Employers

Employers of geotechnical engineers include geotechnical and engineering consulting firms, public utilities, governmental agencies, and environmental organizations. Others work at colleges and universities as professors. 

Starting Out

An internship, co-op, or informal apprenticeship is the best way to learn more about this type of work. Some engineers start as engineering technicians before completing a bachelors degree. Search the Internet for geotechnical and civil engineering firms in your area, and see if they have any openings for summer or part-time help. College professors may also be looking for research help on projects. Look through the Web sites of college engineering departments to see if any listings are posted. You can also visit these Web sites to get the inside scoop on engineering projects and find listings for upcoming in-person and virtual job fairs and job openings: GeoPrac (http://geoprac.net) and ASCE Career Connections (http://careers.asce.org/jobs).

Engineers usually start as associates and advance to become managers or directors. With a few years of successful project management experience, they can move up to regional management positions—overseeing more projects and staff at various work sites. They may also advance by honing skills in specific areas of engineering and becoming technical specialists. They can also start their own consulting firms, teach at universities, and mentor and coach less-experienced engineers and students.

Join the American Society of Civil Engineers and take advantage of its career resources, including resume tips and eCareer Mentor program.

Visit https://www.asce.org/careers and https://www.linkedin.com/jobs/senior-geotechnical-engineer-jobs for job listings.

A strong background in math and science is helpful in this field; take classes in these areas.

Participate in internships or part-time jobs that are arranged by your college’s career services office.