Division Chief – Soils and Aggregate Technology; Program Manager IV

Division Chief – Soils and Aggregate Technology (Administrator VII / Program Manager IV)

Grade 22 (5479) SP# 26-73-06.

Applicants must apply online at . Resumes will not be accepted in lieu of a completed application.

Job Overview
The State Highway Administration’s (SHA) Office of Materials Technology (OMT) is currently recruiting for an executive service Division Chief – Soils and Aggregate Technology. This position is open to anyone who meets the preferred qualifications listed below.

The Division Chief directs and manages the Quality Assurance and Quality Control (QA/QC) programs for soils, aggregates, and related materials within the Soils and Aggregate Technology Division (SATD). Responsibilities include delivery of statewide geotechnical and materials engineering services, field and laboratory testing, oversight of laboratory certification/accreditation, and management of division personnel and financial resources. The role also represents SHA at interagency meetings, provides technical leadership in geotechnical engineering, soil and rock mechanics, and partners with stakeholders on testing, research, and quality assurance practices.

The Division Chief administers the Soils and Aggregate Sampling and Testing Technician Personnel Qualification/Certification component of the Mid‑Atlantic Region Technician Certification Program to meet 23 CFR 637.209, and oversees the laboratory certification/accreditation program to ensure compliance with AASHTO requirements. Direct supervision and evaluation of Assistant Division Chiefs for Laboratory and Field Operations are included, alongside managerial responsibility for division operations.

• Establish and implement policies, procedures, and standards for the Division’s operations and technical programs.
• Oversee and manage the division’s personnel, permanent staff, and consultants.
• Develop short- and long-term operational plans, including resource allocation and program development.
• Ensure compliance with 23 CFR 637, Subpart B, Construction Inspections and Approval:
  Quality Assurance Procedures for Construction.
• Represent SHA in interagency and external meetings as subject‑matter expert on soils and aggregate technologies.
• Partner with external and internal stakeholders regarding testing, research, pilot projects, and quality assurance practices.

• Six (6) years of experience in administrative or professional work, with at least three (3) years involving materials science/engineering, geotechnical engineering, or managing engineering design/construction projects, including one (1) year at the supervisory level.
• Extensive technical knowledge in principles and practices of soils and aggregate materials, geotechnical engineering/science, or construction.
• PE license and a graduate‑level degree in materials, civil, geotechnical, or construction engineering.
• Managerial experience responsible for planning, directing, and administering technical programs, field and office operations, and managing managers.
• Excellent verbal and written communication, problem‑solving, and decision‑making skills.
• Excellent partnering skills and ability to provide superior internal and external customer experiences through effective relationships with employees, suppliers, contractors, agencies, and the public.

Candidate must possess a motor vehicle operator’s license valid in the state of Maryland.

The selected candidate must be available for emergency call‑up for weather‑related (e.g., winter snowstorms, hurricanes, tornadoes, floods) and other emergencies during non‑business hours.

All applicants must submit an online application at . Only a completed application will be considered; resumes alone will not be accepted. Refer to a resume only to expand on information offered in the online DTS‑1 application.

Provide complete and accurate information, including all relevant experience (volunteer, military, acting capacity, etc.). If you have held more than one position at the same employer, list each position, the duration, and the corresponding duties.

Applications must be submitted online by the…