Geotechnical Engineer jobs in Lafayette, LA

Raba Kistner, Inc. is a premier Engineering Consulting and Program Management firm. Our purpose is to build a better and more sustainable world for our employees, their families, our clients, and the communities we serve. Our Core Values are:

• Community “We care for our communities”
• Integrity “We act with integrity”
• Passion “We infuse passion into everything we do”
• Quality “We believe quality comes from a culture of innovation and continuous improvement”
• Growth “We dedicate ourselves to personal and business growth”

Raba Kistner is seeking a detail-oriented, dependable Graduate Engineer - Geotechnical to join our Engineering team in Lafayette, LA. The Graduate Engineer’s primary responsibility will be to perform geotechnical and forensic engineering investigations and studies in a timely and accurate manner within the specified budget under the direction of a licensed professional engineer and guidance of senior staff members. This will include coordinating and participating in different activities such as field drilling, data collection in the field, classification of geotechnical samples and assignment of tests in the laboratory, interpretation of engineering data, performing engineering calculations, and the preparation of written engineering reports. Additionally, responsibilities include managing assigned projects, support of invoice and collection activities, and participating in assigned marketing responsibilities. Other responsibilities include:

• Serve as a Graduate Engineer on geotechnical engineering projects including project coordination from the beginning to the end of the project and complete projects and reports in a timely and accurate manner within the specified budget.
• Perform field-logging activities if engineering supervision is required during drilling operations.
• Coordinate drilling activities with subcontractors and Raba-Kistner’s field staff.
• Classify soil samples in the laboratory, prepare hand written logs for submittal to drafting of finished boring logs, or prepare drafted boring logs as necessary.
• Prepare laboratory-testing assignments on projects in accordance with the testing program established in the proposal, assist, and train laboratory personnel as directed by supervisor.
• Analyze field data, laboratory test results and perform calculations necessary for completion of engineering reports.  
• Submit draft geotechnical engineering reports for review and final reports for co-signature with a licensed professional engineer and other senior staff members.
• Through personal professional development and working with senior staff, develop a working understanding of applicable standards, specifications, and engineering practices to develop competence to review assigned engineering reports and construction documents.
• Perform field observation services in support of the Construction Materials Testing Section. 
• Review prebilling invoices on projects for which the engineer is assigned.
• Contact and follow up with Clients on invoicing and status of payment.
• Achieve an average billing level of not less than 85 percent.
• Actively participate in specific technical and/or professional organizations as determined by Direct Report.
• Immediately notify Supervisor and Chief Operating Officer of all potential disputes that may lead to legal claims or litigation.
• Understand, adhere, and participate in the Raba Kistner Health & Safety and BBS Programs, setting a good example of our safety standards. 
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

Bachelor’s of Science Degree in Civil Engineering or equivalent from an ABET accredited school required. Engineer-in-Training certification in the state of jurisdiction preferred or the ability to obtain within one year of date of employment. Good oral and written communications skills and ability to work in teams at different levels within the organization. Advanced in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook). Must be self-motivated with good attendance record and be able to work independently. 

The following physical activities 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 the essential functions and expectations. 

While performing the functions of this job, the employee is regularly required to sit, stand, walk, climb, balance, stoop, kneel, crouch, stop, and talk. Required to lift and/or move up to 50 pounds to include, but not limited to tools, sample containers and equipment. Frequently required to use hands and reach. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, far vision, color vision, peripheral vision, focus vision and depth vision. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate (business office with computers/printers, light traffic, etc.), or loud.

Potential exposure to movement of heavy equipment on construction or roadway sites; potential exposure to hazardous dangerous chemicals and solvents, noise, dust, fumes, grease and oils, radiant and electrical energy, and vibration; all of which would require employee to follow proper safety procedures and utilize appropriate protective equipment.

Possess valid state driver’s license and meet firm’s auto insurability requirements in applicable state. May be required to drive a vehicle short and/or long distances to job sites. Position may require protracted or irregular hours. Flexibility to work irregular hours is necessary due to client needs. Able to travel to project sites and maneuver over rough and uneven terrain. Work responsibilities require out of town travel to Raba Kistner offices, client offices, and project locations.

EOE/Minority/Female/Disabled/Veteran
Drug Free Workplace