Geotechnical Engineers

Geotechnical Engineers plan, direct and conduct survey work to analyse the likely behaviour of soil and rock when placed under pressure by proposed structures, and design above and below ground foundations.

  • The Job
  • The Facts
  • Related Courses

What the job involves

  • Obtains soil and rock samples at different depths across sites and tests samples to determine strength, compressibility and other factors that affect the behaviour of soil and rock when a structure is imposed and determines the safe load for the soil

Key values of workers in Geotechnical Engineers

  • Support

    Occupations that satisfy this work value offer supportive management that stands behind employees. Corresponding needs are Company Policies, Supervision: Human Relations and Supervision: Technical.

  • Independence

    Occupations that satisfy this work value allow employees to work on their own and make decisions. Corresponding needs are Creativity, Responsibility and Autonomy.

  • Achievement

    Occupations that satisfy this work value are results oriented and allow employees to use their strongest abilities, giving them a feeling of accomplishment. Corresponding needs are Ability Utilization and Achievement.

  • Recognition

    Occupations that satisfy this work value offer advancement, potential for leadership, and are often considered prestigious. Corresponding needs are Advancement, Authority, Recognition and Social Status.

  • Relationships

    Occupations that satisfy this work value allow employees to provide service to others and work with co-workers in a friendly non-competitive environment. Corresponding needs are Co-workers, Moral Values and Social Service.

Top skills required for workers in Geotechnical Engineers

  • Reading Comprehension

    Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work-related documents.

  • Writing

    Communicating effectively in writing as appropriate for the needs of the audience.

  • Speaking

    Talking to others to convey information effectively.

  • Critical Thinking

    Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions, or approaches to problems.

  • Judgment and Decision Making

    Considering the relative costs and benefits of potential actions to choose the most appropriate one.