Job Description
Terracon is seeking a Geotechnical Department Manager to join our team in St. Louis, Missouri!

In this leadership role, you will oversee a well-established team of dedicated geotechnical professionals who support a wide range of projects across the St. Louis metropolitan area and surrounding regions. Our work encompasses infrastructure and commercial development, as well as digital infrastructure, industrial facilities, power generation and transmission (PG&T), transportation, and federal sector projects.

From major freeways, interchanges, bridges, and parkways to high-profile commercial and mixed-use developments, our team plays a critical role in delivering technically sound, high-visibility projects. Many of these efforts receive recognition across our nationwide organization for their complexity, impact, and quality of execution

You’ll be responsible for managing project execution, ensuring client requirements and company standards are met while maintaining safety and quality expectations. You will also be responsible for growth of the department and play a key role in business development, client engagement, and strategic planning.
If you’re ready for a new challenge, eager to make an impact, and passionate about leading others to success—come Explore with Us at Terracon!

Essential Roles and Responsibilities

• Leadership & Team Development
  • Inspire and guide a dynamic team by providing direction, mentorship, and performance management for a growing team of geotechnical professionals.
  • Develop and manage staffing plans, support recruitment and onboarding, and foster professional development.
  • Set a long-term vision for the department and align the team to achieve strategic goals.
  • Lead by example, modeling a culture of accountability, integrity, and collaboration.
• Business & Client Development
  • Lead client engagement efforts by identifying emerging opportunities, developing strategies, and building lasting relationships.
  • Serve as the "face" of Terracon in the St. Louis market—actively promoting our brand and capabilities.
  • Actively pursue new business and support proposal and cost estimate preparation.
• Project & Operational Management
  • Oversee project execution to ensure compliance with scope, budget, schedule, and safety standards.
  • Monitor and manage department performance metrics including revenue growth, chargeability, billing/collections, and profitability.
  • Maintain a strong understanding of project-related risk and implement appropriate mitigation strategies.
• Quality & Safety Leadership
  • Champion a safety-first culture through pre-task planning, adherence to safety policies, and team accountability.
  • Promote continuous quality improvement and ensure quality standards are upheld across all projects.
  • Engage in project reviews and ensure quality is embedded from project initiation.
  • Foster a culture of consistent excellence by setting clear expectations, reinforcing best practices, and driving accountability for high performance across all aspects of project delivery.
• Culture & Vision
  • Encourage innovation and continuous improvement across all functions.
  • Lead with empathy—balancing results with a people-first approach.
  • Actively seek client feedback to improve service delivery and foster long-term partnerships.
  • Be present and engaged—this role is based in the office and requires hands-on leadership.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Civil or Geological Engineering; MS in Geotechnical Engineering preferred.
• Minimum of 8 years of progressive experience in geotechnical engineering.
• Demonstrated leadership or supervisory experience.
• Valid driver’s license with acceptable driving record.

Required Certification

• Professional Engineer (PE) license in Missouri and Illinois (or ability to obtain through reciprocity).

About Terracon
Terracon is a 100 percent employee-owned multidiscipline consulting firm comprised of more than 7,000 curious minds focused on solving engineering and technical challenges from more than 180 locations nationwide. Since 1965, Terracon has evolved into a successful multi-discipline firm specializing in environmental, facilities, geotechnical, and materials services. Terracon’s growth is due to our talented employee-owners exceeding expectations in client service and growing their careers with new and exciting opportunities in the marketplace.

Terracon’s vision of “Together, we are best at people” is demonstrated through our excellent compensation and benefits package. Based on eligibility, role and job status, we offer many programs including medical, dental, vision, life insurance, 401(k) plan, paid time off and holidays, education reimbursement, and various bonus programs.
EEO Statement
Terracon is an EEO employer. We encourage qualified minority, female, veteran and disabled candidates to apply and be considered for open positions. We do not discriminate against any applicant for employment, or any employee because of race, color, religion, national origin, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender, disability, age, or military status.