Early-Career Civil / Geotechnical Engineer (Dams & Levees)

Davis, CAFull-time$73.9k–$92.4kPosted Aug 7, 2026

Overview

Do you want to build an impactful career to change the world for the better? 

Geosyntec is seeking an Early Career Civil/Geotechnical Engineer (Dams & Levees) in our Davis, California, office to support dams, levees, and other water infrastructure projects. In this role, you will apply your academic background to real-world dam safety, flood protection, water containment, and heavy civil infrastructure work while learning from experienced civil, geotechnical, and risk-informed-design professionals. You will gain hands-on experience in dam and levee design, field investigations, engineering analysis, construction engineering support, construction observation, and technical reporting. This position provides a strong foundation for a consulting career through practical field experience, technical development, interdisciplinary collaboration, and mentorship on resilient infrastructure solutions.

 

Geosyntec is an innovative, international engineering and consulting firm serving private and public-sector clients to address new ventures and complex problems involving our environment, natural resources, and civil infrastructure. Our engineers, scientists, and technical professionals serve our clients worldwide. Ranked by ENR as one of the top environmental engineering design firms, Geosyntec is internationally known for its technical leadership, broad experience, and exceptional client service.

 

We invest in our people. Each employee’s journey at Geosyntec is unique. We offer competitive pay and benefits, and well-being programs to support you and your family.

 

To Learn More Visit: http://www.geosyntec.com/careers/.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

  • Support dam and levee design projects.
  • Participate in field investigations for dams, levees, embankments, and related water infrastructure, including drilling observation, sampling, logging, and field documentation.
  • Assist with site inspections, condition assessments, and engineering evaluations of existing dams, levees, spillways, outlet works, and appurtenant structures.
  • Perform basic civil and/or geotechnical calculations and data evaluations with senior guidance, including slope stability, seepage, and settlement.
  • Contribute to design and rehabilitation projects involving embankments, foundations, seepage controls, drainage systems, erosion protection, and retaining structures.
  • Prepare field notes, data summaries, calculations, reports, drawings, specifications, and other project deliverables.
  • Perform construction observation and quality assurance for earthwork, foundation preparation, materials testing, and instrumentation installation.
  • Work with multidisciplinary teams to develop practical, constructible solutions for public and private clients.
  • Drive personal, company, and rental vehicles to client or company office sites, project sites, and other business locations, as needed.

Education and Licensure

  • Bachelor’s degree in civil engineering, geotechnical engineering, geological engineering, or a closely related engineering discipline. (required)
  • Coursework or academic project experience in soil mechanics, foundation engineering, slope stability, seepage, earth structures, or dam/levee engineering. (preferred)
  • Engineer-in-Training (EIT) certification. (preferred)

Skills, Experience and Qualifications

  • Prior internship or work experience in engineering. (preferred)
  • Interest in dams, levees, water infrastructure, earthworks, foundations, and heavy civil construction. 
  • Familiarity with geotechnical field methods, laboratory testing, soil and rock classification, groundwater observations, and subsurface data interpretation. (preferred)
  • Exposure to AutoCAD/Civil 3D or similar tools. (preferred)
  • Strong written and oral communication skills, attention to detail, sound engineering judgment, and willingness to learn from senior technical mentors. (required)
  • Ability to work in field and office settings, including field work and overnight travel. (required)
  • Health & Safety training, medical monitoring, and client-driven drug and background testing. (required)
  • Valid U.S. driver’s license and a satisfactory driving record for business travel. (required)  

This opportunity will be posted for at least five days. Below are the potential compensation ranges that we in good faith believe are applicable for this role at the time of this posting and are only applicable for jobs to be performed in the specified location(s) below. The typical base salary range for this position is just one component of Geosyntec’s total compensation package for employees. Actual compensation will be determined based on education, experience, skill set and location.

  • Minimum: $73,880 /year / Maximum: $92,350/year (Davis, CA)

We offer a comprehensive benefits package including, paid holidays, vacation, sick, and personal paid time off, medical, dental, vision, life, and disability insurance, 401(k), and other benefits to eligible employees.

 

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