Geotechnical Engineering and Material Lab Supervisor

Position Information

The TxDOT Houston District has a supervisor position open to oversee Geotechnical Engineering and Material Testing. In this role, you will be responsible for all district laboratory operations as well as Geotechnical Engineering for TxDOT design projects. You will oversee a small team of Engineers and technicians as well as certify area office and consultant laboratories. In addition, you will manage consultant contracts and research projects.

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 transportation engineering work in one or more functional areas such as planning, design, construction, transportation/traffic operations, maintenance and bridge inspection. Ensures compliance with applicable federal and state laws, policies, procedures, standards and guidelines. Work requires contact with governmental officials, private entities and/or contractors. Employees at this level are virtually self-supervising and assume direct accountability for the work product.

Essential Duties:

• Coordinates with other engineers in the district and with the Materials and Pavements Section of the Construction Division concerning material testing, specifications and material failures.
• Develops and monitors budget.
• Develops and oversees laboratory and geotechnical consultant contracts.
• Directs and monitors research projects.
• Investigates roadway material failures and recommends solutions.
• Makes presentations and represents TxDOT.
• Monitors contract performance, evaluates contract deliverables, reviews billing documentation, monitors the consultant's compliance with the terms of the contract, and/or prepares and delivers a written evaluation of the consultant's performance.
• Oversees district laboratory operations and monitors material testing requirements and results for compliance with specifications.
• Performs other job responsibilities as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications:

Education: Bachelor's degree in engineering or related science bachelor's or higher degree accepted by TX PELS.

Experience:

• • 4 year's experience in transportation engineering. (Experience can be satisfied by full time or prorated part time equivalent). Related graduate level education may be substituted for experience on a year per year basis. Substitutions for Minimum Qualifications
  • Must have one (1) year supervisory/managerial experience. Project leader or lead worker experience may substitute for supervisory/managerial experience.

Licenses and Certifications:

• Valid driver's license. This position requires driving a state vehicle.
• Licensed Prof Engineer *

*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:
  • Hydrologic, hydraulic and geotechnical design activities and principles
  • Materials used in highway/bridge construction and maintenance
  • Applicable testing methods, processes and procedures
• Expert skill in:
  • Applying engineering principles, practices, and methods in job responsibilities
• Proficient skill in:
  • Supervising technical staff
  • Directing and establishing objectives; clarifying roles and responsibilities through individual performance plans; monitoring and measuring performance against goals; evaluating results and making necessary adjustments to meet deadlines
  • Developing, interpreting, and implementing policies, procedures, and technical information
  • 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
  • Prioritizing and organizing work assignments
• Ability to:
  • Communicate effectively
• Provides organizational leadership; fosters collaborative relationships; initiates and supports quality management activities and performance management measures to provide the highest quality products and services

Physical Requirements and Working Conditions:

• Subject to inside and outside environmental conditions
• Subject to hazards - moving vehicles/mechanical parts, high places/heat, or chemicals
• Subject to atmospheric conditions - fumes, odors, dusts, mists, gases, poor ventilation
• Required to wear protective gear - respirator, hard hat, or other devices
• Medium work: Lift up to 50 lbs. at a time and frequently lift or carry objects up to 25 lbs.
• Standing - prolonged periods of time
• Walking - moving on foot to accomplish tasks: long distance/from one work site to another
• 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.