HDR

Trenchless Geotechnical Team Lead - (187905)

At HDR, our employee-owners are fully engaged in creating a welcoming environment where each of us is valued and respected, a place where everyone is empowered to bring their authentic selves and novel ideas to work every day. As we foster a culture of inclusion throughout our company and within our communities, we constantly ask ourselves: What is our impact on the world?

Watch Our Story:' https://www.hdrinc.com/our-story'

Each and every role throughout our organization makes a difference in our ability to change the world for the better. Read further to learn how you could help make great things possible not only in your community, but around the world.

Primary Responsibilities

The Trenchless Geotechnical Lead will report to the Trenchless Services Engineering Lead, having primary responsibilities revolving around the planning, managing and orchestrating of geologic and geotechnical initiatives associated with trenchless technologies: engineering, design and construction applications. The Trenchless Geotechnical Team Lead will contribute to the Trenchless Program by: utilizing experience and expertise to apply geologic information to applicable engineering and design practices; leading, coordinating and executing geotechnical exploration campaigns; evaluating subsurface conditions for impacts to feasibility of design and construction; determining recommendations for solutions to problematic geologic conditions, and interfacing with the broader team to integrate geotechnical data, concepts and considerations into project deliverables.

Expected day-to-day tasks include:

• Focus on leading and executing comprehensive geotechnical investigations for various trenchless projects. This will include completing field work to direct and oversee subcontracted geotechnical drilling crews for the exploratory campaign, perform field soil and rock logging and testing, collect geotechnical data, coordinate laboratory programs, analyze data, and generate reports.
• Lead and generate geotechnical data reports and geotechnical engineering reports.
• Serve as a local resource to HDR’s Area of Operations, representing HDR’s Trenchless Services team to complete geotechnical investigations, site visits, and attend client meetings as required.
• Support geotechnical data management utilizing OpenGround and/or gINT software, which will also include generating deliverables using the same, such as boring logs and cross sections to be included on design drawings.
• Perform data management and quality control of geological data.
• Aid in geotechnical analyses of subsurface conditions, including calculating subsurface parameters required in geotechnical models such as hydraulic fracture and inadvertent returns analyses (HFIAs). The Team lead will be expected to assess subsurface conditions with intent to interpret impacts to/from Trenchless projects and assist the Team and clients in addressing problematic subsurface conditions to provide recommendations for mitigation as needed throughout the lifecycle of trenchless projects (planning through construction).
• Interpret subsurface conditions and lead efforts for incorporating pertinent geological and geotechnical data/information into critical determinations during design and construction. This routinely includes creating geological cross sections to be utilized in HFIAs, and assist in generating design reports.
• Advance capabilities in software programs to allow for assistance in generating trenchless deliverables. Programs may include, but aren’t limited to, gINT, OpenGround, ArcGIS Pro and AutoCAD Civil 3D.
• Supporting other business groups within the broader HDR organization since Trenchless services are commodity neutral.
• Support as needed, Trenchless engineering, design and field services efforts across all regions and Areas (including Transportation, Water, Federal, Resources, etc. Business Groups). While in the field for trenchless construction services, the Trenchless Geotechnical Lead will monitor and report on daily construction activities, interface with construction contractors and communicate effectively to clients and team members off-site.
• Travel as necessary, including longer term travel, to perform field work. Field-based responsibilities will primarily include site reconnaissance, geotechnical field logging, and oversight of geotechnical field investigations. While in the field, the Trenchless Geotechnical Lead will monitor and report on daily activities, run various geological field tests, interpret lab test results for soil and rock samples, provide maintenance of field test equipment, and present field data in a timely manner with a high level of quality.
• Lead and manage workload and delegate responsibilities to other geologists or geotechnical professionals as necessary to execute the geotechnical investigation campaigns for trenchless projects.
• Lead and manage a team of geotechnical-focused individuals, that may include geologists, specialists or other engineers. The team lead will manage workload and accountability and perform routine communications, mentoring and performance reviews of direct reports as well as organizational required trainings for managers. Planning, resource forecasting, cost estimating, scheduling and risk management for all geological and geotechnical initiatives are also included in the primary responsibilities of the Trenchless Geotechnical Team Lead.

This role will provide significant opportunity for professional growth and development. The individual hired into this role will have primary responsibilities revolving around the planning, managing and orchestrating geologic and geotechnical initiatives associated with trenchless technologies: engineering, design and construction applications. The Trenchless Geotechnical Team Lead will be a dedicated resource to the Trenchless Service Line; however, the candidate will support additional geological and geotechnical related initiatives for projects across multiple business units and sectors as identified and time is allocated. The Trenchless Geotechnical Team Lead will serve in a leadership role for the Trenchless Services team, and annual goals/objectives will generally include expanding the team’s focus on geological and geotechnical based services through additional new-hires and direct reports for the selected candidate to lead and manage. The individual will be proficient with the use of gINT software, helping to fully develop our Trenchless team’s geotechnical database and project deliverables. The individual will assess geotechnical data and determine subsurface material characteristics and parameters, then use the information to analyze how the subsurface conditions will affect trenchless design and construction. Additional skill sets in ArcGIS Pro and AutoCAD Civil 3D software are desired, such that the candidate can use these programs for creating boring location maps, geologic maps, and geologic cross sections.

A candidate for this position must be a leader, self-motivated, accountable, responsible, reliable, and have strong abilities to work autonomously and communicate effectively, particularly when required to work from remote field locations. The individual must be open to travel, extensive hours at times, and outdoor work in order to support and complete assignments which are often field-based work, such as: onsite reconnaissance, geotechnical drilling, sampling, and logging, and performing trenchless construction oversight and inspection. As well, strong written and verbal communications skills are a must in order for successful integration into multidisciplinary project teams within HDR and client interfacing for project delivery. The targeted individual is highly motivated towards meeting project and team requirements and deadlines, technical advancement, and continuous improvement. In return, the candidate will receive continuous support from highly trained professionals dedicated to developing top quality deliverables utilizing Best Management Practices as they are recognized in the Trenchless Industry.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in the OpenGround software.
• Proven history of ability to work and communicate successfully in remote work environments.
• Experience leading and managing direct reports.
• Experience managing subconsultants.
• Four-year degree with a concentration in Geotechnical Engineering, Geological Engineering, Geology, or other related field required.
• Team oriented with strong desire to lead and drive geotechnical initiatives by being accountable and reliable for contributions to our Trenchless Services Team as well as larger multidisciplinary project teams during project delivery.
• Excellent interpersonal and customer service skills are a must.
• Proficient in MS Word and Excel, gINT Software Products, ArcGIS, AutoDesk.
• Strong writing skills.
• Travel is required.
• PE and/or PG credentials.
• Knowledge and a good understanding of ASTM Standards for geotechnical concepts and subsurface material classification(s) based on various testing methods.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent experience
• A minimum of 7 years experience
• Professional registration, license or certification may be required based on role
• Strong communication and listening skills
• Ability to handle multiple assignments
• Good leadership and organizational skills
• An attitude and commitment to being an active participant of our employee-owned culture is a must

What We Believe

HDR is our company. Together, we build on each other's life experiences and perspectives to make great things possible every day. This shapes our collaborative culture, encourages organizational trust and connects us closer to the clients and communities we serve.

Our Commitment

As employee owners, we all have a role in creating an inclusive environment where each of us is welcomed, valued, respected and empowered to bring our authentic selves to work every day.

Our eight Employee Network Groups (Asian Pacific, Black, Hispanic/Latino(a), LGBTQ+, People with Disabilities, Veterans, Women, Young Professionals) help create a sense of belonging and foster a supportive environment where everyone is empowered to engage and contribute. Each group has an executive sponsor and is open to all employees.

We provide a comprehensive benefits package that promotes employee ownership, employee health, performance, and success, which includes medical, dental, vision, short and long-term disability, life insurance, an employee assistance program, paid time away, parental leave, paid holidays, a retirement savings plan with employer match, employee referral bonus and tuition reimbursement. The expected compensation range for this position depends upon skills, experience, education and geographical location. (Stated benefits are for full-time regular positions. Temporary and part-time roles eligible for limited benefits.) Minnesota: $112,529 - $160,755

Primary Location

: United States-Minnesota-Saint Louis Park

Other Locations

: United States-Wisconsin-Madison

Industry

: Industrial

Schedule

: Full-time

Employee Status

: Regular

BusinessClass: Industrial Services

Job Posting

: Oct 8, 2025