Geotechnical Engineer

Key Responsibilities:

• Plan and supervise geotechnical and geological field investigations for dams and associated facilities.
• Develop investigation scopes covering boreholes, trial pits, geophysical surveys, in-situ testing, instrumentation and laboratory testing.
• Review borehole logs, test results and geotechnical factual and interpretive reports.
• Analyze soil, rock and groundwater samples and assess their engineering properties.
• Develop ground models showing geological units, discontinuities, groundwater conditions and potential geotechnical hazards.
• Review geological maps, topographical data, aerial imagery and remote-sensing information for site assessment.
• Assess the geological and geotechnical conditions of dam foundations, abutments, reservoirs, spillways, outlets and access roads.
• Evaluate seepage, internal erosion, piping, settlement, deformation, cracking, uplift pressure and foundation stability.
• Assess the stability of natural slopes, excavations, embankments, cuttings and reservoir margins.
• Analyze geological characteristics associated with rainfall, flooding, erosion, landslides and reservoir-level fluctuations.
• Review dam instrumentation data, including piezometers, settlement markers, inclinometers, extensometers and seepage-monitoring systems.
• Interpret monitoring trends and identify abnormal behavior requiring investigation or corrective action.
• Perform or review slope-stability, bearing-capacity, settlement, seepage and deformation analyses.
• Review geotechnical design parameters, calculations, specifications, drawings and method statements.
• Assess dam safety risks arising from adverse ground conditions, geological structures or foundation deficiencies.
• Recommend appropriate stabilization, drainage, grouting, anchoring, excavation, foundation treatment and remediation solutions.
• Provide technical surveillance during construction, drilling, grouting, crack treatment and rehabilitation works.
• Review grouting plans, trial-grouting results, injection pressures, grout takes and completion records.
• Monitor remediation works and verify compliance with approved designs, specifications, quality requirements and safe working methods.
• Review contractors’ and consultants’ technical submissions and respond to requests for information.
• Participate in dam inspections, site investigations, technical audits, testing and acceptance activities.
• Investigate geotechnical defects, non-conformances and unexpected ground conditions.
• Conduct root-cause analyses and recommend corrective and preventive measures.
• Maintain organized records of investigation data, geological models, instrumentation readings and technical decisions.
• Coordinate with dam, civil, structural, hydraulic, hydrological, environmental, mechanical and risk specialists.
• Prepare clear daily, weekly, monthly, annual and technical reports as required by the assignment.
• Present geotechnical findings, risks, recommendations and required actions to senior stakeholders.
• Coordinate with government stakeholders, consultants, contractors and multidisciplinary teams.
• Attend meetings, inspections and site visits anywhere in Saudi Arabia as required.
• Comply with Saudi laws, applicable codes, Client procedures, quality requirements and occupational health and safety obligations.

Minimum Requirements:

• Bachelor’s degree in Geotechnical Engineering, Geological Engineering, Civil Engineering, Engineering Geology or another closely related discipline from a recognized university.
• Minimum 16 years of professional experience in geological and geotechnical investigations, studies and engineering assessments.
• Substantial experience with dams, reservoirs, water-retaining structures or major infrastructure projects.
• Demonstrated knowledge of soil mechanics, rock mechanics, engineering geology, groundwater and foundation engineering.
• Experience assessing dam foundations, abutments, embankments, slopes, seepage and geological hazards.
• Practical experience with geotechnical field investigations, laboratory testing and instrumentation.
• Experience overseeing grouting, foundation treatment, crack remediation and ground-improvement works.
• Ability to interpret geological maps, aerial imagery, borehole data, test results and monitoring records.
• Experience reviewing geotechnical designs, calculations, specifications, drawings and contractor submissions.
• Strong technical-reporting, engineering-judgment and problem-solving capabilities.
• Relevant experience must be supported by verifiable employment records, project references, reports or studies when requested.