Staff Geologist

Schnabel is an employee-owned, professional engineering and consulting firm that focuses on solving problems related to the earth and environment through specialization in geotechnical, geostructural, tunnel, and dam engineering. Schnabel’s high standards for quality, business ethics, and concern for the communities in which we live are a vital part of who we are. Schnabel is an ENR Top 500 Design Firm with 700+ employees in 32 offices throughout the United States.

Recognized by CE News as one of the Best Engineering Firms to Work for, Schnabel provides employees with a competitive benefits package including maternity leave, tuition reimbursement for continuing education, health, dental, life and disability insurance and a wellness program. As an employee-owned company, through the Employee Stock Ownership Plan, Schnabel employees directly benefit from the success of our growing firm.

Benefit options include:

• Medical insurance
• Dental insurance
• Flexible spending accounts
• Employee life & ADD insurance (100% company-paid)
• Short-term disability (100% company-paid)
• Long-term disability
• Supplemental life insurance
• 401(k) and profit-sharing plan
• Employee stock ownership plan (ESOP)
• Bonus program
• Paid time off
• 9 Paid Holidays
• Wellness program
• Professional development and tuition reimbursement

Job Description:

Are you looking for interesting, challenging, and meaningful work, a fun and flexible atmosphere, and opportunities to learn, grow, and excel? If so, then welcome to Schnabel! We approach problems with creativity and innovation. The Blacksburg, VA office of Schnabel Engineering is seeking a Staff Geologist to join our team of professional engineering geologists. We are looking for a motivated candidate with an interest in working on our nation’s critical infrastructure, a desire to develop both field and analytical skills, and a desire to be part of a strong team of geologists and engineers.

Job Responsibilities:

• Plan, document, and report the results of geotechnical investigations including, but not limited to:
• Logging of soil and rock test borings
• Performance of in-situ testing
• Installation of monitoring wells
• Installation of geotechnical instrumentation
• Collection of laboratory testing samples
• Perform geotechnical instrumentation monitoring
• Observe and document geotechnical-related construction
• Perform materials testing
• Prepare field reports
• Prepare investigation work plans and geotechnical data reports
• Create basic plans and figures using GIS, Google Earth, and AutoCAD
• Support 3D modeling and design efforts

Required Skills/Experience:

• Bachelor's Degree in either:
• Engineering Geology, Geological Engineering, or related Geological Science from an accredited program
• 0-3 years of relevant professional experience
• Excellent oral and written communication skills
• Positive attitude
• Ability to multi-task
• Strong work ethic and a desire for continual self-improvement
• Strong organizational and time management skills
• Willingness and ability to perform field work and travel
• Ability to lift 60 pounds and be physically able to negotiate construction sites, enter trenches, climb ladders, and work outside

Desired Skills/Experience:

• Master’s Degree in either:
• Engineering Geology, Geological Engineering, or related Geological Science from an accredited program
• Prior internship or professional work in a related field (i.e., geotechnical engineering, construction, civil engineering, etc.)
• Experience using groundwater modeling, Bentley’s OpenGround, Trimble’s SketchUp, Autodesk’s Civil 3D software packages, and/or rock stability/kinematics software
• GIT or PG designation

Other Requirements:

• Ability to pass a background check which may include criminal history, motor vehicle record and credit check.
• Ability to pass a pre-employment screening.

The compensation range for this position is between $60,000 to $75,000. Compensation for this position may vary based on geographic location and other factors. We remain committed to providing competitive and equitable compensation to all employees, regardless of their location.