Soil Scientist jobs in Allentown, PA

Who We Are

Overview

The Soil Scientist will be responsible for performing various subsurface investigations and evaluation of soil types and characteristics including soil structure properties, groundwater levels, and potential environmental hazards as they relate to site development projects, forensic investigations and/or to support design plans such as stormwater management facilities, on-site wastewater treatment and disposal, and/or structural foundations.   Responsibilities may also include performing construction phase testing and inspections.

Responsibilities

• Perform routine and complex field exploration programs for a wide range of project types including, but not limited to determination of Seasonal High Water and/or Groundwater levels, USCS and USDA soil classification and logging, rock core classification and logging, hydraulic conductivity and/or percolation testing, and groundwater well installation.
• Efficiently communicate field investigation instructions to drilling/subcontractor based on the project scope.
• Communicate field results during subsurface explorations with the project team and/or client, as required.
• Prepare field boring/test pit logs on a variety of projects to document subsurface composition and groundwater levels.
• Download field data and performing evaluation of the subsurface conditions to develop design recommendations and overall development considerations.
• Coordinate laboratory testing program based on the field results
• Prepare initial geotechnical engineering reports with complied field investigation data and engineering analysis for review by project managers and supervisors.
• Oversee engineering services during construction on projects involving shallow and deep foundations, support of excavations and earthwork operations
• Prepare construction phase inspection data reports with engineering observations and test results for review by project managers and supervisors
• Perform reviews of project documents to identify geotechnical considerations.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree in Civil Engineering, Soil Science, Geology or related engineering field; geotechnical engineering concentration preferred.
• 0 -3 years’ experience in geotechnical consulting, construction material inspections or laboratory testing. Beneficial experience includes classifying soils in accordance with USDA or USCS, hydraulic conductivity and/or percolation testing, understanding and directing subsurface explorations, performing laboratory testing, and compiling data.
• Onsite soil/septic evaluation, hydrogeologic study, on-site soil/septic evaluation experience a plus but not required.
• Ability to work outdoors and in an office setting, as required.
• Certified Professional Soil Scientist (CPSS), Professional Geologist, Engineer in Training (EIT) preferred or have the ability to obtain these certificates within 9 months of hire.
• Valid driver’s license required.
• Ability to maintain and operate personal and/or company vehicle.
• American Concrete Institute (ACI) concrete field-testing technician certificate, accredited construction inspection/materials testing certificates, OSHA 40, OSHA 10, and/or American Portable Nuclear Gauge Association (APNGA) gauge training preferred.  
• Must have hands-on experience with metric and English tools.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills.
• Proficient in the use of Microsoft Software Suite including Word, Excel, and Outlook.
• Ability to understand general computer commands and learn supporting software for entering field data, laboratory data, timesheets, etc. 
• Independent and critical thinking.
• Self-starter who can work independently and with team members.
• Proficient in the use of available mapping websites for due diligence and site investigation purposes.
• Familiar with the use of AutoCAD, Bluebeam, or similar software’s to assist in the production of site plan drawings. 
• Ability to use various geotechnical software programs.
• Experience dealing with regulatory agencies and review professionals.
• Knowledge of the planning and zoning process.

Physical Demands of the Job

• The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.
• While performing the duties of this job, the employee is occasionally required to stand; sit, walk, climb, balance, stoop, kneel, crouch or crawl; use hands to finger, grasp, or feel objects; reach with hands and arms; push or pull; talk and hear; use repetitive motions.
• The employee is frequently required to lift and/or move up to 35 pounds, and occasionally lift and/or move up to 75 pounds.
• The employee is required to have visual acuity to perform activities such as: preparing and analyzing data and figures; transcribing; viewing a computer terminal; extensive reading and visual inspections of site plans.

Work Environment

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is subject to the following work environment:

• The field inspections/visits are dictated by construction schedules and could include early morning or late evening timing at the project site.
• The employee is subject to both inside and outside environmental conditions.
• The employee is expected to perform approximately 50 to 90 percent of their work week outdoors with the remaining time in the office. Outdoor work frequently includes walking on uneven surfaces in all types of weather conditions and may have exposure to animals, insects, plants, etc.
• The employee is subject to hazards such as proximity to moving mechanical parts, moving vehicles, electrical current, working on scaffolding and high places, exposure to various heat/cold temperatures typical of the region or exposure to chemicals.

What We Offer