Geophysical/Geological Specialist
The Geological/Geophysical Specialist position is an advanced level position that provides expertise on geology, engineering geology, materials, and geophysical topics. This position works closely with other Geotechnical Engineering Unit and Bureau of Technical Services (BTS) staff and functions as WisDOT’s principle statewide technical expert in geology, engineering geology, geophysics, and vibration monitoring technology and applications. The incumbent exercises a large amount of independent action under general supervision of the Geotechnical Engineering Unit Supervisor, with work intermittently being reviewed after decisions have been made. The work at this level is the most complex and difficult type and requires significant creativity, scientific evaluation, and judgment. Results of work may have major impacts on Departmental actions and future decisions. This person operates as the primary technical lead within their functional area for all assigned projects.
The position is involved in a wide range of geologic and geophysical activities. The person in this position evaluates field geologic-, materials-, geophysical-, and geotechnical-related issues and contributing factors to determine investigative needs, plans, directs and performs geologic and geophysical investigations, directs laboratory testing, performs the required data analysis, formulates alternatives, makes recommendations, and documents this work with written reports. This work provides geological, geophysical, and materials related recommendations and may have high consequence of error and large cost impacts.
This position functions as the state-wide technical lead for planning, directing, and implementing vibration-monitoring programs that incorporates review and interpretation of seismic data for both WISDOT- and consultant-run projects. In addition, the position provides technical support to Regional Soil Engineers, Environmental and Materials staff on complex subsurface and materials related issues and coordinates with engineering consultants and contractors on routine and complex projects. This position develops, implements, and functions as the technical lead for the Geotechnical Engineering Unit on global positioning system (GPS) instrumentation and associated software, geographical information system (GIS) software and geotechnical data management software. Other duties include: developing procedures, policies, project specifications and plan details; reviewing technical publications; representing the Section and Department on DOT, state-wide and interagency groups; preparing and conducting training and professional presentations to DOT and outside groups; and performing other technical duties as directed by the Geotechnical Engineering Unit Supervisor.
This position requires a strong geological and geophysical background to perform very complex technical activities requiring a high level of accountability and potential cost and safety impacts. Although not required, registration as a Professional Geologist in the State of Wisconsin would be preferred.