Project Geologist​/Projec

Project Geologist / Project Engineer – Geotechnical & Laboratory Services

NV5 provides full-service geotechnical assistance throughout all phases of the development process, from feasibility and preliminary studies to geotechnical design, evaluations, and construction oversight.

Our team of qualified geotechnical engineering, construction materials testing (CMT), and contractor quality control (CQC) professionals assist owners and contractors in identifying geohazards and developing the safest, most cost-effective, and resilient earthwork and foundation solutions. We provide geotechnical reconnaissance, assessment, and investigations, as well as conventional and advanced laboratory testing, geotechnical engineering analysis and design, grading observations, soil testing, and forensic evaluations.

We specialize in soil compaction testing using drive ring, sand cone, and nuclear density gauge methods, as well as deep foundation assessments, including pile observations for timber, concrete, steel, and auger cast foundations. Our services also cover rammed aggregate and vibro-pier installation observations, shallow foundation subgrade evaluations via Dynamic Cone Penetrometer, and pavement testing to ensure long-term stability.

This is a hands-on project-level position combining laboratory management, field investigation, construction observation and testing, engineering/geologic analysis, report preparation, and project coordination. The ideal candidate is comfortable moving between the field, laboratory, and office and can independently manage routine geotechnical assignments while working under the direction of senior licensed professionals.

The position will support a wide range of projects including residential, commercial, municipal, transportation, utility, retaining wall, slope stabilization, pavement, and infrastructure projects throughout Northern California and the Sierra Nevada region.

The strongest candidate will be a practical, technically capable geologist or engineer who enjoys varied work and does not want to spend every day performing only one function.

We are particularly interested in someone who can:

• Take ownership of the soils laboratory without being limited to a laboratory-only role.
• Recognize when laboratory or field results do not make engineering sense.
• Independently perform routine field investigations and construction observations.
• Turn field and laboratory information into useful engineering recommendations.
• Write clear and defensible technical reports.
• Communicate comfortably with contractors and clients in the field.
• Manage smaller projects from proposal through investigation, analysis, reporting, and construction.
• Know when a technical issue requires involvement from a senior engineer or geologist.
• Help mentor junior staff and field/laboratory technicians.
• Adapt to the variety and changing priorities typical of a busy geotechnical consulting office.

Within this role, the Project Geologist / Project Engineer will become a key technical member of the local office who can independently keep laboratory operations moving, support and manage geotechnical projects, provide reliable construction-phase services, and reduce the amount of day-to-day technical and operational oversight required from senior staff.

The position offers an opportunity for increasing responsibility in project management, technical analysis, client relationships, staff supervision, and ultimately senior-level geotechnical or engineering geology work.

Geotechnical and Engineering Geology

• Plan and perform geotechnical and geologic field investigations.
• Coordinate drilling, excavation, sampling, and subcontractors.
• Log soil and rock encountered in borings, test pits, trenches, and excavations.
• Perform geologic mapping and evaluate site geology, geomorphology, groundwater, bedrock conditions, and geologic hazards.
• Develop subsurface profiles and engineering interpretations from field and laboratory data.
• Assist with evaluation of:
  • Foundation conditions and allowable bearing pressures
  • Settlement
  • Expansive and collapsible soils
  • Slope stability
  • Retaining walls and lateral earth…