2024 Engineering & Architecture Associates Program - Geotechnical Design

Description

About the Engineering & Architecture Associates Program:

The Engineering & Architecture Associates Program is a two-year rotational program at The Port Authority of New York & New Jersey open to Engineering and Architecture students who are receiving a bachelor’s or master’s degree between September 2023 and May 2024. During their first year, Associates rotate through different Engineering/Architecture disciplines in both construction and design. Associates also rotate through different Port Authority facilities, like: George Washington Bridge; Holland Tunnel; JFK Airport; LaGuardia Airport; Lincoln Tunnel; Newark Airport; PATH; World Trade Center; and more. In their second year, Associates focus on the discipline they applied for. In addition to gaining hands-on experience and becoming part of the team in each rotation, the Engineering & Architecture Associates Program also provides mentorship, professional development, training, networking, and facility tours.

Even though this is a rotational program, Associates are full-time, permanent employees with a yearly salary and benefits. After successful completion of the program, Associates are promoted to Associate Engineer/Architect. As of 2023, there are close to 200 program alumni still working at the agency. Most Associates grow their careers within the Engineering Department (we have Associates who have rose to Chief positions) while others transition to engineering roles in other departments like: Aviation; Operations Services; Major Capital Projects; PATH; Planning & Regional Development; Port; Sustainability; Tunnels, Bridges & Terminals; World Trade Center; and more.

The 2024 cohort is expected to start in the beginning of June.

About the Geotechnical Design Division:

As part of a multi-discipline Engineering Department, the Geotechnical Design Division prepares in-house designs and contract drawings; audits consultant designs for compliance with code and project requirements; reviews inspection reports of Port Authority facilities and recommends design repairs to maintain the facilities in a state of good repair; and performs audits of tenant construction at Port Authority facilities for compliance with applicable codes (all in support of the Port Authority capital and operating programs). The Geotechnical Design Division covers all aspects of geotechnical design such as but not limited to: shallow and deep foundations; surcharge and settlement analyses; micropiles and drilled shafts; retaining walls and temporary support of excavation walls; flood protection and resiliency structures; temporary and permanent soil and rock anchors; jet grouting; grouting for leak mitigation; and seismic site-specific response spectra and liquefaction analyses.

Responsibilities:

While there’s no typical day for an Associate because rotations vary, some examples of responsibilities related to the Geotechnical Design Division include:

• Working with different Engineering/Architecture disciplines and departments
• Visiting different facilities to learn how the Geotechnical Design Division works and coordinates with the other disciplines and departments to complete projects
• Reporting to one of the senior level Geotechnical Engineers, assisting with different aspects of geotechnical design
• Reviewing available data
• Compiling subsurface information for a project site
• Preparing the scope of work for a subsurface investigation program for additional information required for design
• Preparing cross sections of subsurface profiles to summarize soil conditions for a project site
• Performing design calculation and computer analyses required for project design
• Assisting with checking calculations prepared by other Engineers in the group and auditing calculations submitted by consultants
• Assisting with basic AutoCAD work for preparation of location plans and sketches
• Assisting with preparation of PowerPoint presentations

Examples of Rotations for a Geotechnical Design Associate:

The most recent rotations have included: Geotechnical Design; Materials (Soils Laboratory and Field Investigation); Project Delivery; Sustainability & Resiliency Group; Structural Design; and Construction Management at a construction site.

Qualifications:

Candidates must present the following qualifications to be considered eligible for this position:

• Students receiving a bachelor's or master's degree in Geotechnical Engineering, Civil Engineering, or a related discipline between September 2023 and May 2024
• Passion for public service
• Openness to rotating through different units or disciplines and Port Authority facilities (your home address will be taken into consideration when rotations are chosen)
• A valid driver’s license or ability to obtain one within 6 months of being hired.

Desired:

• Master's degree
• Completed four courses in soil mechanics/foundation design 
• Proficient in Micrsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills
• Excellent organizational skills with the ability to work independently on assignments from a senior level engineer
• Familiarity with geotechnical engineering software for finite element analyses; pile and group pile analyses and design; and slope stability analyses
• Experience with AutoCAD for the preparation of location plans and sketches
• Interest in public transportation

How To Apply:

• Click “Apply Now”
• Follow the prompts
• Please submit the following with your application
  1. Resume that clearly indicate when you’re expected to receive your degree in MM/YYYY format.
  2. Cover letter detailing why you’re interested in participating in the Engineering & Architecture Associates Program

Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis. The application deadline is Thursday, November 30, 2023.

How to Apply:

Interested candidates should apply to this job by clicking on the "Apply Now" button and submitting a combined cover letter and resume. The Port Authority of NY & NJ welcomes veteran and military spouse applications.

Only applicants under consideration will be contacted.

About The Port Authority:

Founded in 1921, the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey builds, operates, and maintains many of the most important transportation and trade infrastructure assets in the country. The agency's network of aviation, ground, rail, and seaport facilities is among the busiest in the country, supports more than 550,000 regional jobs, and generates more than twenty three billion in annual wages and eighty billion in annual economic activity. The Port Authority also owns and manages the 16-acre World Trade Center site, where the 1,776-foot-tall One World Trade Center is now the tallest skyscraper in the Western Hemisphere.

Equal Opportunity Employer

The Port Authority of New York & New Jersey/Port Authority Trans-Hudson (PATH) is an Equal Opportunity Employer.