Project Manager / Senior Civil Engineer – Geotechnical and Dams at Schnabel Inc. in Lexington, Kentucky

Job Description:

Schnabel is a 100% employee-owned, professional engineering and consulting firm that focuses on solving problems related to the earth and environment through specialization in geotechnical, geostructural, tunnel, and dam engineering. Schnabel’s high standards for quality, business ethics, and concern for the communities in which we live are a vital part of who we are. Schnabel is an ENR Top 500 Design Firm with nearly 500 employees in 24 offices throughout the United States.

Recognized by CE News as one of the Best Engineering Firms to Work for, Schnabel provides employees with a competitive benefits package including maternity leave, tuition reimbursement for continuing education, health, dental, life and disability insurance and a wellness program. As a 100% employee-owned company, through the Employee Stock Ownership Plan, Schnabel employees directly benefit from the success of our growing firm.

Job Description:

Are you looking for interesting and meaningful work, a fun and innovative atmosphere, and opportunities to learn, grow, lead, and excel? If so, then welcome to Schnabel! The Lexington, Kentucky office is seeking a Project Manager / Senior Civil Engineer with background in geotechnical and/or dam safety engineering. This position will allow you to apply your skills in the assessment, design, and construction of geohazard mitigation, dam rehabilitations and design of new dams, hydraulic structures, and geostructural solutions.  As a Project Manager and Senior Civil Engineer, you will lead diverse teams of engineers and scientists to develop proposals, engage in pre-positioning for strategic pursuits, perform client interaction and management, serve in technical leadership roles at the project level, and deliver projects with high quality standards and attention to detail.  

We are looking for experienced, motivated candidates with attention to detail, a passion for continued learning and professional development, and a desire to be part of a strong multi-disciplinary team. 

The Lexington office focuses on the evaluation, design, and construction quality assurance for geohazard mitigation solutions, dam safety modifications and new dams, reinforced concrete structures, and geotechnical foundation designs for various types of infrastructure. Example projects include landslide remediations, dam rehabilitations, new dam design, transmission tower foundation design, and instrumentation and monitoring of critical infrastructure.  

Job Responsibilities:

• Provide geotechnical and dam safety engineering expertise, technical oversight and overall management of projects with varying size and complexity.


• Collaborate with peers in offices across the United States and across various technical disciplines to achieve project goals. Other disciplines may include geotechnical, civil, structural, H&H, and mechanical engineers, and geologists, environmental scientists, and construction technicians.


• Prepare and review design calculations, engineering analyses and technical reports, and construction drawings and technical specifications.


• Develop and manage client relationships.


• Attend industry events for continued learning and networking opportunities.


• Develop engineering proposals and qualification statements.


• Manage projects, including planning and delegating work, managing budget and schedule, invoicing, communicating resource needs, reporting backlog, and supporting operations at the office and Business Unit level.


• Work as a team member within the Lexington office and across other Schnabel offices to effectively balance workload among available resources.


• Supervise and mentor junior engineers.

Required Skills/Experience:

• A Bachelor’s Degree or higher in Civil Engineering or other related engineering discipline from an ABET-accredited program. 


• Licensed Professional Engineer and ability to obtain reciprocity in other states.


• 8 to 15 years of relevant work experience in geotechnical and/or dam safety engineering.


• Proficiency with relevant software suites such as GeoStudio, AutoCAD, Primavera P6, etc.


• Experience preparing and reviewing construction drawings and technical specifications.


• Experience and knowledge of permitting processes and state regulations for dams in Kentucky and surrounding states.


• Project management/leadership experience


• Excellent oral and written communication skills.


• A strong work ethic and the desire to perform professionally at a high level.


• Ability to work independently or as part of a team.


• Attention to detail and well-organized.

Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities

The contractor will not discharge or in any other manner discriminate against employees or applicants because they have inquired about, discussed, or disclosed their own pay or the pay of another employee or applicant. However, employees who have access to the compensation information of other employees or applicants as a part of their essential job functions cannot disclose the pay of other employees or applicants to individuals who do not otherwise have access to compensation information, unless the disclosure is (a) in response to a formal complaint or charge, (b) in furtherance of an investigation, proceeding, hearing, or action, including an investigation conducted by the employer, or (c) consistent with the contractor’s legal duty to furnish information. 41 CFR 60-1.35(c)

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