Professional Engineering Specialist, P.e

Position Overview

The Nevada Department of Transportation is hiring a Professional Engineering Specialist in the Geotechnical Section of the Materials Division in Carson City, NV. The incumbent will perform analysis and design of geotechnical projects in accordance with appropriate design specifications and division policies, develop contract documents, and provide support services during project construction. Responsibilities also include providing division management with recommendations on interpretation and application of geotechnical design codes, development of policy and procedure documents, and continuous improvement to the standard specifications and plans.

Additionally, the incumbent will serve as a technical expert on American Association of State Highway and Transportation Official (AASHTO) policies, Transportation Research Board (TRB) and National Cooperative Highway Research Program (NCHRP) or other research project committees.

Applicants must be authorized to work for any employer in the U.S.; the Department is unable to sponsor or take over sponsorship of an employment visa. This position is on‑site and does not offer remote work options.

Consult with management regarding solutions and alternatives in specialized areas and on special projects; provide technical expertise in the application of advanced theories, concepts, and processes; research new technologies and processes to solve existing problems; develop innovative approaches to the application and utilization of new and advanced technology; and support management and staff department‑wide by providing expertise, research, and analysis in specialized engineering areas.

Evaluate specific elements of research conducted by others and determine the applicability to specific design, construction, or maintenance projects in Nevada; prepare reports for management defining the issues, evaluation, possible solutions, costs, risks, and alternatives on projects that significantly impact the department’s mission.

Research and analyze design proposals, specifications, manuals, new technology and new products, and other data to evaluate the feasibility, cost and maintenance requirements of designs or applications; conduct risk analysis based on cost‑benefit and probability of success or failure to quantify the risk associated with each recommended alternative.

Evaluate and interpret code requirements in relation to specific projects and recommend deviations as appropriate to the circumstances; provide technical direction to Professional Engineers and administration on the interpretation of AASHTO policy and applicable codes; review and make recommendations regarding AASHTO policies; and develop and recommend design policies and procedures when there are no standard practices.

Act as lead designer on complex or major projects, directing the work assignments of a group of professional engineers; coordinate project activities on major projects with departmental divisions and various private and public agencies to determine and address their requirements.

Participate in public hearings to inform the public and receive comments about upcoming projects related to the area of specialization; participate in preliminary site investigations for complex projects with other division representatives.

Provide technical advice regarding design, construction, or program modifications and structural repairs to management and personnel in other divisions.

Serve on local, regional, and national technical committees and serve as the professional technical expert in court and/or litigation cases.

May serve as project lead and oversee the work of others or supervise subordinate staff as assigned.

Master’s degree from an accredited college or university in a civil engineering field such as geotechnical, structural, water resources, transportation or construction engineering, and licensure as a Professional Engineer with relevant practical experience; OR Bachelor’s degree with 12 units of graduate level coursework, licensure as a Professional Engineer, and one year of post‑licensure civil engineering experience; OR five years of…