JOB PROFILE
JOB STORE # 278
TITLE: GEOTECHNICAL ASSISTANT
CLASSIFICATION: SCIENTIFIC TECHNICAL OFFICER 18
JOB OVERVIEW
To provide engineering technical services to support the achievement of project and/or program objectives.
ACCOUNTABILITIES
Required:
 The principal function of this position is to perform skilled technical duties in the field and office that
include soil survey, field investigations for geotechnical designs (drilling & testpitting), and aggregate
investigation (examining data and reports to determine types of excavation materials; developing
diagrams and plans showing excavation and aggregate sources, materials inspection (existence of
geotechnical problems and methods of overcoming them); and incorporating relevant data into
contract documentation); overseeing laboratory testing, instrumentation (Slope Indicators,
piezometers, tilt plates, etc), data plotting & analysis, terrain mapping, graphics technology services,
and pavement evaluation as they relate to highway planning, design, construction, paving (choosing
appropriate pavement design elements based on geotechnical recommendations) and maintenance to
support the achievement of project and/or program objectives.

Conducts analysis and interpretation using engineering principles to draw conclusions, make
recommendations, and prepare reports.

Prepares contract, project and/or proposal documents incorporating technical standards in a speciality
area (i.e. geotechnical and/or highway engineering, gravel resources, survey, construction) and
provides recommendations and support to the project and/or program area including preliminary cost
estimates.

Uses advanced software (i.e. CaiCe, Autocad), database tools and electronic/technical measuring (i.e.
survey), sampling and/or recording equipment (i.e. nuclear moisture-density gauges, settlement plates,
piezometers, post-tensioning gauges) to produce engineering products.

Responds to queries from consultants, contractors, professional staff and field staff regarding
interpretation of technical contract drawings.

Keeps current on information within specialty and/or program area.

Recommends solutions to problems encountered in the field (i.e. instrumentation, testpitting and
testhole locations, types and sizes of culverts, survey methods, changes to pit development plans,
construction procedures).

Attends local meetings to present general information to contractors as point of contact for
project/program.

Maintains quality and integrity of corporate data in information management systems.
Career Group:
Job Family:
Scientific/Technical
Engineering
Job Stream:
Role:
Revised Date:
Technical
August 2011

Examines geotechnical data and reports to determine types of excavation materials, existence of
geotechnical problems and methods of overcoming them; chooses appropriate pavement design
elements based on geotechnical recommendations; develops diagrams and plans showing excavation
and gravel sources and haul distance schedules; incorporates relevant data into contract
documentation.
JOB REQUIREMENTS

Diploma in civil engineering or related field. An equivalent combination of education and experience
may be considered.

Work experience in a related field.

Experience and knowledge of field investigations.

Experience working around equipment.

Preferred: experience working outdoors.

Valid B.C. driver’s licence.

Meet safety standards of Work Safe BC.

Ability to conduct field work which may include travel by vehicle, boat, helicopter and/or outdoor work
in all weather conditions.

Ability to operate various types of equipment.

Ability to lift and carry samples, equipment and supplies which can sometimes be in difficult terrain.

Successful completion of security screening requirements of the BC Public Service, which may include a
criminal records check, and/or Criminal Records Review Act (CRRA) check, and/or enhanced security
screening checks as required by the ministry (Note: It is important that you read the job posting
carefully to understand the specific security screening requirements pertaining to the position).
BEHAVIOURAL COMPETENCIES

Information Seeking is driven by a desire to know more about things, people or issues. It implies going
beyond the questions that are routine or required in the job. It may include "digging" or pressing for
exact information; resolution of discrepancies by asking a series of questions; or less-focused
environmental "scanning" for potential opportunities or miscellaneous information that may be of
future use.

Planning, Organizing and Coordinating involves proactively planning, establishing priorities and
allocating resources. It is expressed by developing and implementing increasingly complex plans. It also
involves monitoring and adjusting work to accomplish goals and deliver to the organization's mandate.

Problem Solving/Judgement is the ability to analyze problems systematically, organize information,
identify key factors, identify underlying causes and generate solutions.
Career Group:
Job Family:
Scientific/Technical
Engineering
Job Stream:
Role:
Revised Date:
Technical
August 2011