Department Manager
Universal Engineering Sciences
**Overview:**
UES is a privately held, rapidly growing engineering and consulting firm with nearly six decades of experience in geotechnical engineering, construction materials testing, building code compliance, threshold inspections and environmental consulting. With more than 3,800 professionals across 80+ branches in high growth markets in the U.S., UES consults on projects of all sizes for public and private clients in industries ranging from transportation and healthcare to commercial, residential, and education.
Experienced and proven, UES is considered a pioneer of the industry and stands at the forefront of emerging technology and best practices. Our work includes public and private clients, as well as public-private partnerships, and consists of projects ranging from transportation and infrastructure to aviation and aerospace. Our engineers, geologists, certified inspectors, scientists, and drillers offer an unwavering commitment to excellence, approaching each project with the knowledge that precision, professionalism, and creative solutions are what drive success and cultivate enduring client relationships.
As UES continues to grow, it’s critical that we have a defined set of values that guide us like a north star. These values need to demonstrate who we are as a company and what we believe. STRIVE stands for Safety, Teamwork, Responsiveness, Integrity, Value, and Excellence.
**Summary**
The **Geotechnical Department Manager** is responsible for overseeing and managing all aspects of the geotechnical engineering department, including project execution, team leadership, business development, and client relations. This role ensures high-quality technical services, compliance with industry standards, and financial performance while fostering a collaborative and productive work environment.
**Qualifications**
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential job functions.
**Essential Duties and Responsibilities:**
+ Lead, mentor, and manage a team of geotechnical engineers, technicians, and support staff.
+ Develop departmental goals, strategies, and policies to meet organizational objectives and growth targets.
+ Oversee the daily operations of the department, ensuring that resources are effectively allocated and that projects are delivered on time and within budget.
+ Foster a positive, collaborative work culture that promotes innovation, problem-solving, and continuous improvement.
+ Evaluate and improve departmental performance through key performance indicators (KPIs) and regular team assessments.
+ Manage staffing levels, hiring, training, and professional development for team members.
+ Oversee the planning, execution, and management of geotechnical investigations, including site assessments, soil testing, and foundation design studies.
+ Coordinate with other departments, such as civil engineering, environmental, and structural engineering teams, to ensure geotechnical input is integrated into overall project designs.
+ Act as the primary point of contact for clients, managing relationships and ensuring satisfaction with geotechnical services.
+ Prepare and review technical reports, project proposals, and budgets for geotechnical investigations and designs.
+ Ensure quality control by reviewing deliverables, maintaining high technical standards, and addressing any client concerns or issues.
+ Ensure compliance with all relevant local, state, and federal regulations related to geotechnical engineering and site investigation practices.
+ Ensure that geotechnical practices and designs comply with industry standards and best practices, including ASTM, AASHTO, and other governing bodies.
+ Conduct quality assurance/quality control (QA/QC) reviews of technical reports, fieldwork, and laboratory testing.
+ Stay current with geotechnical industry trends, technologies, and regulations to provide innovative solutions and maintain regulatory compliance.
+ Lead business development efforts for the geotechnical department, identifying new opportunities, preparing proposals, and expanding the client base.
+ Collaborate with senior leadership to develop strategic plans for the growth of the geotechnical services offered by the organization.
+ Establish and maintain relationships with clients, architects, developers, and contractors to build long-term partnerships.
+ Monitor market trends, competitors, and emerging technologies to drive department innovation and maintain competitiveness.
+ Develop and manage the geotechnical department’s budget, ensuring cost-effective operations and maximizing profitability.
+ Monitor project budgets and timelines, adjusting as necessary to meet client needs and business objectives.
+ Review financial reports and provide input on resource allocation, overhead costs, and profitability metrics.
+ Other duties may be assigned.
**Required Qualifications:**
+ Valid Florida Driver’s License with an acceptable driving record (in accordance with our Driver’s License and Motor Vehicle Record Check Criteria)
+ Ability to pass a background check screening in accordance with Florida’s Jessica Lunsford Act (or equivalent state classification).
+ Bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering, Geotechnical Engineering , or related field
+ Professional Engineer (PE) license or Engineer-in-Training (EI) certification required
+ Minimum of 10+ years’ related experience
+ Experience with geotechnical laboratory testing, soil mechanics, and foundation design.
+ Knowledge of emerging technologies in geotechnical testing, such as in-situ testing methods or geotechnical data analytics.
+ Ability to read & write, including interpreting documents such as safety rules, operating and maintenance instructions, and procedure manuals, as well as the ability to write routine reports and correspondence and speak effectively with colleagues, supervisors, and customers/clients.
+ Computer skills sufficient to operate a laptop, including sending and receiving emails, and the ability to learn Field Data Collection (FDC)/Inspector Gadget to input data and prepare reports.
+ Mathematical skills sufficient to add, subtract, multiply, and divide in all units of measure, using whole numbers, common fractions, and decimals.
+ Reasoning ability to apply common sense understanding to carry out instructions furnished in written, oral, and diagram form.
**Preferred Qualifications:**
+ Proven experience in managing geotechnical investigations, designs, and projects from conception to completion.
+ Familiarity with local, state, and federal regulations, including safety and environmental standards related to geotechnical practices.
+ Strong leadership abilities, including experience managing teams, conflict resolution, and fostering a positive team environment.
+ Excellent verbal and written communication skills for client interaction, internal team collaboration, and report preparation.
+ Experience with geotechnical engineering software and standard office software
**Physical Demands & Work Environment:**
+ Required to drive, stand, walk, use hands to type, handle, or feel; reach with hands and arms; climb or balance; talk and hear. Body motions and movements include bending, twisting, reaching, stooping, pulling, kneeling, lifting, carrying, and pushing, with or without reasonable accommodation
+ Lifting and/or moving up to thirty-five pounds regularly is expected, on occasion, with or without reasonable accommodation
+ This is not a remote position. This role will be based on the selected job posting location
**Who We Are:**
UES provides essential engineering services for some of the most prominent and significant projects in the nation. Our team members, from our drillers to administrative staff, contribute directly to projects that transform communities. With some of the greatest talent in Geotechnical Engineering, Construction Materials Testing and Inspection, Code Compliance, Environmental, Occupational Health & Safety, and Building Envelope, we are committed to delivering groundbreaking solutions for our clients. At the core of our success is our team members who make it all possible. We know that the projects we deliver are only as good as our people, which is why we offer enriching opportunities for career growth at every level.
**Growing in Excellence**
As the #1 fastest growing AEC firm on The Zweig Group's Hot Firm list in 2021, UES is poised to lead our industry into the future. As we evolve from a one-man operation to a company spanning 75 branches and 3,500 employees, we’re looking for enthusiastic talent to launch their careers and grow along with us.
**Why Work at UES?**
We value the individual contributions of our employees, and we show this through providing great benefits. **Please ask your recruiter what benefits plans apply to you.**
Check out our website: https://teamues.com/
Follow us on social media: LinkedIn (https://www.linkedin.com/company/universal-engineering-sciences-inc/) | Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/universalengineeringsciences/) | Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/universal\_engineering\_sciences/) | Twitter (https://twitter.com/UniversalEngSci) | YouTube (https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCXK2FHVTcS5o9uLEKO7RuYg)
\#GroundedInExcellence
_EEO/AA/Disability/Veteran Universal Engineering Sciences is a Drug-Free Workplace. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the job._
**Team:** Geotechnical Department
**Work Type:** Salary
**Location Type:** onsite
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