties:

• Manage and perform engineering geology assignments involving subsurface investigations and geologic site characterization for a variety of facilities including, but not limited to:  embankments and cut slopes for roadways and other developments, foundations for roadways, bridges, dams, retaining walls, transmission lines, buildings, and other structures; designs for natural gas pipelines and compressor stations; design of waste landfills and impoundments; and development of geotechnical monitoring and laboratory testing programs. Typical work tasks will include, but are not limited to: Monitoring and logging of test borings; Site reconnaissance; Installation and monitoring of geotechnical field instrumentation; Selection of samples for laboratory testing.
• Perform earthwork construction monitoring and foundation inspection. The individual will be responsible for interpreting specifications and construction drawings, evaluating site conditions based on construction excavations, monitoring and reporting on construction activities, and performing field testing of soils.
• Prepare boring logs and geologic cross sections; assist with proposals, budgets, schedules, specifications, and reports. 
• Assist with geotechnical engineering designs involving: rock/soil slope stability; cut slope and fill embankment design; shallow and deep foundation recommendations, and landslide remediation.
• Travel can be expected in the form of fieldwork, which can be daily local travel or weekly out-of-town travel.

General Characteristics

• Attention to detail; Possess basic skills for geological/geotechnical investigations and construction monitoring; follows GAI procedures; learns and applies record keeping protocols; learns and applies data collection, recording and interpretation skills, learns and applies technical literature research and review methods, available for frequent travel and field work.

Physical Requirements:

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.

• Candidate can be expected to traverse steep terrain and carry up to 50 lbs. 

Minimum Years of Experience

• 5-8+ Years of Experience

Education

• B.S. or M.S. in Geology or Engineering Geology

Certification/Licensure

• Professional Geologist (P.G.) License
• Valid Driver’s License (with no significant motor vehicle record blemishes)

Technical Responsibilities

• Leads field task from the field or office.
• Field tasks include collecting geotechnical and environmental samples (soil, sediment, groundwater, soil vapor, stormwater), logging soil borings, installing monitoring wells, performing site inspections, performing compliance monitoring during construction, and writing clear, concise field notes.
• Prepare data and visualizations such as tables, charts, accurate reports, and illustrations for the interpretation or presentation of data, findings, or analyses.
• Shows ability and skill in contributing to the preparation of technical reports and presentations that explain research and findings to present geotechnical solutions.
• Begins to independently contribute to work plans to investigate geologic and geotechnical engineering projects.

Management Responsibility

• Receives and carries out general direction on key objectives.
• Receives guidance, when necessary, on unconventional/complex problems, direction on modified techniques, and new approaches on assignments with conflicting criteria.
• Assists with mentored experience to direct reports and junior staff through providing guidance, explaining professional responsibilities, and reviewing work products.
• Attends project meetings and presents specific aspects of geologic assignments.
• Demonstrates professional attitudes relevant to the practice of geology, including creativity, curiosity, flexibility, and dependability.
• If assigned as direct supervisor, skilled at mentoring, decision making and conflict resolution; delegating tasks effectively; demonstrating responsibility and leadership as a role model for others to follow.

Communication Skills

• Communicates effectively in English (verbally and in writing) to both technical and nontechnical audiences.
• Identifies and acknowledges principles of teamwork and leadership. 
• Interacts primarily with internal project team members.
• Practices professionalism and respectful inclusion in the workplace.
• Engages in project stakeholder interactions.

Why GAI? 

At GAI, exceptional people have an exceptional place to work, grow, lead, and achieve. Explore an array of opportunities in locations across the U.S. and join accomplished colleagues in tackling challenging projects for a range of markets. Enjoy comprehensive benefits and feel good about being part of a collaborative team that’s committed to supporting the communities we serve. Join GAI and distinguish yourself in a company poised for unlimited growth.

Benefits To Working at GAI Include: 

• Competitive salary -GAI is committed to paying market-based salaries
• Comprehensive benefits package including medical, vision, dental, company paid Long Term Disability, and Short-Term Disability (benefits start within 30 days of hire) 
• New paid Maternity/Paternity/Adoption program  
• Generous Paid Time Off and 7 paid holidays
• 401k company match
• Tuition Reimbursement