STATE OF CONNECTICUT EXECUTIVE BRANCH JOBS

Lead Geotechnical Engineer

Soils and Foundations Unit

Recruitment #240503-9108FQ-001

Introduction





Are you an experienced engineer who is passionate about shaping the future of transportation in Connecticut? Come join our great team of engineering professionals and make an impaCT!
 
The State of Connecticut, Department of Transportation (DOT), is now accepting applications for Transportation Engineer 3 positions to serve as Lead Geotechnical Engineers within the Division of Bridges in the Soils and Foundations unit at our Headquarters in Newington.

WHAT WE CAN OFFER YOU:
  • Competitive starting salary *MOU page 21
  • Industry leading health benefits, including medical and dental coverage
  • Extensive pension plan and supplemental retirement offerings
  • Paid time off including 13 paid holidays per calendar year
  • A culture that encourages work/life balance
  • Professional growth and development opportunities
  • On-site low-cost fitness center, on-site cafeteria and Electric Vehicle (EV) charging
  • Ample free parking with easy access from major highways or by public transportation
  • Tuition reimbursement
  • State of Connecticut is an eligible Public Service Loan Forgiveness employer, meaning you may be eligible to have qualifying student loans forgiven after 10 years of service. Click here for more information.
  • Working for a Forbes top company: State of Connecticut Ranked One of the Best Employers of 2023 - State of CT Receives National Recognition for Offering Job Growth, Competitive Benefits, and Flexible Schedule
  • Join an award winning agency! CT DOT has been recently awarded the Employer of the Year award by the Connecticut Society of Civil Engineers (CSCE)!
ABOUT THE ROLE
The DOT has challenging openings for lead geotechnical engineers in the Division of Bridges, Soils and Foundations (S&F) unit.

Engineers in the SOILS AND FOUNDATIONS (S&F) unit provide design and review services on matters related to soil, rock, and foundations for the planning, design, construction, and maintenance of roads, bridges, and transportation facilities. S&F engineering work includes subsurface exploration programs to characterize subsurface conditions, determination of representative samples for soil and rock laboratory testing, interpretation of results from laboratory testing, selection/design of the most appropriate foundations for structures and preparation of Geotechnical Reports and other technical documents. S&F engineers review geotechnical work prepared by consultant engineering firms. S&F provides technical support to Maintenance personnel involving rock slopes and roadway instability. S&F provides specialized engineering support during construction involving review of working drawing submissions, responses to Requests for Information (RFI’s) and responses to Requests for Change (RFC’s).
 
APPLICATION DETAILS: 
Applicants must be available to travel for training, conferences, meetings, field reviews, etc. both within and outside of normal working hours, when necessary. A valid motor vehicle operator's license is required and must be maintained.  Please list your Driver’s license number, expiration date, and issuing State in the "Licenses and Professional Certifications" section of your application.  If applicable, please also list your Professional Engineer (PE) license number and expiration date, Engineer in Training licensure, and any other job-relevant licenses or certifications you hold. 

POSITION HIGHLIGHTS:
  • Monday through Friday 
  • Full time (40 hours/week)
  • First shift
  • P-4 (Engineering and Scientific) bargaining unit
  • Hybrid (office/telework) may be available 
  • Location: Newington, CT
We are looking for energetic and driven team players who are passionate about serving the public and about the work we do within the DOT to deliver our mission.
 

ABOUT US:
As one of Connecticut’s largest State agencies, DOT employs approximately 3,300 individuals statewide in five bureaus. It is our mission to provide a safe, efficient and accessible multimodal transportation network that improves the quality of life and promotes economic vitality for the State and the region. We have a significant transportation infrastructure system that is essential to maintaining mobility for Connecticut residents and businesses and supporting economic and community development.  DOT is committed to cultivating a diverse staff that is representative of the communities we serve. Applications from individuals having diverse backgrounds and life experiences are strongly encouraged. Learn more about our mission, vison, and values hereVisit our website to learn more about the Connecticut DOT! 

Watch the video below to learn what it's like to be an Engineer at the Connecticut DOT!  

Selection Plan

To Apply:
  • In order to be considered for this job opening, you must meet the Minimum Qualifications as listed on this job opening. You must specify your qualifications on your application.
  • The minimum experience and training requirements must be met by the close date on the job opening, unless otherwise specified.
  • Ensure that your application is complete and detailed before submitting it. In order to comply with Public Act 21-69, the State of Connecticut is no longer asking for resumes during the initial application process. You will not be able to make revisions once your application is submitted into the JobAps system.
  • Please select all location(s) and shift(s) you are willing to work on your application. Failure to do so may result in not being considered for vacancies in that specific location or shift.
  • All application materials must be received by the recruiting agency by the time specified on the job opening for the position for which you are applying. Late applications may not be submitted and will not be considered. Exceptions are rare and limited to documented events that incapacitate a candidate during the entire duration of the job posting time period. It is the candidate’s obligation and responsibility to request an exception and provide a legally recognized justification to accommodate such exception. Requests should be made to DAS.SHRM@ct.gov.
  • In order to receive educational credits toward qualification for this job posting, the institution must be accredited.  If the institution of higher learning is located outside of the U.S., you are responsible for providing documentation from a recognized USA accrediting service which specializes in determining foreign education equivalencies to the recruiter listed on this job posting. 
For Assistance In Applying:
  • Please read or watch our Applicant Tips on How to Apply!
Important Information After You Apply:
  • For current state employees, salary calculations are not necessarily comparable from one of the three branches of state government (i.e., Executive, Legislative, Judicial) to the other.
  • This posting may require completion of additional referral questions (RQs). You can access these RQs via an email that will be sent to you after the posting's closing date or by visiting your JobAps Personal Status Board (Certification Questionnaires section). Your responses to these RQs must be submitted by the questionnaire's expiration date. Please regularly check your email and JobAps Personal Status Board for notifications. Please check your SPAM and/or Junk folders on a daily basis in the event an email provider places auto-notification emails in a user's spam.
  • Although applicants will receive correspondence via email, as a backup they are also encouraged to sign on to their Personal Status Board on a daily basis to monitor their status, view all emailed notices and complete tasks required in the recruitment process.
  • Note: At any point during the recruitment process, applicants may be required to submit additional documentation which support their qualification(s) for this position. These documents may include: a cover letter, resume, performance reviews, attendance records, supervisory references, licensure, etc., at the discretion of the hiring agency.
  • Interviews will be limited to candidates whose experience and training most closely meet the requirements of the position.
  • The immediate vacancy is listed above, however, applications to this recruitment may be used for future vacancies in this job class.
  • Candidates who are offered and accept a position with the State of Connecticut are bound by the State Code of Ethics for Public Officials and State Employees which is available at www.ct.gov/ethics.
Connect With Us:
Due to the large volume of applications received, we are unable to provide confirmation of receipt or status during the recruitment process. Updates will be available through your JobAps portal account. Should you have any questions pertaining to this recruitment, please contact Hayley Newhouse, at Hayley.Newhouse@ct.gov.

PURPOSE OF JOB CLASS (NATURE OF WORK)

In the Department of Transportation and the Connecticut Airport Authority this class is accountable for acting as a working lead who assists a supervisor in supervising a designated group of employees and/or for performing the most complex engineering or related tasks in one or more aspects of engineering projects or studies in the areas of administration, bridge design, design, drainage, electrical, foundations, hydraulics, maintenance, operations, pavement management, regulation compliance, rehabilitation, research, traffic or utilities.

EXAMPLES OF DUTIES

Oversees work of lower level engineers and performs complex design work; designs difficult foundations and bridges of advanced design; makes field inspection of bridge sites to obtain information necessary for design of important structures; oversees field inspection of structural condition of existing structures and preparation of sketches, plans and recommendations for adequate repair; acts as liaison between towns and state as consulting engineer in repair of bridges; oversees and conducts research on materials incorporated in bridges, highways, and miscellaneous structures and maintenance and construction methods in field; oversees state and consultant engineers in review of storm sewer and culvert designs and computations prepared by Design division and contracting engineers for watersheds of 650 acres and less; provides technical advice to Design division and District Engineers on pollution control measures and unusual storm sewer and culvert designs; prepares computations for storm sewer and culvert designs; attends field reviews on all new designs for highway projects; recommends revisions to improve drainage design; oversees laboratory work on soil samples for determination of void ratio, water content, specific gravity, grain size distribution, plasticity limits, permeability, optimum moisture content, confined and unconfined compressive strength, direct shear and consolidation; prepares detailed geotechnical reports and recommendations; oversees analyses, computations, preparation of plans and data relating to hydraulic problems encountered in planning and design of highways; performs hydrographic analysis and flood routing for retention basin designs; serves as expert witness in court cases; reviews drainage design on major permit applications for shopping centers and housing developments; assists in preparation and updating of Drainage Manual; oversees engineers, electricians and technicians in design or maintenance of extensive highway lighting, traffic light installations and computerized traffic control systems; performs complex work in preparation of plans, specifications and estimated cost of electrical contracts and work; oversees inspection of electrical construction and maintenance work and preparation of monthly and final estimates; coordinates preliminary surveys and planning of engineering requirements for construction and maintenance of electrical installations with state utilities; assists in coordination of work of design engineers with consulting engineers in preparation of plans to determine contract documents; recommends need for test, alterations, revision of replacement of equipment associated with highway lighting, traffic lights, drawbridges, and highway buildings; acts as consultant to district forces and other state agencies; oversees consultant engineers in the preparation of plans, specifications, and estimates of bridges and structural improvement, construction and reconstruction of highways and construction or reconstruction of transportation facilities; recommends treatment of alignment, grade, surface and drainage features; makes project reports and analyzes comparative routes for economy, feasibility and utility; oversees activities of engineers and technical assistants engaged in review and processing of major traffic generator studies, highway traffic engineering investigations, surveys, design and research; reviews reports from investigators and subordinates; prepares final reports and recommendations applying to traffic signs, signals, markings, control devices, illumination, channelization, detour and route designations; represents department in state, town, public meetings; oversees and reviews plans, specifications and cost estimates for adjustment of relocation of public utilities in conflict with design and layout of construction for purpose of establishing their engineering adequacy; determines extent to which state shall reimburse utility companies for costs incurred; prepares and reviews agreements governing terms involved; represents state in negotiations with Federal Highway Administration for reimbursement of funds to state; confers with consulting, engineers, corporate, municipal planners, departmental personnel and others involved in coordinating utility adjustments with highway reconstruction work; advises departmental auditors on acceptability of credits offered or claims for payment made; conducts field and office investigations of engineering, technical or other problems and prepares reports for higher level employees; analyzes problems and recommends effective solutions; assists in establishment of policy, procedures and methods; represents department in legislative matters; assists in development and review of department contracts; performs related duties as required.

WORKING LEAD LEVEL:  As assigned by the supervisor distributes, prioritizes, oversees and reviews unit work; provides staff training and assistance; conducts or assists in conducting performance evaluations; acts as liaison with operating units, agencies, consultant staffs and other outside officials regarding unit policies and procedures; recommends policies and standards; prepares reports and correspondence; performs related duties as required.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILL AND ABILITY

Considerable knowledge of principles and practices involved in transportation engineering such as bridge design, foundations, highway design, transportation facilities design, transportation planning, maintenance, drainage or hydraulics, research, pavement design, pavement management and traffic; knowledge of administrative and financial controls with respect to transportation engineering plans, contracts, projects and reports; considerable knowledge of operational methodologies and established policies; considerable analytical, problem solving and technical report development skills; considerable interpersonal skills; considerable oral and written communication skills; considerable ability to interpret and apply principles of information systems and technologies; ability to analyze plans and estimates; some supervisory ability.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS - GENERAL EXPERIENCE

A Bachelor’s degree in Engineering and three (3) years of experience in transportation engineering.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS - SPECIAL EXPERIENCE

One (1) year of the General Experience must have been at the working level in a professional transportation engineering capacity. For state employees this is interpreted at the level of Transportation Engineer 2 (ENGINEERING).

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS - SUBSTITUTIONS ALLOWED

1. Possession of Professional Engineer (PE) licensure from the Department of Consumer Protection State Board of Examiners for Professional Engineers and Land Surveyors consistent with C.G.S.§20-302 may be substituted for the Bachelor's degree requirement.

2. Possession of Engineer-In-Training (EIT) licensure from the Department of Consumer Protection State Board of Examiners for Professional Engineers and Land Surveyors consistent with C.G.S.§20-302 may be substituted for the Bachelor’s degree requirement.

3. A Master’s degree in engineering may be substituted for one (1) year of the General Experience.

4. Current incumbents in the class of Transportation Engineer 2 (ENGINEERING) who do not possess the degree or certification/licensure qualifications as detailed on this class specification may be considered for promotion to Transportation Engineer 3 (ENGINEERING) upon having three (3) years of experience in transportation engineering. One (1) of the three (3) years' must have been as a Transportation Engineer 2 (ENGINEERING).

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

  • Engineer-In-Training (EIT) and/or Professional Engineer (P.E.) license
  • Experience supervising, evaluating and developing improved performance of junior engineers
  • Experience preparing subsurface exploration programs
  • Experience preparing complex Geotechnical Reports and other documents for structure foundations and roadways
  • Experience reading plans and interpreting engineering reports related to geotechnical engineering, including scour/hydraulic analyses, bridge safety inspection reports, rehabilitation study reports, structure type study reports, etc.
  • Experience reviewing complex Geotechnical Reports prepared by consultants for structure foundations and roadways
  • Experience involving standard test procedures of physical properties of soil and rock, interpreting the test results and applying the results to DOT projects.
  • Experience involving design and construction of multiple foundation types including spread footings, driven piles, micropiles, drilled shafts and underpinning.
  • Experience involving design and construction of multiple retaining wall types including gravity walls, semi-gravity walls, cantilever walls, soldier pile and lagging walls, soil nail walls, secant walls and MSE walls.
  • Experience involving geotechnical support during construction involving review of working drawings, preparing responses to Requests for Information (RFI's) and preparing responses to Requests for Change (RFC's) and providing recommendations for construction related issues.
  • Experience preparing special provisions
  • Experience using Office365, Bentley MicroStation or Openroads, Microsoft SharePoint and COMPASS
  • Experience in project organization and document control
  • Experience analyzing problems and recommending effective solutions for geotechnical related issues
  • Experience demonstrating effective verbal, written and communication skills
  • Experience leading people and managing tasks, including influencing staff in higher level positions, to achieve common goals
  • Experience working independently, being self-motivated and taking ownership of assignments

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS

1. Incumbents in this class may be required to possess and retain a valid Motor Vehicle Operator’s license.

2. Incumbents may be required to travel.

WORKING CONDITIONS

Incumbents in this class may be exposed to some danger of injury or physical harm from highway or construction environments and a moderate degree of discomfort from exposure to year round weather conditions.

Conclusion

AN AFFIRMATIVE ACTION/EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

The State of Connecticut is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer and strongly encourages the applications of women, minorities, and persons with disabilities.



Click on a link below to apply for this position:

Fill out the Supplemental Questionnaire and Application NOW using the Internet.