Technical Lead - Geophysical Survey & Geotechnical Evaluation

Job description – Technical Lead: Geophysical Survey & Geotechnical Evaluation

Company Overview:

Benthic Geoscience is a leading geophysical survey and geotechnical evaluation company providing comprehensive data collection services for a wide range of industries. Our company specializes in mobile platform surveys using sonar, lidar, and other measurement technologies. Surveys are executed in rivers, lakes, oceans, and terrestrial environments. We deliver high-quality, reliable, and precise results using cutting-edge technology and a team of highly skilled professionals. We are seeking a Technical Lead to join our team, bringing deep technical expertise, party chief experience, and leadership skills.

Job Location: Palmer, Alaska (with potential for travel to field sites)

Job Type: Full-time

Job Summary:
The Technical Lead will oversee the progress and lead processing activities for high resolution, remotely sensed geophysical survey projects. The Technical Lead will also manage the integration of survey data and ensure the technical quality of all client specifications. This role requires a senior-level professional with significant experience in conducting hydrographic surveys, geophysical surveys, geotechnical evaluations, and the interpretation of the survey products and delivering the product to client specifications. Benthic is a company that works in diverse environments. We operate in remote environments, on land, in the air and at sea. The majority of our work takes place at sea; however, we also operate in riverine and lacustrine environments. There will be some expectations for field operations, although work is primarily in the processing center. The Technical Lead will also be responsible for the operation and maintenance of survey equipment during execution of the project(s), as well as exhibit leadership in troubleshooting, data processing, and analysis. Proven leadership skills are essential for success in this role.

Key Responsibilities:

Survey Leadership:

• Lead and manage geotechnical and geophysical survey projects from award to deliverables. Work with Project Management to coordinate field operations, ensuring proper execution of surveys in river, lake, ocean, and terrestrial environments.

Office-based work:

• Participate in conceptual planning and proposals. Develop project execution plans. Supervise and quality assure data processing, data interpretation, and client deliverables.

Field-based work:

• Ability to spend up to 120 days in the field.

Equipment Management:

• Oversee the deployment, calibration, and maintenance of survey equipment, including sonars, geophysical instruments, and data collection tools. Ensure proper function of both hardware and software systems used in data collection and processing.

Data Processing and Analysis:

• Supervise the processing, interpretation, and analysis of survey data, ensuring high-quality and accurate results. Expertise in data processing software is required to handle complex geophysical and geotechnical datasets.

Team Collaboration:

• Work closely with survey teams and other stakeholders to ensure effective communication, collaboration, and adherence to project specifications. Provide mentorship to junior surveyors and staff, ensuring professional development and skills enhancement.

Client Representative Interaction:

• Engage with client representatives to understand survey requirements, provide progress updates, and deliver final reports. Manage client relationships with a focus on satisfaction and repeat business.

Safety and Compliance:

• Ensure compliance with all safety regulations, standards, and environmental guidelines while performing surveys. Promote a strong safety culture within the team.

Qualifications and Skills:

Experience:

• At least 10 years of experience in geophysical and geotechnical survey work.
• Extensive experience mobilizing, operating and managing survey vessels.
• Proven experience in conducting surveys in diverse environments, including rivers, lakes, oceans, and terrestrial sites.

Technical Expertise:

• Strong technical understanding of geophysical and geotechnical data collection methodologies.
• Proficiency in the troubleshooting and operation of survey equipment, including various sonar systems, geotechnical testing equipment, and associated tools.
• Familiarity with survey data processing software (e.g. QINSy, Caris, Qimera, IHS Kingdom, ArcGIS, RadEx Pro or similar).

Leadership:

• Strong leadership skills, with the ability to manage a team, mentor junior staff, and ensure the successful execution of complex projects.
• Communication:
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to engage effectively with clients, team members, and other stakeholders.

Education:

• A degree in Geotechnical Engineering, Geophysics, Surveying, or a related field is preferred.

Certifications:

• Certified Hydrographer or Professional Land Surveyor license preferred.

Physical Requirements:

• Ability to work in outdoor environments and potentially challenging terrain (e.g., remote locations, vessels at sea, etc.).
• Must be comfortable working at sea and aboard various survey vessels, large and small.
• Ability to work in an office environment for extended periods of time.

To Apply:
Please submit your resume and cover letter detailing your relevant experience and qualifications to mcornell@benthicgeo.com.