Geotechnical Branch Manager - Bridge Division

Position Information

TxDOT's Bridge Division is looking to hire a Geotechnical Branch Manager based in Austin, TX, that is excited about leading a team that supports bridge foundation, retaining wall, slope stability, and scour remediation projects statewide. The Geotechnical Branch leads the efforts in setting geotechnical design policy, developing standards, implementing research, supporting construction, conducting design, and developing details for in-house projects. You will have the opportunity to lead the advancement of geotechnical design and construction practice, while supporting all 25 TxDOT Districts and the State of Texas.

Texas' inventory of over 57,000 bridges is 28,000 more than any other state, and more than the combined inventories of 17 states. For more information on the Texas Bridge Program, go to https://www.txdot.gov/government/reports/texas-bridges.html.

If you are looking for a career as part of a diverse workforce of over 12,000 employees statewide and you have the technical and leadership skills to help lead the largest bridge program in the country, let's talk!

The work location is 6230 E Stassney Lane, Austin, TX 78744

Transportation Engineer Supervisor: B29: $101,860 - $150,000 yearly

Benefits and Perks

At TxDOT, we value work-life balance and are committed to providing our employees with a comprehensive range of benefits and programs, including:

• Retirement Plans
• Alternative and/or Flexible Work Schedules
• Paid Leave and Holidays
• Health Premiums paid at 100% for Full-Time Employees
• On-the-Job Training
• Tuition Assistance Program
• Holistic Wellness Program with Leave Incentives
• Career Development and Advancement Opportunities
• Family-Friendly Policies and Programs

In 2024, TxDOT was recognized as a Best Place for Working Parents, and many of our offices statewide are also designated as Texas Mother-Friendly Worksites. These recognitions reflect our dedication to supporting families and promoting a healthy work-life balance.

For a complete list of our total compensation package please visit our website at: Total Compensation Package

To view benefits available to all State of Texas employees visit: Benefits at a Glance | ERS (texas.gov)

Position Description

Supervises personnel engaged in geotechnical engineering work in the functional areas of design, construction, and maintenance. Ensures compliance with applicable federal and state laws, policies, procedures, standards and guidelines. Work requires contact with governmental officials, private entities and contractors. Employees at this level are virtually self-supervising and assume direct accountability for the work product.

Essential Duties:

• Advises staff engineers.
• Analyzes and assists in the resolution of contract problems and disputes.
• Assists in overseeing and maintaining the Bridge Scour Program in the Bridge Division and assists districts with bridge scour-related matters.
• Chairs or serves as a member of a contract selection team.
• Designs, sketches and recommends bridge, retaining wall, and slope repair procedures.
• Develops and oversees geotechnical consultant contracts.
• Negotiates fees and budgets, develops and negotiates scopes of work, negotiates contract work schedules, and negotiates other contract agreements.
• Represents the Department at meetings, conferences and related activities.
• Makes technical presentations and instructs departmental courses.
• Coordinate with District and Area offices on design, plan preparation, construction, and maintenance matters.

Minimum Qualifications:

Education

• Mandatory: Bachelor's Degree in engineering or related science bachelor's or higher degree accepted by TX PELS

Work Experience

• 4 YEARS engineering, transportation engineering, or related engineering experience
  
  (Experience can be satisfied by fulltime or prorated parttime equivalent)
  
  (Related graduate level education may be substituted for experience on a year per year basis)

License and Certification

• Mandatory: TX Licensed Professional Engineer
• Mandatory: Safety Impact Certificate
  
  Safety Impact certification is not required at the time of application. The Safety Impact certification will be issued by TxDOT at the time of hire

Supervisory Experience

• Must have one (1) year supervisory/managerial experience. Project leader or lead worker experience may substitute for supervisory/managerial experience.

*Professional engineers licensed in another state in the United States , but not currently licensed in the State of Texas, must (1) meet the license requirements of the State of Texas Engineering Practices Act, (2) obtain a professional engineering license from the State of Texas within six (6) months of the date of hire, and (3) sign an agreement to that effect as a condition of employment.

Competencies:

Extensive knowledge of:

• Geotechnical design engineering principles, practices and methods and the application of engineering theory
• Standards and specifications for bridges and other transportation structures
• Bridge and retaining wall construction and evaluation methods, procedures and regulations
• Applicable industry safety standards, guidelines, and specification codes

Expert Skill in:

• Applying engineering principles, practices, and methods in job responsibilities

Proficient Skill in:

• Establishing plans and setting objectives and goals that support overall business strategy/results; anticipating and adjusting for problems/roadblocks
• Supervising technical staff
• Negotiating settlement of differences without damaging relationships; applying effective questioning and listening techniques to determine other parties' positions in a direct and diplomatic manner
• Facilitating groups using effective communications methods; contributing to and guiding groups in defining objectives, staying on task and reaching consensus; soliciting participation, challenging ideas and summarizing accomplishments and planned actions
• Scheduling work assignments

Physical Requirements and Working Conditions:

• Subject to inside and outside environmental conditions
• Light work: Lift up to 20 lbs at a time and frequently lift or carry objects up to 10 lbs
• Stooping-bending body downward and forward by bending spine at waist
• Crouching-bending body downward and forward by bending leg(s) and spine
• Repetitive Motion-substantial movements of the wrists, hands, and/or fingers
• Close Visual Acuity-work includes data/figures; view a computer screen; extensive reading

Conditions of Employment:

Please click this link to read the standard conditions of employment for all positions: Standard Conditions of Employment (TxDOT)

• Must pass a drug test prior to employment for safety impact positions. This is a Safety Impact position and will be subject to random drug testing.
  • Please note that the Department of Transportation's Drug and Alcohol Testing Regulation - 49 CFR Part 40, at 40.151(e) - does not authorize "medical marijuana" under a state law to be a valid medical explanation for a positive drug test result for an employee in this position.