What are the responsibilities and job description for the Geotechnical Engineer position at Ayres?
Ayres’ team of national dam safety experts is seeking a senior geotechnical/geological engineer with a proven track record of managing and successfully executing dam rehabilitation and dam analysis projects, particularly for dams regulated by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC). This position desires an entrepreneurial mindset to support our growing national practice in FERC Part 12D inspections, comprehensive assessments with risk analyses, and dam rehabilitation projects.
The successful candidate will be a registered professional engineer in geotechnical/geological engineering (civil in states not having a separate geotechnical/geological engineering registration) and have demonstrated expertise in completing saturated and unsaturated slope stability analyses, seepage analyses, settlement and crest deformation analyses, seismic and static liquefaction screening analyses, filter compatibility checks, bearing capacity analyses, and other similar advanced geotechnical computations.
Join Ayres – a USA TODAY Top Workplace recognized in both 2025 and 2026 – where people-first leadership, collaboration, and professional growth create an environment where great teams do their best work. We’re also excited to celebrate a recent regional honor as a 2026 Madison Top Workplace, a testament to the strength of our people and our culture.
On any given day, you’ll:
- Take the lead in identifying marketing opportunities and work collaboratively to win projects from utilities with FERC hydropower licenses, especially risk assessments and Part 12D related work.
- Manage projects, oversee design and production of plans and specifications, and ensure that the work is produced on schedule, profitably, and in conformance with the quality standards of Ayres.
- Build and maintain respectful working relationships with Project Managers and other leaders within the company.
- Support and participate in the development and mentorship of staff.
- Actively engage in professional organizations.
Required Qualifications:
- A bachelor’s degree in civil engineering (geotechnical or geological engineering emphasis) from an accredited university is the minimum requirement. A master’s degree in geotechnical/geological engineering is preferred.
- Registered professional engineer (PE) in a US state with ability to become licensed by comity in multiple states where Ayres has offices.
- A minimum of 10 years of experience in the field of geotechnical/geological engineering. Previous experience in completing designs and submitting approved analyses for dams at FERC projects is highly desirable.
- Ability to independently manage projects with budgets of 250 to 2000 hours of engineering time.
- Working knowledge of FERC, US Army Corps of Engineers, Bureau of Reclamation, and similar industry standards for geotechnical analyses of dam and spillway structures.
- Experience providing geotechnical engineering support for structural design.
- Proficient in GeoStudio SLOPE/W and SEEP/W, or other industry-standard slope stability and seepage modeling tools.
- Experience overseeing geotechnical field exploration and laboratory testing programs, especially for embankment dams.
- Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, PowerPoint, Word).
- Proven communication skills, including great client relationships and a willingness to market services to internal and external clients.
- A valid driver’s license and good driving record.
Desired Skills and Experiences:
- A professional geologist registration and experience with dam foundations in various terrains.
- Experience participating in FERC PFMA and L2RA workshops.
- Experience establishing mutually respectful, collaborative relationships with utility owners, contractors, and staff representing the FERC Division of Dam Safety.
- Located within commuting distance of Ayres’ Eau Claire, Green Bay, Roseville, Madison, Fort Collins, or Waukesha offices.
Benefits of being part of the Ayres team:
- Health, dental, and vision Insurance.
- Short and long-term disability and life insurance.
- Employee stock ownership plan (ESOP) and 401K with company match.
- PTO, paid holidays including two floating holidays, and a flexible work schedule.
- Professional development opportunities.
Please note, benefits vary depending on job status. To learn more about our great benefits, visit our website at https://www.ayresassociates.com/careers/the-ayres-advantage/
Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer