Staff Scientist

Schnabel is an 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 650+ employees in 30 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 an employee-owned company, through the Employee Stock Ownership Plan, Schnabel employees directly benefit from the success of our growing firm. 

Benefit Options Include:

• Medical insurance
• Dental insurance
• Flexible spending accounts
• Employee life & ADD insurance (100% company-paid)
• Short-term disability (100% company-paid)
• Long-term disability
• Supplemental life insurance
• 401(k) and profit-sharing plan
• Employee stock ownership plan (ESOP)
• Bonus program
• Paid time off
• 9 Paid Holidays
• Wellness program
• Professional development and tuition reimbursement

Job Description:

Are you looking for interesting, challenging, and meaningful work, a fun and flexible atmosphere, and opportunities to learn, grow, and excel? If so, then apply to Schnabel! We approach problems with creativity and innovation. The Blacksburg, VA office is seeking an entry level (Staff) Scientist to join our team of multi-disciplinary professionals. We are looking for a motivated candidate able to learn quickly, with a desire to develop both field and analytical skills, and a desire to be part of a strong team.

The successful candidate will be able and willing to travel nationally and internationally to support field work during design and construction of projects, particularly data center projects.  

Job Responsibilities:

• Use GIS and GPS to aid in planning and executing geotechnical related field work 
• Observation and oversight of drilling including soil/rock logging and installation of monitoring wells 
• Oversight of subcontractors including drillers and traffic control 
• Create basic plans and figures using AutoCAD and GIS 
• Assign and review laboratory tests 
• Observe geotechnical-related construction and perform materials testing 
• Plan and coordinate geotechnical and materials testing field work 
• Prepare field reports 
• Review geotechnical and materials testing reports 
• Perform calculations to support geotechnical designs 
• Provide support on preparation of geotechnical reports and proposals 

Required Skills/Experience:

• Bachelor's Degree in Geology or a related field such as Earth Sciences 
• 0-3 years of professional experience 
• Excellent oral and written communication skills 
• Positive attitude 
• Ability to multi-task 
• Strong work ethic and a desire for continual self-improvement 
• Strong organizational and time management skills 
• Willingness and ability to perform outdoor field work
• Willingness and ability to travel (up to 75%); and 
• Ability to lift 60 pounds and be physically able to negotiate construction sites, enter trenches, climb ladders, and work outside. 

Desired Skills/Experience:

• Prior internship or professional work in a related field
• GIT certification  

Other Requirements:

• Ability to pass a background check which may include criminal history, motor vehicle record and credit check.
• Ability to pass a pre-employment screening.
• U.S. Citizenship or Permanent Resident status is required. No visa sponsorship will be provided.

The compensation range for this position is between $57,200 to $86,000. Compensation for this position may vary based on geographic location and other factors. We remain committed to providing competitive and equitable compensation to all employees, regardless of their location.