Collin McCracken
SEATTLE,WA
Summary
Dynamic Senior Geotechnical Engineer with proven expertise at The Riley Group, Inc., specializing in geotechnical evaluation and project management from design through construction. Successfully led site explorations and developed precise proposals, enhancing project profitability. Recognized for strong interpersonal communication and team leadership, ensuring compliance with environmental, regional, and safety regulations and delivering high-quality geotechnical solutions during construction.
Overview
13
13
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Senior Geotechnical Engineer
The Riley Group, Inc.
10.2024 - Current
- Planned and conducted site explorations based on access, mapped soil conditions, and specific construction goals effectively.
- Developed design specifications and drawings for construction projects.
- Evaluated team performance and trained up to 10 staff members, in addition to running the summer internship program hiring 1 to 3 young professionals per year.
- Developed accurate proposals and determined costs for investigation procedures.
- Reviewed calculations and analytical data to maintain accuracy of technical reports.
- Acted as contact for client's communication with field personnel.
- Supported street improvement projects and managed street and pavement projects.
- Maintained compliance with regulatory requirements for water quality protection.
- Performed construction observation and took soil samples.
- Visited project sites during construction to monitor progress and consult with contractors and on-site engineers.
- Displayed strong communication and interpersonal skills while visiting clients, jobsites and consultant offices to support project and business development needs.
- Interacted with state and local agencies concerning compliance with codes and regulations.
- Identified and resolved potential soil structural issues.
Project Geologist
The Riley Group, Inc.
04.2013 - 10.2024
- Planned and performed geotechnical evaluations
- Performed laboratory analysis on samples including moisture, sieve analysis, proctors, Atterbergs, hydrometers, sand equivalents, and others
- Performed field inspections and technical review of construction activities and testing
- Managed scheduling, budgets, and communication with clients, staff, and subcontractors
- Tested soils and materials to determined foundation strength
- Performed construction observation and took soil samples.
- Visited project sites during construction to monitor progress and consult with contractors and on-site engineers.
- Managed dozens of exploration and construction inquiries of up to 30 calls per day
Education
Bachelor of Science - Earth And Space Science
University of Washington
Seattle, WA12-2011
Skills
- Proposal creation and site exploration planning based on site conditions and proposed construction
- Geotechnical exploration management, monitoring, and review
- Laboratory analysis and management
- Plan review and crafting responses to comments from governing bodies
- Construction inspection proposals
- Project management through construction
- Observation and testing of deep foundation systems including: Soldier Piles, Tiebacks, Soil Nails, Pin Piles, augercast piles, geopiers, and more
- Managing a team of more than 10 professionals in geologic explorations, hydrogeologic evaluation, and construction activities for site development
- Site experience includes small urban infil projects, large several-hundred unit mixed use buildings, large (~1,000 home) plat infrastructure development, midrise structures downtown (15 stories), and linear infrastructure including wind farms and high-voltage power transmission towers
- As RGI's Health and Safety Director, created and maintained a training and recording system for identifying and rectifying safety concerns to keep staff safe
- Ran a summer internship program including interviewing, hiring, training, and staff management to help foster development of the next generation of geo-professionals
- Experience in CAD drafting, SLOPE stability analysis, liquefaction analysis, and plan reviews
Accomplishments
With a strong educational background in geology, I taught myself Civil Engineering with an emphasis in Geotechnical Engineering over approximately 2 years on weekends and after work. I passed both the FE and PE NCEES exams on my first try to get a professional engineering license in Washington state. I believe that knowledge is attainable for those who pursue it, and that opportunities for learning never stop. I put a lot of value in fostering professional and educational growth in myself and my staff.
Certification
- Professional Civil Engineer License in Washington State
- Licensed Geologist in Washington State
- CESCL (Certified erosion and sediment control lead) in Washington State.
- HAZWOPER 40hr
- APNGA Nuclear Gauge certification
- CPR/First Aid
Timeline
Senior Geotechnical Engineer
The Riley Group, Inc.
10.2024 - Current
Project Geologist
The Riley Group, Inc.
04.2013 - 10.2024
Bachelor of Science - Earth And Space Science
University of Washington