Experienced Geotechnical Engineer M/F

Location: Canton of Geneva & VaudWork rate: 70 to 100 %Contract: PermanentRequired experience: Minimum 5 years

Presentation of Géocimes

For nearly 30 years, Géocimes has been an independent consultancy specialising in geology, hydrogeology and geotechnics. Based in the Geneva and Annecy regions, the company works with public and private project owners, local authorities, engineering firms and construction companies.

Our assignments notably concern foundations, retaining structures, earthworks, excavations, slope and rock mass stability, groundwater, natural hazards, instrumentation and monitoring of geotechnical works.

As part of the development of our activity in Switzerland, we are looking for an experienced geotechnical engineer capable of managing projects with a high level of autonomy.

Job description

Reporting directly to management, you will ensure the technical and operational management of geotechnical projects, from analysing the client’s needs to monitoring the works.

You will work on varied projects in French-speaking Switzerland and gradually participate in the development and structuring of Géocimes Switzerland’s activity.

Your main tasks

• Analyse client requests and define the scope of services;
• conduct site visits and establish initial geological and geotechnical hypotheses;
• define and organise reconnaissance campaigns: boreholes, tests, sampling and instrumentation;
• supervise drilling companies, laboratories and specialised stakeholders;
• interpret reconnaissance and geotechnical test results;
• establish geological, hydrogeological and geotechnical models;
• define calculation parameters and design assumptions;
• write reports, technical notes, expert assessments and recommendations;
• perform and supervise geotechnical calculations;
• design and dimension foundations, retaining structures, excavation supports, drainage works, embankments and earthworks;
• study the stability of slopes, embankments and rock masses;
• prepare technical documents for tender dossiers;
• analyse company offers and participate in coordination meetings;
• ensure execution monitoring and site inspections;
• implement site tests and controls;
• adapt recommendations to actual field conditions;
• monitor deadlines, hours, budgets and project profitability;
• prepare technical and financial offers;
• maintain relationships with clients, representatives, administrations and companies;
• contribute to the commercial development of the activity;
• participate in improving methods, document templates and internal tools.

The position involves a significant amount of fieldwork, technical writing, calculations and client relations.

Profile sought

• Civil engineering degree specialising in geotechnics, geological engineering degree or equivalent training;
• EPFL, HES training or foreign diploma recognised as equivalent;
• at least 5 years of professional experience in geotechnics;
• experience in autonomous project management, preferably within an engineering firm;
• mastery of soil mechanics and engineering geology principles;
• experience in designing foundations, retaining structures, excavations, earthworks and geotechnical works;
• ability to interpret reconnaissance campaigns and in situ tests;
• good knowledge of SIA standards and Eurocodes;
• proficiency in geotechnical calculation software such as TALREN, K-REA, LARIX is essential.
• excellent command of French, both spoken and written;
• good writing skills and ability to produce clear and well-argued technical documents;
• driving licence essential;
• valid work permit for Switzerland.

Also appreciated:

• proficiency in GIS software, notably QGIS or ArcGIS;
• knowledge in hydrogeology and rock mechanics;
• experience in geotechnical instrumentation: piezometers, inclinometers and measurement monitoring;
• knowledge of procedures and requirements of the Swiss Federal Railways (CFF) or the Federal Roads Office (OFROU);
• experience with public procurement and tenders;
• skills in soil and groundwater pollution;
• good knowledge of spoken and written German.

Expected qualities

• Autonomy and sense of responsibility;
• technical rigour;
• analytical and synthesis skills;
• organisation and respect for deadlines;
• ease in the field;
• ability to make decisions and manage unforeseen events;
• good interpersonal skills with clients and companies;
• ability to work within a small structure;
• versatility, responsiveness and team spirit;
• interest in knowledge transfer and improving working methods.

What we offer

• Varied projects in geology, geotechnics, hydrogeology and natural hazards;
• close proximity to the field and construction sites;
• real autonomy in project management;
• direct relationship with clients and management;
• short decision-making processes;
• the possibility to directly contribute to the development of Géocimes Switzerland;
• expanded technical, commercial and organisational responsibilities;
• remuneration defined according to experience, skills, level of autonomy, and commercial results,
• A career prospect potentially leading, in the long term, to taking over Géocimes Switzerland.

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