Senior Engineering Geologist
Oregon Dept. of Transportation – Highway Division – Region 5
Senior Engineering Geologist – Professional Geologist 1
ODOT18-0812oc – La Grande
Are you looking for an opportunity to expand your engineering geology knowledge and skills and put your mark on public transportation projects? Bring your expertise to ODOT's Region 5 team as a senior engineering geologist to independently perform professional level engineering geology investigations, analyses, reports, and design for routine to complex transportation projects.
We offer employees a culture that emphasizes public service, productivity, and collaboration. You will feel empowered, engaged and motivated as you work with like-minded individuals who are driven and passionate about contributing to Oregon communities.
Region 5 is responsible for project development, construction, improvement, maintenance and operation of the transportation system in eastern Oregon.
We invite members of all diverse communities to join our workforce as we endeavor to best serve Oregonians from every background. ODOT values diversity and inclusion because they are good for Oregon. We believe that by welcoming differences, encouraging new ideas and views, listening to and learning from each other, and providing opportunities for professional enrichment we are better able to serve those around us. We thank you for considering this employment opportunity.
About La Grande, Oregon
The City of La Grande (population 13,085) is nestled against the eastern base of the Blue Mountains, one of Oregon's oldest and largest mountain ranges. We sit at the edge of one of the largest, enclosed circular valleys in the United States, with over a million acres of fertile soil surrounded by snow-capped mountain peaks. Native Americans once roamed the Grande Ronde Valley during the summer months, gathering food for the winter, and called it "The Valley of Peace."
The City of La Grande is the economic, educational, recreational, and cultural hub for eastern Oregon, with a family oriented, small-town character. For more information about La Grande and the surrounding area, visit http://www.cityoflagrande.org/muraProjects/muraLAG/lagcity/.
Additional Details
- This recruitment will remain open until filled. Our first application screening is scheduled for Monday, April 9, 2018 at 8:00 am, but we may close the announcement at any time after this date when we have received an adequate number of applications. We cannot guarantee that we will consider applications received after the screening date. We encourage interested applicants not to delay in applying
- This position is represented by the Association of Engineering Employees of Oregon (AEE).
Duties & Responsibilities
Your responsibilities will include:
Engineering Geology
- Assisting with planning, overseeing and coordinating long-range geological programs.
- Preparing engineering geology investigation plans and performing project site reconnaissance for proposed investigations.
- Identifying and evaluating geologic hazards that affect public safety, and makes prudent recommendations.
- Analyzing the data from research and subsurface investigations with computer methods to model geological conditions and design repair and mitigation options for geologic hazards.
- Preparing or approving final stamped technical reports that include geologic conditions/hazards and design recommendations for use by civil and geotechnical engineers as well as construction staff and contractors.
- Preparing and sealing foundation and geotechnical data sheets, and materials source development plans for projects.
- Conducting fieldwork, such as directing drill crews, statistical joint mapping, rockfall assessments, and directing rock scaling activities.
- Monitoring construction in progress, including drilling and blasting for construction. Working with geotechnical designer to ensure compliance to design recommendations.
- Providing input during the initial scoping phase of projects.
- Providing documentation and testimony as a certified engineering geologist and represent the department's interests at public hearings.
Material Source Development
- Assessing material source needs for the region
- Developing site operation/reclamation plans for use of source and disposal sites.
- Coordinating with region and state right-of-way for acquisition of additional property and disposition of surplus properties.
- Negotiating and coordinating with federal, state, and local agencies on source uses, permitting, protective policies, and compliance issues.
- Overseeing and reviewing of source uses by construction contractors, maintenance districts, and other government agencies.
- Preparing reports and renewal notices for permitted material source, updating files and database for the region.
Hazmat
- Coordinating, reviewing and directing HazMat Level 1 and 2 site assessments and remedial investigations.
- Developing and directing subsurface explorations, classifying subsurface materials, interpreting stratigraphy and groundwater conditions.
- Preparing and implementing site-specific health and safety plans as required by OSHA for site investigations and cleanup activities.
- Coordinating with DEQ and EPA to obtain site closure for contaminated sites.
Consultant Management
- Assisting the geo/environmental manager in evaluating resource needs for the unit and identify areas to be resourced by consultants.
- Performing contract administration duties for professional and general services contracts.
Working Conditions
- Work is primarily performed in the office with extensive use of a computer and various software programs. Field work is comprised about 30% of your time.
- Frequent overnight travel in the region and statewide.
- Fieldwork requires exposure to hazardous construction sites, heavy construction equipment and drills, at sites where blasting with high explosives is occurring, working in and around heavy traffic, and working in remote locations as well as working in adverse weather conditions.
- Occasional exposure to dangerous chemicals and hazardous materials.
- This position can be physically demanding.
- Overtime and occasional night or weekend work may be required.
Qualifications, Required & Requested Skills
Minimum Qualifications
You will need:
- A registered geologist (RG) license or a certified engineering geologist (CEG) license from the Oregon State Board of Geologist Examiners depending on the position.
- Note: This position requires a certified engineering geologist (CEG) license or the ability to obtain one from the Oregon State Board of Geology Examiners within six months of hire.
- We will consider candidates with a RG or CEG license from other states. It will be your responsibility to contact the Oregon State Board of Geologist Examiners for information to be licensed in Oregon.
Special Qualifications
- Driving is an essential function of this position. A valid driver license and an acceptable driving record are required for this position. We will conduct pre-employment driving records checks on our final candidate(s).
Desired Attributes/Application Scoring Criteria
In addition to your related work experience and education, we will use the attributes below to determine whom to interview. You are not required to have all of these attributes, but please make sure that the ones you do have are clearly demonstrated in your application materials. Your application materials may be graded on spelling, grammar, punctuation, and presentation.
- Engineering geology education and experience related to transportation or civil engineering projects.
- Leading and planning work for a team of geological professionals or contract drillers.
- Working in or managing a geological program.
- Mining of construction materials.
- Familiarity with state of Oregon geology.
- Supervising, training, and coaching technical and nontechnical staff.
Additional Information
Pre-employment Checks
We will conduct criminal background checks on final candidates not including current ODOT employees. All applicants are subject to additional pre-employment check(s) such as driver license, LEDS, and/or education verification as required for the position.
Veteran's Points
Eligible veterans who meet the qualifications will be given veterans' preference. To receive preference, veterans must attach appropriate documentation as outlined by the Department of Administrative Services at the following website: Veterans Resources. Please title your DD214 like this, "[Your Last Name] DD214" and your disability letter "[Your Last Name] Disability Letter." Veterans may also call the Oregon Department of Veterans' Affairs at 1-800-692-9666.
Note: DD214 member 1 copies do not contain character of service and cannot be used to verify veterans' preference eligibility. Please attach DD214 member 2 or 4.
Work Authorization
ODOT does not offer VISA sponsorships. Within three days of hire, successful candidates will be required to complete the US Department of Homeland Security's I-9 form confirming authorization to work in the United States.
ODOT is an Equal Employment Opportunity and Affirmative Action Employer. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, sex, age, national origin, disability, sexual orientation or any other class protected by state or federal laws in admission or access to our programs, services, activities, hiring, and employment practices. Applicants with a disability may request a reasonable accommodation during the application process. For questions, concerns, or complaints regarding EEO/AA/ADA, contact the employee civil rights and diversity manager at 1-877-336-6368 (1-877-EEO-ODOT). This information can be made available in an alternative format by contacting ODOT Recruitment at 503-986-3700. Oregon Relay Service can be reached by calling 7-1-1.
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