Description
Apply geotechnical engineering principles to support planning, investigation, design, and construction of foundations, earthworks, and retaining systems by performing subsurface exploration, field and laboratory testing, documentation, and construction monitoring under the direction of geotechnical engineers.
- • Calculate earthwork volumes and basic geotechnical parameters from field and lab data using calculators and software.
- • Draft boring location plans, detailed boring logs, subsurface profiles, and plan sheets to meet project specifications.
- • Analyze site geology, groundwater, and subsurface data; prepare maps, graphs, and sections illustrating findings.
- • Read and review geotechnical reports, structural plans, and specifications to determine exploration and foundation requirements.
- • Prepare daily field reports, laboratory data sheets, boring logs, and project documentation.
- • Confer with geotechnical engineers to plan explorations, testing programs, acceptance testing, and evaluation of field conditions.
- • Inspect earthwork, subgrades, trench backfill, and foundation construction; perform in-place density and materials acceptance tests to verify conformance to specs and codes.
- • Plan and conduct subsurface investigations; lay out boring locations, coordinate drilling, perform SPT/CPT and test pits, and collect soil and rock samples.
- • Develop plans and cost estimates for explorations, laboratory testing, ground improvement, and earthwork QA/QC activities.
- • Report field issues such as unsuitable soils, groundwater, or differing site conditions to supervisors and help implement corrective actions.
- • Perform soil and aggregate tests (e.g., moisture content, Atterberg limits, grain size, Proctor, CBR) and analyze and summarize results.
- • Install and monitor geotechnical instrumentation, including piezometers, inclinometers, settlement plates, and observation wells; interpret readings.
- • Coordinate with contractors, drillers, and utility locators; respond to RFIs and field questions to resolve conflicts.
- • Solicit quotes and assist in negotiating scopes and prices with drilling firms, testing vendors, and contractors.
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Last reviewed: Jan 2026
