Geologist I or II - Geotechnical

Geologist I – Geotechnical

RETTEW is seeking a Geologist I – Geotechnical to join our Geotechnical team in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. This early-career opportunity provides hands-on experience with subsurface investigations, drilling observation, field documentation, and geotechnical project support. You'll work alongside experienced geologists, engineers, drilling professionals, inspectors, and Project Managers on projects involving transportation, utilities, energy, land development, commercial facilities, and industrial sites.

You do not need experience in every area of geotechnical consulting to be considered. We're looking for a strong geological foundation, an interest in fieldwork, careful documentation skills, a commitment to safety, and the ability to continue developing through hands-on project experience.

What You'll Do

As a Geologist I, you will:

• Support geotechnical field investigations and subsurface exploration programs.
• Observe drilling activities and document soil, rock, groundwater, and site conditions.
• Collect soil, rock, and other geotechnical samples in accordance with established project procedures.
• Prepare detailed field logs, boring documentation, photographs, and daily activity records.
• Assist with soil and rock classification and core logging under the guidance of experienced professionals.
• Coordinate the handling, labeling, transportation, and delivery of samples for laboratory testing.
• Assist with laboratory-testing coordination and review test results for completeness and consistency.
• Support investigations involving slopes, landslides, geohazards, foundations, earthwork, and other subsurface conditions.
• Provide construction observation or inspection support based on project needs.
• Assist with landslide remediation and other geotechnical construction activities.
• Support pipeline, utility, transportation, land development, commercial, industrial, and energy-related projects.
• Review field and laboratory information for completeness, consistency, and potential discrepancies.
• Assist with data organization, technical calculations, figures, tables, and geotechnical reports.
• Communicate field observations, changed conditions, safety concerns, and technical questions to project team members.
• Coordinate with engineers, geologists, drilling contractors, laboratories, construction personnel, and other project participants.
• Follow applicable technical procedures, quality requirements, and safety standards.
• Maintain field equipment, project records, and assigned documentation.
• Participate in technical training and professional-development activities.
• Take increasing ownership of assignments as your technical knowledge, field capabilities, and professional judgment develop.

What We're Looking For

Required

• Bachelor's degree in Geology or a closely related geoscience discipline.
• Academic or applied knowledge of geology, soil, rock, stratigraphy, geomorphology, hydrogeology, or related earth-science principles.
• Interest in developing a career in geotechnical consulting.
• Ability to perform both office and field assignments.
• Ability to work outdoors in varying weather, terrain, and active project-site conditions.
• Ability to perform the essential functions of the position with or without reasonable accommodation.
• Ability to travel locally and regionally to project sites, including occasional overnight travel.
• Valid driver's license and ability to meet RETTEW's requirements for operating company vehicles.
• Ability to prepare accurate and detailed field notes, logs, records, and technical documentation.
• Ability to identify and communicate questions, changed conditions, discrepancies, and potential concerns.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Computer proficiency, including Microsoft Office applications.
• Ability to follow technical instructions, safety procedures, and quality requirements.
• Ability to work effectively with engineers, geologists, contractors, field personnel, and multidisciplinary project teams.
• Ability to manage assignments, schedules, and documentation requirements.

Preferred

Relevant experience may come from internships, cooperative education, field courses, academic research, military service, construction, drilling, laboratory work, or professional employment. Candidates are not expected to have experience in every area listed below.

• Internship, cooperative education, or professional experience in geology, geotechnical engineering, construction, drilling, or a related field.
• Soil sampling, classification, or logging experience.
• Rock sampling or core-logging experience.
• Drilling observation or subsurface-exploration experience.
• Geotechnical laboratory-testing experience.
• Construction observation or inspection experience.
• Slope, landslide, or geohazard investigation experience.
• Pipeline or utility construction support.
• Experience preparing field logs, technical reports, figures, tables, or related project documentation.
• Experience using GIS or field data-collection applications.
• Geologist-in-Training certification or…