E43: The Booming Geotech Market in Ohio with Mike Kennedy
The Ground Investigation Podcast
Release Date: 06/05/2025
E49: 2,000 Bodies Found: Managing Unforeseen Ground Conditions
The Ground Investigation Podcast
Geotechnical & Geo-environmental Career Support If you’re exploring your next role - or trying to solve a hiring bottleneck - I offer confidential advice to professionals and firms across the geotechnical and geo-environmental sector. Book a free, confidential career or hiring call: 👉 🌐 Visit Geo-Expert Search: In this episode discovers the ultimate ground engineering challenge: finding 2,000 bodies beneath a stadium. Learn how to manage unforeseen ground conditions, navigate consultant-contractor risk, and lead projects to success. Michael Taylor and Chris Woods...
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E48: The Truth About the PE License (From a Licensed Engineer)
The Ground Investigation Podcast
Geotechnical & Geo-environmental Career Support If you’re exploring your next role - or trying to solve a hiring bottleneck - I offer confidential advice to professionals and firms across the geotechnical and geo-environmental sector. Book a free, confidential career or hiring call: 👉 🌐 Visit Geo-Expert Search: This Episode: Katie Potter (Connect with Katie on LinkedIn: https://tinyurl.com/5bx3ek5r) Thinking about getting your PE license but unsure where to start? In this episode of The Ground Investigation Podcast, we break down the PE licensure process in the United...
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E47: Life on the Road: Geoscience, Leadership & Risk with Luke Ducey of WSP USA
The Ground Investigation Podcast
In this episode of The Ground Investigation Podcast, interviews Luke Ducey as he delves into the world of remote geoscience projects. Discover the unique challenges faced in the field, from navigating communication barriers in remote locations to making critical decisions without immediate support. Luke shares his experiences and insights on leadership, teamwork, and the importance of preparation in overcoming the unpredictable nature of geoscience work. Tune in to learn how these projects shape resilient leaders and foster innovative solutions in the ever-evolving landscape of...
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E46: Why Municipal Water Systems Fail to Deliver: Inside the Infrastructure with a Geotechnical Expert
The Ground Investigation Podcast
In this episode of The Ground Investigation Podcast, interviews Scott Anderson, a seasoned geotechnical engineer. They discuss Scott's unconventional journey into engineering, the complexities and risks associated with numerical modeling, the importance of mentorship for young engineers, and the growing influence of risk-based design in geotechnical projects. Scott shares insights from his extensive experience, including a case study on the Isabella Dam, emphasizing the need for practical field experience and continuous learning in engineering careers. Key Topics Discussed...
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E45: The Dark Side of AI in Geotech: Are You Legally Exposed?
The Ground Investigation Podcast
In this episode of The Ground Investigation Podcast, interviews Dr. Amit Gajurel wwho discusses the evolving landscape of geotechnical engineering, emphasizing the balance between conservatism and innovation. He explores the challenges of integrating AI and advanced technologies into traditional practices, the importance of professional licensure, and the need for education to bridge the gap between experienced professionals and newcomers. The conversation highlights the ethical considerations of AI in decision-making and the necessity of maintaining engineering rigor amidst...
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E44: Exploring Geotechnical Challenges in High-Risk California with Jaime Bueno
The Ground Investigation Podcast
In this episode of The Ground Investigation Podcast, interviews Jaime Bueno, a seasoned geotechnical engineer, discussing the various geotechnical challenges faced in Southern California, lessons learned from past projects, and the importance of mentorship in engineering. Jaime shares insights on designing foundations in high-risk zones, notable projects he has worked on, and the critical role of geotechnical engineering in public infrastructure. The conversation also touches on the balance between design safety and cost, emerging technologies in the field, and the importance of...
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E43: The Booming Geotech Market in Ohio with Mike Kennedy
The Ground Investigation Podcast
Subscribe to the LinkedIn podcast newsletter here: In this episode of The Ground Investigation Podcast, interviews Mike Kennedy, a senior geotechnical engineer at Jacobs, about the booming geotechnical engineering landscape in Columbus, Ohio. They discuss the influx of companies in the region, the growing demand for infrastructure and renewable energy projects, and the skills required for geotechnical engineers to thrive in this evolving market. The conversation also touches on the importance of field experience, the challenges of balancing remote work preferences with the hands-on...
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E42: Hiring Challenges: Building a Safety Culture in Drilling Operations with Tory Donnelly
The Ground Investigation Podcast
Subscribe to the LinkedIn podcast newsletter here: In this episode of The Ground Investigation Podcast, interviews Tory Donnelly as she shares her extensive journey from environmental consulting to leading a drilling company. She discusses the importance of building a strong safety culture, the challenges of hiring in the drilling industry, and the innovations brought by sonic drilling technology. Tory also emphasizes the significance of cultural fit in acquisitions, the value of supporting veterans in the workforce, and her involvement with the National Groundwater Association. She...
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E41: Seismic Resilience in Infrastructure: Insights from an Expert: Matthew Marcus
The Ground Investigation Podcast
Subscribe to the LinkedIn podcast newsletter here: In this episode of The Ground Investigation Podcast, interviews Matthew Marcus, Managing Director at Partner Engineering and Science Inc., who shares his extensive experience in geotechnical engineering, seismic resilience, and project management. The conversation covers Matthew's educational background, the importance of understanding seismic hazards in infrastructure projects, and the need for collaboration among geotechnical, civil, and structural engineers. Matthew discusses the challenges faced in managing large infrastructure...
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E40: From Construction to Geology: "You have to deal with the hand you've been dealt." with Patrick Thomas
The Ground Investigation Podcast
Subscribe to the LinkedIn podcast newsletter here: In this episode of The Ground Investigation Podcast, interviews Patrick Thomas, an engineering geologist with extensive experience in geotechnical investigations. Patrick shares his journey into geotechnical engineering, discussing the importance of hands-on experience, the challenges of working in steep and unstable terrains, and the technological advancements in the field. He emphasizes the significance of collaboration among multidisciplinary teams and offers valuable advice for aspiring geotechnical engineers, highlighting the...
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In this episode of The Ground Investigation Podcast, Michael Taylor interviews Mike Kennedy, a senior geotechnical engineer at Jacobs, about the booming geotechnical engineering landscape in Columbus, Ohio. They discuss the influx of companies in the region, the growing demand for infrastructure and renewable energy projects, and the skills required for geotechnical engineers to thrive in this evolving market. The conversation also touches on the importance of field experience, the challenges of balancing remote work preferences with the hands-on nature of geotechnical engineering, and the need for mentorship and career growth opportunities in the industry.
Key Topics Discussed
✅Ohio is experiencing significant growth in geotechnical engineering.
✅The demand for geotechnical engineers is increasing due to infrastructure projects.
✅Field experience is crucial for effective geotechnical engineering.
✅Renewable energy projects present unique challenges for geotechnical engineers.
✅Mentorship is vital for developing new talent in the industry.
✅Career growth opportunities are abundant in the geotechnical field.
✅Balancing fieldwork with remote work preferences is a challenge.
✅Pigeonholing in one area can lead to career dissatisfaction.
✅Technical and leadership skills are both important for success.
✅The future of geotechnical engineering education is evolving.
Memorable Quotes from Mike Kennedy
🗣️"There's a big push for growth in Ohio."
🗣️"Field experience goes a long way in geotech."
🗣️"Renewable sites bring new challenges for geotech."
🗣️"Geotech is the art of civil engineering."
🗣️"You need both technical and leadership skills."
🗣️"There's a need for mentorship in the industry."
Subscribe to the show to join our host, Michael Taylor, as he continues to explore the intricacies of running a business in the ground investigation industry, bringing geological experts to share their wisdom, insights, and plans for the future, and shedding light on what they believe will enhance the ground investigation industry moving forward. Don't forget to stay connected by visiting https://geoexpertsearch.com