Geotechnical Engineer – Entry Level (Hybrid)

The role – what you’ll do

Barr is seeking a geotechnical engineer to join our innovative and collaborative team of 90+ geotechnical engineers and geologists. In this hybrid role, you will support the Engineering and Design business unit by contributing to a variety of geotechnical projects. Common tasks include planning and overseeing on-site geotechnical investigations, evaluating soil and rock conditions, selecting and interpreting laboratory test results, installing and monitoring geotechnical instrumentation, performing geotechnical analyses and modeling, and supporting the development of geotechnical engineering recommendations.

This position is focused on supporting projects within the mining and fuels market sectors.

The ideal candidate for this position is intrinsically motivated and emphasizes client service. They enjoy working independently and as part of a team, using their technical abilities, organizational skills, and communication strengths to support a variety of projects. They are flexible in working with their project teams and are willing to occasionally modify schedules to meet project deadlines and/or client needs. This person is also relationship-focused, as the role involves serving both internal and external clients.

Your impact – key responsibilities

• Field investigations and construction support: provide continuous on-site support for subsurface investigations, in-situ testing, instrumentation installation and monitoring, construction observation, surveying, materials testing, and facility inspections.

• Project management support: assist with planning, coordinating, and executing geotechnical engineering projects. Support project coordination by assisting with project planning, progress tracking, scheduling, and communication with project managers, clients, contractors, and field personnel. 

• Geotechnical analysis and reporting: analyze field and laboratory data. Perform analyses and develop recommendations related to shallow and deep foundations, settlement, bearing capacity, slope stability, seepage, earth-retaining structures, embankments, dams, and other geotechnical infrastructure. Prepare technical reports, project plans and specifications, and cost estimates.

• Professional development: collaborate with experienced geotechnical professionals to develop technical expertise, project management skills, and client relationships.

About the opportunity

• Work Location: a hybrid work arrangement may be considered for this position. A hybrid work arrangement refers to splitting time worked between a Barr office and a home office. This position is based out of Barr's Duluth, Minnesota, office.

• Travel expectation: up to 75 percent domestic fieldwork, with an average of five to 10 days continuous job site presence.

• Work environment: ability to work in locations that feature rough terrain typical of construction sites with limited accessibility, moving machinery, and other conditions typical of industrial facilities. Candidates must be able to perform job duties with or without reasonable accommodation.

• Physical requirements for the role may include lifting or moving field-testing equipment. Candidates must be able to perform job duties with or without reasonable accommodation.

• Screening: Drug screening may be required based on client requirements, and candidates must be able to pass any required screening. 

About you – required core competencies

• Education: bachelor’s degree in geological engineering, geotechnical engineering, or civil engineering with a geotechnical emphasis.

• Willingness and ability to regularly travel.

• Driver’s license: possession of a current, valid driver’s license and acceptable driving record.

• Must be legally authorized to work in the United States without the need for sponsorship by Barr, now or in the future.

Helpful additional experience (not required)

• Experience: 1–3 years of relevant experience.

• Software: geotechnical software programs, including Geostudio, LPile, APile, gINT or BoreDM, or FLAC.

Compensation: Anticipated range of $76,000–$87,000 annually. Compensation will vary based on relevant experience, education, skill level, and other compensable factors. Employees in this position may also be eligible for a discretionary cash bonus based on team and individual performance. This position is classified as exempt (salaried) under the Fair Labor Standards Act.

#LI-Hybrid #Handshake

Benefits - what we offer

We are committed to providing an employee experience that attracts and retains top talent. That's why we offer a competitive package of employee benefits - including some unique offerings not found at other companies. At Barr, we also believe that learning doesn't stop when you get your degree, which is why we provide coaching, mentoring, and support for ongoing educational opportunities to foster professional development at every stage of your career.

• Competitive, affordable insurance plans: Medical, dental, vision, life, disability, accidental death insurance, and flexible spending accounts for medical and dependent care

• Retirement benefits: 401(k) retirement savings plan with company contribution and an Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP) with company contribution in Barr stock

• Profit distribution: Barr has a "no retained earnings" model and distributes all profit to our employees through our annual bonus distribution plan, ESOP, and dividends to shareholders

• Professional development benefits: Annual time and expense allowances, mentorship program, and many internal training opportunities

• Work/life balance: Paid time off, holidays, overtime for non-exempt/hourly staff, and compensatory time for exempt/salaried staff (time off or pay for extra time worked), paid family leave

• Wellness focus: Ergonomic analysis and equipment, Personal Protective Equipment allowance, wellbeing-focused educational opportunities

Please note that benefits eligibility is determined and may change based on part-time, reduced-time, or full-time status.

About us - why choose Barr

At Barr, you'll join a community of engineers, scientists, and professionals who will help you achieve your ambitions and build a meaningful, rewarding career. You'll serve as a trusted advisor to clients who value Barr's tailored solutions and commitment to exceptional service.

As part of our employee-owned firm, you'll contribute to a culture of commitment and camaraderie where staff can thrive as professionals. We value diverse perspectives and experiences and believe an inclusive workplace is critical to our success.

To learn more about Barr's culture and values, visit: https://www.barr.com/Careers/Our-culture

Open positions at Barr Engineering Co. do not have application deadlines. Barr Engineering Co. is an equal opportunity employer, and all applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or status as a protected veteran.