Port Authority of NY & NJ Careers

About the Role

Reporting to the Chief of Materials Engineering, and under the direct supervision of the Supervisor of the Geotechnical Laboratory, the Staff Services Engineer (Materials) will be responsible for conducting soils sampling, inspections, testing, and analyses in support of Port Authority of NY & NJ contracts and programs. The position is primarily for field, laboratory and office work including sampling of construction materials, inspection and testing of contract work in progress, supervision of call-in consultants, and management of boring operations at facilities within the Port District. Knowledge of ASTM and AASHTO testing standards and hands-on familiarity with inspection and testing procedures and equipment is required for quality acceptance of soils 

Responsibilities

Specific tasks include:

• Laboratory Testing
  • Geotechnical Sampling, Testing and Analysis for the following:
    • Consolidation tests
    • Atterberg limits
    • California Bearing Ratio (CBRs)
    • Rock classification and Rock Quality Designation (RQD) and unconfined compressive strength tests
    • Unconsolidated Undrained and Consolidated Undrained triaxial shear tests
    • Soil classification as per a modified Burmister system
    • Organic content in soils by loss on ignition
    • Grain size analysis
    • Particle size analysis of soils by hydrometer
    • Specific gravity of soils
    • Moisture density (Proctor) of soils
    • Gradation of coarse and fine aggregates
    • Permeability tests
    • Corrosivity testing of soils including pH and resistivity
• Construction Materials Sampling and Testing
  • Participate in on-site audits conducted by accrediting agencies to maintain laboratory certifications
  • Oversee construction materials testing programs, including AASHTO re:source certification programs participation and staff supervision
  • Assist with calibration and maintenance of field and laboratory instrumentation, including nuclear density gauges, pH meters, and turbidity meters
  • Provide quality assurance inspection and testing of construction materials
  • Perform materials testing, including but not limited to acoustical water leak detection, dynamic coefficient of friction testing of flooring materials, and XRF testing or soils and alloys
  • Investigate new technologies related to testing of soils and materials
• Geotechnical and Environmental Field Inspection and Sampling
  • Oversee the installation of borings and wells
  • Inspect and verify proper installation of rock anchors and tiebacks
  • Verify pile load testing
  • Oversee cone penetrometer testing
  • Perform percolation testing
  • Perform dynamic cone penetrometer testing
  • Assist with one-call requests
  • Assist with setup and calibration of field instrumentation, such as PIDs
• Manage and schedule field and laboratory work for call-in consultants
• Management and oversight of MEU Call-In Agreements for Marine Condition Surveys and CCTV Inspections
• Perform the tasks of the Geotechnical Laboratory Supervisor when the incumbent is unavailable, such as when on vacation

Minimum Qualifications

The ideal candidate will present the following qualifications profile:

• Five to seven years’ experience in geotechnical sampling and testing
• Completed OSHA 40-hour HAZWOPER training and current refresher
• Completed OSHA 30-hour Construction Safety Training
• Certified as a NICET Level II in Construction Materials Testing Soils and ACI Aggregate I
• Certified to operate a nuclear density gauge
• Demonstrated skills for problem solving, negotiation, conflict resolution and ability to recommend innovations.
• Strong oral and written communication skills
• Self-motivated, team leader, experienced in the overall quality of geotechnical work.
• A Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university in science or engineering, with course work in geotechnical engineering or geology
• Possess a valid driver’s license
• Ability to obtain security clearance (10-year background check) for restricted airport work

Desired Qualifications

• Master’s degree from an accredited college or university in geology or geotechnical engineering
• New York State Professional Geology License

Selection Process

The application process varies by position, but typically includes an initial phone interview for qualified candidates, followed by a more in-depth interview(s) and/or assessment(s). Selected candidates who are made a conditional job offer will be asked to undergo a background check.

Compensation & Benefits

The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey offers a competitive benefits package, hybrid work options for many positions, and a professional environment that supports development and recognizes achievement.

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