Careers
In terms of work culture, we strive to foster an environment of constant learning. The nature and range of our forensic work provides ample opportunity to obtain in-depth knowledge of structural engineering and building science. Learning from failures and developing engineering solutions that work is a unique opportunity. Our goal is to allow staff to focus on areas of interest so that someone can become a true subject-matter expert. Expertise is the value that we bring to clients.
WDP's Core Values
Provide our clients with reliable, high quality services, delivered in a timely manner.
Hire and develop knowledgeable and talented individuals.
Strive to be an authority in our field.
Provide our services with honesty and integrity.
Use every opportunity to rise above the status quo and establish a higher state of practice in the industry.
Advantages at WDP:
Ambassador Program
New hires will be assigned a WDP Ambassador who will help establish a sense of support and community. Ambassadors will act as an advocate during a new hire’s first few weeks and months to help assure they integrate as quickly and smoothly as possible into their office and WDP company culture.
- On the first day of work for a new hire, their Ambassador will walk them through the “First Day Checklist” which includes items like introductions to all office members, instructing them on how to use commonly utilized programs, etc.
- During the first 6 months of a new hire’s employment, the Ambassador/New Hire pair will have periodic check-ins to informally reconnect and answer any questions. Within the week prior to each of these check-ins, the Ambassador will schedule a meeting with the Division Manager to discuss the new-hire’s progress and answer any questions.
- Outside of these check-ins, the Ambassador will be a primary point of contact for the new hire as needed. This involves answering any general company questions as to give the new hire an opportunity to learn in a one-on-one environment.
New Hire Referral Program
The New Hire Referral Program has been established to promote employee participation in locating and selecting qualified new employees to promote the continued growth of WDP. Referrals must be introduced to WDP through the referring employee and cannot be responding to employment advertising in place by WDP at the time of the referral.
If the referral is employed by WDP, the referring employee will receive a referral bonus payment of $500.00 after the referral hire completes 30 calendar days of continuous employment with WDP. Upon the referral hire’s completion of one calendar year of service with WDP, the referring employee will receive another referral bonus payment of $500.00, provided the referring employee is still employed by WDP.
Access to Senior Leadership
With direct access to Senior Leadership, new hires can elevate their understanding of the company’s strategies and industry insights. This access also allows for engaging and meaningful discussions, personalized guidance, and collaboration on initiatives. This access not only fosters professional growth but also empowers informed decision-making, ensuring your success with WDP.
Employee Assistance Program
The Employee Assistance Program (EAP) provides 24/7 direct access to personalized support, resources and no-cost referrals to help you, and your family, with a range of issues, including:
- Managing stress, anxiety and depression
- Improving relationships at home or work
- Getting guidance on legal and financial concerns
- Coping with occupational stress and burnout support
- Addressing substance use issues
You also have unlimited access to a telephonic EAP specialist who can help in the moments that matter, at no additional cost.
Small Business/National Projects
Experience the best of both worlds by working for a small company with the opportunity for National Projects. Enjoy the close-knit community and personalized attention of a smaller team, while simultaneously contributing to impactful projects on a national scale. This unique opportunity allows you to take on diverse challenges, gain invaluable experience, and make a real difference in communities across the country. With a supportive environment and exciting projects, we believe you’ll thrive professionally and personally, forging a rewarding career path unlike any other.
Organizational Membership Benefits
With WDP’s membership to the Associated Builders and Contractors Virginia Chapter, WDP employees get discounts for the following:
- Exclusive Hotel Rates & Management – Employees are exclusively invited to join Hotel Engine, a private hotel booking platform. Save an average 26% off public rates at 150,000+ hotels worldwide, from all-inclusive resorts to budget-friendly inns. Your free membership includes:
- Deeply discounted rates in 185+ countries
- 24/7, U.S.-based customer support
- HE Rewards to earn and redeem points on any brand
- ABC Perks at Work – A free discount program designed to help ABC members and their employees find the perks and discounts that matter to you. Whether you are booking a weekend getaway, buying a laptop, taking care of your everyday shopping needs or investing in your personal growth and development, ABC Perks at Work has negotiated with thousands of merchants to offer a pricing advantage as part of a private network.
- 30K+ merchants allow you to save on travel, electronics, tickets, restaurants, flowers, home, apparel and more from top brands like Macy’s, Dicks Sporting Goods, Nordstrom’s, HP, Dell, Best Buy and thousands more.
- “WOWPoints” on everything you buy that you can redeem like cash from your favorite merchants. Combine your WOWPoints with your other credit card points programs to potentially double your savings!
- Corporate rates on electronics, cell phone service and vehicle rentals to ensure you aren’t leaving money on the table.
- Invite up to five family members and friends to join the program.
Our Staff enjoy working at WDP Because...
WDP is an equal opportunity employer and offers an excellent working environment with a comprehensive benefits package that includes:
Health Insurance
Full-time employees and part-time eligible employees are eligible to enroll in the Company’s medical, dental, and vision insurance programs which would be effective on the first of the month following date of hire.
WDP pays 70% of the cost of medical and dental with the employees paying the remaining 30% through payroll deduction.
Two different high-deductible plans are available. Currently, United Healthcare provides medical and vision insurance, and dental insurance is offered through Delta Dental.
UnitedHealthcare Choice Plus Network offers care, from any provider in their large national network, without a referral and the following benefits:
- No referrals required
- Out-of-network coverage
- Nationwide network
- No primary care provider (PCP) required
- Pharmacy benefits
Below, are a few of the additional benefits you gain instant access to with UnitedHealthcare Choice Plus:
1. Preventive care is covered 100% in network which includes:
- Immunizations
- Age-appropriate preventive exams and health screenings
2. Access to a health savings account (HSA). This can be used to make tax deductible contributions toward medical expenses for yourself, your spouse and even tax dependents. It can also be used to pay for many other health care services and items that may not be covered by your health plan including:
- Acupuncture
- Blood sugar test kits for diabetics
- Certain over-the-counter drugs and medications
- Chiropractor
- Contact lenses and solutions
- Dental treatments including x-rays, cleanings, filings, braces, and tooth removals
- Doctor’s office visits and procedures
- Hospital services
- Prescriptions
- Surgery, excluding cosmetic surgery
3. UnitedHealthcare Rewards is included in your health plan at no additional cost. A new way to earn up to $300. Here are some ways you can earn:
- Reach daily goals
- Track 5,000 steps or 15 active minutes each day, or double it for an even bigger reward
- Track 14 nights of sleep
- Complete one-time reward activities
- Go paperless
- Get a biometric screening
- Take a health survey
- Connect a tracker
Vision Insurance benefits include:
- Comprehensive Eye Exam (every 12 months)
- Frames (every 24 months)
- Eyeglass lenses (every 12 months)
- Choice of sinlge-vision or lined bi-focal, tri-focal, lenticular lenses
- Standard scratch-resistant coating
- Elected contact lenses (every 12 months)
- Contact lenses instead of eyeglasses
With Delta Dental, members will have two networks to choose from:
- Delta Dental Premier – This is Delta Dental’s largest network and provides the greatest access to care. This network includes approximately 80% of all dentists nationwide.
- Delta Dental PPO – The PPO network provides deeper discounts. This network includes 57% of all dentists nationwide and provides the lowest out-of-pocket costs.
Cleanings and preventive visits are covered for both plans. The cost for these services will not count against your annual benefit maximum. You will always have benefits for these services, even if you have used all of your annual maximum benefit allowance.
You will also gain access to benefits including:
- Healthy Smile, Healthy You: This innovative program provides an additional cleaning for the following health conditions that are connected to oral health:
- Pregnancy
- Diabetes
- High risk cardiac conditions
- Cancer treatment – extra fluoride treatment too!
- Weakened immune systems
- Kidney failure or dialysis
- Delta Dental – Virtual Visits:
- Delta Dental of Virginia members now have 24/7/365 access to a dentist through Delta Dental – Virtual Visits!
- Pre-Determination of Benefits:
- This process is recommended for services of $250+ and allows for dentists to submit to Delta Dental a proposed treatment plan. This then gives members access to see the reimbursement amount, allowing members to make an informed decision prior to having services rendered.
Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP)
An Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP) is a unique retirement benefit plan that provides employees with an ownership interest in the company they work for. Under an ESOP, a company sets up a trust fund and contributes new shares of its own stock or cash to buy existing shares. These shares are then allocated to individual employee accounts. As the company grows and prospers, so does the value of the ESOP, thereby creating a direct link between the success of the company and the retirement savings of its employees.
At WDP, eligibility for participation begins on either January 1 or July 1 after an employee has completed 1,000 hours of work within a year and reached the age of 21. Unlike some retirement plans, contributions by employees are neither required nor permitted. Instead, WDP makes annual contributions to fund the ESOP. These contributions are allocated to employees proportionally based on the ratio of each individual’s compensation to the overall compensation of all plan participants.
This approach ensures that all employees, regardless of their position or salary level, have an opportunity to benefit from the ESOP. This plan also aligns the interests of the employees with the long-term success of the company, fostering a sense of ownership, commitment, and motivation among our staff. Overall, our ESOP plan not only provides employees with a valuable retirement benefit but also fosters a culture of shared prosperity and mutual success within our organization.
Paid Life Insurance
WDP provides $100,000 of life insurance coverage to full-time employees and part-time eligible employees. The cost of the premium is fully covered by the company.
Also included is Group Business Travel Accident Insurance. This policy insures each employee of the Company while traveling on Company business. WDP pays the full cost of the plan, and all employees are covered from their first day of employment. The policy pays up to $250,000 to the beneficiary of a covered employee who is accidentally killed or who suffers dismemberment or loss of sight while traveling on Company business.
Additional life insurance coverage is available for employees, spouses, and children. The cost of voluntary life insurance is the responsibility of the employee.
Life insurance coverage can help prepare for financial obligations you may leave behind, such as:
- Ongoing living expenses for loved ones
- Final expenses
- Outstanding financial obligations
- Education
- Job retraining
Basic life and AD&D advantages:
- Employer paid
- $100,000 benefit amount
- All Active Full Time Employees working a minimum of 30 hours per week.
- Accelerated Death Benefit
401(k) Plan with Company Match
WDP sponsors optional retirement plans in the form of traditional and Roth 401(k). The traditional 401(k) is a qualified retirement plan that allows contributions on a tax deferred basis, while the Roth 401(k) allows contributions after taxes have been taken out, meaning withdrawals made upon retirement are tax-free.
The company matches 33% of employee contributions (up to 10% of the employee’s total compensation). For example: An employee makes $1000 per pay period. That employee wishes to contribute 15% ($150). The company match would be $33 (33% of $100 which is the first 10% of $1000).
An employee is fully vested after five (5) years of employment.
The plans allow roll-overs from other qualified retirement plans for employees who have met the eligibility requirements for participation in the Plan.
If you have been a participant in the Plan for at least two years, you may apply for a loan.
Paid Disability Insurance
Full-time and part-time eligible employees are covered by Short- and Long-Term Disability insurance at the time of hire. Disability insurance is intended to cover absences from work due to an injury or illness. The plan pays a percentage of an employee’s salary after a specified waiting period has been satisfied.
Additional disability insurance is available for those employees who wish to cover more than 60% of their monthly base salary.
Short-term disability (Employer paid):
- Income replacement up to 60%
- $1,000 maximum weekly benefit
- Benefits begin on the 7th day after an accident or illness
- Benefits end at recovery or 12 weeks
- Residual disability
Long-term disability (Employer paid):
- Income replacement up to 60%
- $5,000 maximum monthly benefit
- Benefits begin 90 days after an accident or illness
- Benefits end at recovery or at the earlier of a specific age or at the Social Security normal retirement age
- Residual disability
Paid Time Off
WDP provides leave time for vacation, sickness, bereavement, or other personal use. Full-time employees receive leave time according to the following schedule:
- Hire Date – 5 years: 120 hours/year
- 5 years – 15 years: 160 hours/year
- 15 years and longer: 200 hours/year
Leave time is accrued each pay period based on length of service.
WDP also observes the following paid holidays:
- New Year’s Day
- Memorial Day
- Independence Day
- Labor Day
- Thanksgiving Day
- Christmas Day
- One (1) Floating Holiday
Company Culture
WDP around the community
Our nationally-recognized expertise has opened doors to projects nationwide, but we operate like a small family business, genuinely caring for the well-being of our staff. We strive to make them feel appreciated and involve them in developing policies and procedures with real impact through participation in our Employee Interaction and ESOP Communication Committees.
At WDP, our Employee Interaction Committee orchestrates engaging events to foster a vibrant sense of community among our staff, ensuring that our team members not only work well together but also connect on a personal level. WDP also cares about the communities where we live and work as we create opportunities for staff to participate in community-service activities.
Manassas, VA: Downtown Events – Historic Manassas
Charlottesville, VA: Charlottesville Events Calendar | Sports, Music, and More! | Visit Charlottesville
Blacksburg, VA: Downtown Blacksburg Calendar
New York, NY: NYC Events & Festivals | Experience the Best of the City’s Culture
Murrels Inlet, SC: Events in Murrells Inlet, Pawleys Island & Georgetown SC
Hinton, WV: Welcome to City Of Hinton, WV
WDP & Sustainability
At WDP, creating lasting solutions that extend the service life of buildings or structures is at the heart of our business. We’re committed to crafting enduring solutions that not only enhance the longevity of buildings and structures but also minimize their environmental footprint as we take great pride in our projects with LEED designation, net-zero carbon emissions, and low-embodied carbon emissions. From design to construction and beyond, we prioritize materials and methods that promote longevity and reduce waste. By extending the service life of our projects, we’re not only fulfilling our clients’ needs but also safeguarding the planet for future generations. At WDP, sustainability isn’t just a goal; it’s a fundamental value that guides everything we do.
Growth at WDP
At WDP, your position is more than just a job, and your path to Principal is only limited by your own motivation. Almost our entire management team began their careers with WDP at entry-level positions and have progressed to lead the company.
WDP is a place where you can establish your career and grow with the firm as you find a specialization or niche that you are passionate about. Your professional and personal success is our success.
We place an emphasis on education and proper training, both in the office and out in the field. Due to the nature of our work, each day varies from the last. Our entry-level engineers and designers gain hands-on experience in all specialties by working alongside project managers during their initial years at the firm. Our experienced engineers and architects are encouraged to become involved with professional education programs as well as industry organizations and committees.
About our WDP Staff
At WDP, the diverse generational mix within our workforce significantly influences our company’s culture. The majority of employees belonging to Generation X have brought a prevailing sense of seasoned experience and a focus on results. Another large portion of our work force is the Millennials. This generation has injected a dynamic energy marked by innovation and collaboration. Their tech-savvy nature often drives digital transformation initiatives and fosters a culture of continuous learning. Lastly, our youngest generation, Gen Z, has brought in a fresh perspective, pushing for agility and adaptability within the company’s operations. Together, these generations create a rich tapestry of ideas, approaches, and values, shaping WDP’s culture into one that values both tradition and innovation, experience and forward thinking.
